Crunchy Mandarin Salad & French Parenting

The well renowned book, French Children Don’t Throw Food is not only hilarious but presents an alternative view on the way so many of us parent in countries like Australia, the US and Britain. And let’s be honest, have you ever considered there’s another way to managing children then having a perpetually never ending bag of snacks in an abyss of a handbag? Is it possible we are not giving our children enough credit? Moreover, enough of a chance to work through frustration and challenges without a snack.

This book introduces us to the notion that if we ask our children to wait a moment, to practice patience (in more tender and touching ways then actually spelling it out) then maybe, they will develop better skills in handling their own frustrations, their own temptations. It’s a life changing perspective and one that I believe is intuitive at heart. Perhaps if we can practice waiting a moment ourselves, in doing so we can teach our children to too. Thereby, fostering patience, independence and awakening their potential. It’s a far cry from helicopter parenting, but the results are wonderful for all elements of family life xx

Crunchy Tofu and Mandarine Salad with Passionfruit Dressing
Recipe by Shelley Kamil

Ingredients
(Serves 2)

2-3 kale leaves, torn off the stem
1 block firm tofu, sliced
1tbs olive oil
1tbs sunflower seeds
1tsp white sesame seeds
1tsp black sesame seeds
1/2 head broccoli, blanched and chopped
2 small mandarins, peeled
1/2 avocado, sliced
Dressing
1 passionfruit
Juice of 1 lime
1tbs sesame oil
1tbs rice wine / apple cider vinegar
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt to taste

Directions 
1. Heat 1tbs olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook on either side for three to four minutes, until golden. Add seeds and toast for another minute. Remove from flame and set aside.
2. Divide kale between two serving bowls, massage with lemon juice until leaves begin to wilt and turn a vibrant shade of green.
3. Add the blanched and chopped broccoli to either bowl, top with tofu and seeds plus pieces of peeled mandarin.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk together well.
5. Pour dressing over salad and mix together, season with sea salt to serve xx