The perfect family toastie recipe for your next time off grid
We sent Ilhan Mohamed and her daughter out to one of our Welsh cabins - and she loved it so much she brought back a campfire family recipe for us to boot.
Getting out into nature with kids can seem like a daunting prospect, but we’re here to assure you it’s totally doable. Not only that, but it can offer untold joys for both you and your little ones. We sent Ilhan Mohamed and her daughter out to one of our Welsh cabins - and she loved it so much she brought back a campfire family recipe for us to boot.
What made you want to slow down and get out into nature, and include your daughter too?
We wanted to slow down and escape the chaos of daily life, and reconnect with each other. Including our toddler was important to us because we wanted her to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature, away from the distractions of modern life. She is already an outdoor enthusiast and this felt like an opportunity for her to explore a bigger backyard, filled with trees, birds, lambs and all the wonders that come with it. Plus, we thought it would be the perfect way to create some cherished family memories without the usual distractions.
What were some things that went through your head before the stay and how was the experience of going out to Unyoked as a family when you got there?
Before the stay, we were excited but also curious about how our two year old would react to the new environment. Would she enjoy the great outdoors as much as we hoped? Spoiler alert: she loved it! When we arrived at the cabin, it was like stepping into a fairy tale. The cabin was cozy, and the natural surroundings were absolutely stunning. Our girl was thrilled—every leaf, twig, and bug was a new discovery for her. It was like watching a tiny explorer in her element, fascinated by the simplest things. We loved every minute of it, from family hikes to evenings by the campfire.
What would you say to any parents thinking of getting Unyoked?
To any parents considering going to an Unyoked cabin, do it! It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and immerse yourselves in nature. Your little ones will have a blast exploring, and you’ll enjoy the chance to bond without any distractions. It offers a wonderful break from the digital world, plus you might just find that nature’s playground is way more fun than anything else. Embrace the simplicity, the peace and the joy of being together in such a beautiful setting. You won’t regret it—except maybe when you have to leave!
Ilhan’s Family Toastie Recipe
Ingredients
2-3 beef sausages
1 can baked beans
1 can finely chopped tomatoes
1 onion diced
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
500ml vegetable stock (I used a stock cube with hot water)
150g pasta of choice (cracked spaghetti is great too)
Handful fresh parsley
Tbsp cracked black pepper
Tbsp paprika
Salt to taste
Olive oil
Cheese toastie
Bread
Cheese (I used cheddar)
Olive oil
Method
Start by removing the skin from the sausages and breaking it up to form into small meatballs. They don't have to look perfect and I like them really small.
In a large saucepan add olive oil and bring to a medium heat. When hot add your meatballs and leave to cook until it has a nice char to it then remove from the pan.
In the same pan, go ahead and add your diced onion. Leave them to sweat a little and use the back of a wooden spoon to scrape off any flavour left from the meat. Now add your garlic and mix well. Leave to saute for a further few minutes.
Add your canned beans, tomato and stock and bring to a gentle simmer. You can use some of the stock to rinse out any residue from the cans and add back into the pan.
Once it is mixed well, add your pasta and salt. Be generous as the pasta needs salt too! Stir well, cover with a lid and leave to simmer for 15-20 mins on low-medium heat making sure to stir once every so often.
Once the pasta is soft, remove from the heat. If by any chance you need more water, add half cups at a time and adjust seasoning.
To make the cheese toastie, simply heat up a frying pan and add a slice of bread to it (I used sourdough), generously pour some olive oil on the bread and turn it over. Add your slice of cheese and place another slice on top. Pour another generous amount of oil on the top side of the bread and by now it should be ready to flip over. Once both sides are nice and golden it can be removed from the heat.
Plate up the stew, garnish with black pepper, and serve with your toastie.