Mini Fish pies

Annabel Karmel's Fish pie for children is so easy to make and so good for the whole family

"That old saying that 'Fish is Good For The Brain' is absolutely true. Oil rich fish such as salmon and sardines are especially good brain boosters. This is down to their high levels of omega-3 essential fats which are vital for brain function and can help the performance of dyslexic and hyperactive children. You should include oily fish in your child's diet at least once a week."

Ingredients

375 g potatoes, peeled and diced

1 1/2 tbsp milk  (rice or soya)

40g butter (or dairy free alternative)

a little salt and pepper (for babies over one)

15 g (1/2 oz) butter

25 g (1 oz) onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 tbsp flour

125 g (4 1/2 oz) cod fillet, skinned and cubed

125 g (4 1/2 oz) salmon fillet, skinned and cubed

1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

75 ml milk

50 ml vegetable stock

25g frozen peas

50 g (2 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated ( or goats cheese)

1 lightly beaten egg

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil, add the potatoes, reduce the heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes and mash together with the milk and half butter until smooth and season to taste for babies over one.

Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan, add the onion and sauté until softened. Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Gradually stir in the milk and then the stock. Bring to the boil and cook for one minute. Add the fish with the parsley and bay leaf. Simmer for about 3 minutes and then stir in the peas and cook for one minute. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with a little salt and pepper

Divide the fish between 3 ramekin dishes and top with the mashed potato. Brush with the lightly beaten egg. Heat through in an oven preheated to 180C for about 15 minutes and finish off for a few minutes under a preheated grill until golden.

Information:

Suitable for freezing

Suitable for babies from 10 months

MAKES 3 PORTIONS

Of course you can cook it all together in one dish, but Theodore does love it in a ramekin dish, preferably dressed with a face on top!?

We are just about to tuck into ours, straight from the oven and steaming yum!