Fresh ideas for your inner foodie

HERE are five great ideas  - including one for kids - to get you excited about all things food just in time for the new season produce.

Chorizo pizza

HERE are five great ideas - including one for kids - to get you excited about all things food just in time for the new season produce.

1. FRESH 4 KIDS
JUST when you thought it was safe to slip your rug rat an organic lollipop, kids' entertainers and celebrity chefs are sneaking into the toddler food industry.

The Wiggles and NZ health food company "Healtheries" are pumping out a product range designed to fool one to fives into healthy eating. Alphabet Pasta in Hidden Veggie Sauce boasts the group's 'two thumbs' rating, meaning it's an 'everyday' dish. For dessert, there's Colour Free Raspberry Jelly, which won't stain skivvies and has no added sugar, but only one thumb, so it's a 'sometimes' food.

Dietitian Dr Fiona Pelly believes exposing kids to difference tastes and textures is key: "It helps them develop healthy eating habits throughout their lives."

Chef Luke Mangan agrees. He's cooked up a line of treats for little tums with fellow chef Heath Molloy. Baby Bites, out this month, includes organic goodies such as vegetable couscous with black chia seeds. "Children should get the best possible start without preservatives or additives in their food," says Mangan.

That's an admirable sentiment, but kids aren't the only ones eating baby food these days. With the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Lada Gaga reportedly tucking into diminutive tubs of mush to shed kilos, Mangan could well be providing sustenance for the celebs of today as well as the leaders of tomorrow.

More: Meal ideas for kids

2. DECODING THE MENU: Konji Seeds
Also known as black cumin, these tiny seeds of the Nigella sativa plant from South and Southwest Asia have traditionally been used as a herbal remedy for digestive ailments. Add them to curries, salads or even bread for a health boost.

More: Konji seed recipe ideas

3. RIPE NOW
Lavender is blooming and you can use the flowers or buds (fresh or dried) to make jellies and butters, and to add an unexpected flavour to biscuits and shortbreads.

More: Lavender recipe ideas

4. PIZZA IDEAS
Who can resist homemade pizza washed down with a glass of dolcetto on a Friday nght? In Pizza (Murdoch Books, $40), celeb chef and TV host Pete Evans shows you how to roll with the best.

More: DIY pizza bases

5. One Good Reason
Jamie's Italian, 107 Pitt St, Sydney - Watch as different pasta varieties are handmade by in-house chefs before they land on your plate. The pumpkin panzerotti is a standout, as is the buffalo mozzarella, pecorino and chilli jam antipasto. But be sure to leave room for the chocolate, raspberry and amaretto brownie. Call [phone].

More: Jamie's Poppyseed and Ricotta Pancakes