Neve's Favourite Chicken that Auntie Lynn Makes

Pupils from Lunnasting Primary School have been very busy over these last few months. The school successfully applied for funding from the Food for Thought: Education Fund, a Scottish education initiative developed to explore the food industry, the way we grow food and how we can keep ourselves healthy by making the correct food choices.

Linking this initiative with their study of World War 1, students compared food grown in the past in Shetland to what we grow now, and explored the food miles in their favourite recipes and products. Inspired by a trip to local food producers Transition Turrifield they explored if it was possible to reduce local their own food miles and increase food sustainability on our islands. Their trip to Turriefield was great for the children, a teacher explained, and really opened their eyes as to what can be grown here in Shetland.

Instead of hosting a Christmas play this festive season, like they usually do, they hosted a food for thought fantastic food fair demonstrating all they had learned. I was invited along for a look-see and a taste of the fantastic dishes the children prepared that day themselves.

After a very enjoyable festive presentation by the children involving singing, recitals and music we were encouraged to browse the hall, taste test and learn about all the dishes on offer.

Displays were set up filled with information about what the children had learned: from how to grow, what can be grown in Shetland, the food miles involved in the production of their favourite chocolate bars and plenty of history.

The children had been growing their own produce through the year and they used their imaginations to create some rather... unusual plants!

Ten different delectable dishes were laid out for people to taste test, from Shetland bannocks to ginger bread, rice dishes, chicken dishes and meatloaf.

One of the most popular dishes was Neve's Favourite Chicken that her Auntie Lynn Makes, and I obtained permission to share the recipe for this quick, child-friendly dish.

In addition to a superb educational experience, the children compiled a wonderful cookery book including all their favourite recipes. This hard back book, with its own built in stand, has colour coded recipes letting you know if the dish is low on food miles or not, plus plenty of tips and suggestions. These books are being printed to order, so if you would like a copy do contact them at the school before the 30th of January 2015. The recipes books are only £8 each and all the money raised will be added to the school fund and used for future projects.