Growing Plates

Growing Plates Growing Plates is a subscription based frozen baby and toddler meal service created by a Doctor and Mum. Nillumbik Council Approved

28/08/2026

Tried a recipe I saw online this morning, with a few little adjustments of my own.

The idea was simple: flatten a slice of white bread (I used raisin toast), wrap it around a banana, slice it into pieces, dip in egg and pan fry.

In theory: quick, easy and aesthetically pleasing.

In reality… not quite what I had pictured.

They definitely didn’t come out looking like the ones on the internet, and I’m not entirely convinced I’d describe them as an “easy and quick recipe” either.

BUT — I’m glad I tried something different and made an attempt to get us out of our current blueberry and porridge breakfast slump. And most importantly, she ate three pieces, so I’m counting that as a win.

A good reminder that feeding little ones doesn’t always have to look perfect. Sometimes you try something new, it’s a bit fiddly, it looks nothing like the inspiration photo… and they eat it anyway.

23/08/2026

Sometimes the simplest meals are some of the best.

Salmon, leeks, dill, peas, corn and risoni cooked in a creamy sauce. Quick, easy, nutritious — and perfect for little plates.

Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which are important during childhood for brain and eye development. It’s also a great source of protein, vitamin D, B12 and selenium.

And it doesn’t need to be complicated. A piece of salmon, some familiar veggies and a simple carbohydrate makes a beautifully balanced meal for growing bodies.

Why salmon is great for kids:

* Omega-3s to support brain development
* High-quality protein for growth
* Vitamin D to support healthy bones
* B12 and other important micronutrients
* Soft, flaky texture that works well for little eaters

Simple food. Good nutrition. Growing plates.

KidsNutrition

22/08/2026

Tried something new in the Growing Plates kitchen tonight ... Lime & coconut chicken with rice 🥥🍋‍🟩

Chicken thighs cooked with coconut milk, lime, ginger, garlic, coriander and rice — all together in one pan.

Creamy, fresh, full of flavour and one of those recipes that makes the kitchen smell so good.

Trying new recipes is half the fun — some make the cut, some need a little tweaking… and some disappear from the plate before I can decide 😂

This one? Definitely going into the rotation.

EasyFamilyMeals

Taking a little break from the kitchen 🌴☀️One of the things I love most about holidays is giving little ones the chance ...
09/08/2026

Taking a little break from the kitchen 🌴☀️

One of the things I love most about holidays is giving little ones the chance to experience something new — new places, new routines, new flavours and plenty of new memories.

And that’s really what Growing Plates is all about. 🌱

Food isn’t just about nutrition. It’s part of how our children explore their world. Whether that’s trying tropical fruit on holidays, sharing food at the table, or discovering a new favourite meal at home.

So while Growing Plates takes a little holiday too, we’ll be soaking up the sunshine, exploring new foods and coming home with plenty of inspiration for the kitchen.

18/07/2026

Between delivering babies and the organised chaos of night shift, there’s always time to attempt the latest trend. 😂

It’s the little moments of laughter with an incredible team that make nights so much fun. 💙

09/07/2026

MEATBALLS! 🍝 Iron-rich, protein-packed and made for growing little bodies. 🥣❤️

Our homemade beef meatballs are gently cooked in a simple tomato sauce, letting wholesome ingredients do all the work. Beef is an excellent source of highly absorbable iron, zinc and vitamin B12—key nutrients that support healthy growth, brain development and energy levels during infancy and toddlerhood.

The plain tomato sauce adds natural sweetness and vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron even more effectively. Soft, tender and easy to serve, these meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, mashed potato, rice or vegetables for a balanced meal.

Simple ingredients. Real nutrition. Food that grows with your child.

02/07/2026

Not every recipe makes it onto the menu… and I think it’s just as important to share those moments too. 🤭

This week I attempted to baby-fy the viral Marry Me Chicken. The idea sounded great—swapping the cream for coconut milk, reducing the salt, simplifying the flavours and making it suitable for little taste buds.

But sometimes a recipe just doesn’t translate.

The coconut milk changed the balance of the sauce, and while it was perfectly edible, it just wasn’t the rich, comforting meal I’d hoped for.

That said… there were a couple of wins. The one thing I absolutely loved was the beautifully crisp, golden skin on the chicken thigh—and I have my trusty pan to thank for that. I also used the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes instead of adding extra oil, which gave the dish a deep, rich flavour without relying on preservatives or unnecessary ingredients. Those little techniques are often the best part of recipe development.

Rather than settling for “good enough,” this one is heading back to the drawing board.

One of the things I love most about developing meals for Growing Plates is that every recipe goes through plenty of trial and error. If it doesn’t meet the standard I’d happily serve to my daughter, it doesn’t make the menu. Quality always comes before convenience.

Back to the kitchen… because every “failed” recipe teaches me something that makes the next one even better. 🍽️💛

29/06/2026

Some weeks are a little busier than others.

I’m heading into my fourth week of night shift in a busy obstetric hospital, where the nights are filled with welcoming new babies into the world, supporting families through some of the biggest moments of their lives, and making countless decisions before the sun comes up.

That doesn’t leave many waking hours at home, but today those precious hours were spent batch cooking one of Growing Plates’ favourites—our Cottage Pie.

Every meal is made the same way I’d cook for my own daughter: packed with vegetables, rich in iron, freezer-friendly, and designed to make life just that little bit easier for busy families. While I might be running on coffee after nights, I know that taking the time to prepare wholesome meals means parents have one less thing to think about when life gets hectic.

Because behind every Growing Plates meal is a doctor, a mum, and someone who understands just how valuable a nutritious, ready-to-heat dinner can be.

Now it’s back to the hospital for another night of helping bring little lives into the world—and hopefully a few more Cottage Pies into your freezers too. ❤️

BusyParents

16/06/2026

There’s something incredibly satisfying about eating produce that’s truly in season. ❤️💋♥️🎈🌹

Seasonal produce is often at its best nutritionally and flavour-wise because it’s harvested when naturally ripe rather than being stored for long periods or transported vast distances. The result is food that tastes better, looks better and can retain more of the nutrients that growing children need. It also teaches them that food changes throughout the year.

Pomegranates are one of autumn’s seasonal treasures, reaching their peak in Victoria from March through to May. Picked straight from the tree and sprinkled through yoghurt, they’re a simple way to add colour, texture and nutrition while embracing what’s naturally in season.

Pomegranates are packed with fibre, vitamin C, potassium and powerful antioxidants, making them a wonderful addition to a balanced diet. Their bright ruby-red arils also provide a fantastic sensory experience for little ones, encouraging curiosity and acceptance of different textures and flavours as they learn about food.

For babies, pomegranate can be introduced from around 6 months of age when solids commence. Younger babies may enjoy the juice mixed through yoghurt, porridge or chia pudding, while older babies and toddlers can explore the soft arils themselves. As with all foods, supervision is important while eating, and introducing textures gradually helps build confidence and oral motor skills.

07/06/2026

There’s something about back-to-back night shifts in a busy obstetric hospital that makes preparation absolutely essential. 🌙🏥

When you’re running between labour rooms, emergency buzzers, theatre, postpartum reviews and supporting women through some of the biggest moments of their lives, there’s often barely time to stop — let alone think about what you’re eating.

One thing I’ve learnt very quickly is that if I don’t prepare food ahead of time, convenience wins every single time. After exhausting shifts, it’s so easy to default to whatever is quick, easy and requires the least mental energy.

Meal prepping has become less about perfection and more about making sure both Olivia and I are fed properly during busy weeks. Having nourishing meals and snacks ready means I know she’s still eating well even when my schedule is chaotic, and it takes so much pressure off during long runs of nights.

Tonight’s prep means future me has food ready between overnight births, emergency caesareans and the unpredictability that comes with obstetrics — while also making sure my daughter still gets balanced meals despite the crazy hours. ❤️

Because caring for everyone else is hard to sustain if you’re not looking after yourself too.



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Diamond Creek
Melbourne, VIC
3089

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