Wholegrains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which release their energy slowly. They also contain more fibre, vitamins and minerals than their refined cousins. So why is it so hard to get the family to eat them? We've put together some simple recipes using wholegrains that are guaranteed to become family favourites

Triple breakfast stack

A twist on the full English, this tasty sandwich will be wolfed down without anyone noticing the healthy whole grains!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7-10 minutes
Serves 1 (but easily doubled)

• 2 rashers smoked back bacon
• 1 medium egg
• 1/2 tbsp oil
• 100g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced into 4
• 3 sliced wholemeal bread, toasted
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

Place the bacon under a preheated grill for 5-7 minutes until golden.

Meanwhile, poach the egg for 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, remove and add the tomato slices and fry for 2-3 minutes.

Spread the ketchup on 2 slices of bread. Place the bacon and egg on one slice and lay the other slice on top. Top with mushrooms and tomato and the place remaining toast on top and serve.

Cocoa and vanilla smoothie

Quick and easy, this smoothie is perfect if you're pushed for time in the morning, or in need of a tasty pick-me-up at any time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves 1

• 200ml semi skimmed milk
• 200g vanilla yogurt
• 2 whole wheat cereal biscuits
• 1 tsp cocoa

Place all the ingredients in a liquidiser or food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with a dusting of cocoa.

Tomato meatball wraps

Use wholemeal wraps in this quick and tasty meal that kids'll love

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves 4

• 500g minced beef
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tbsp oil
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 320g pack 8 wholemeal tortilla wraps
• 100g Cheddar cheese
• To serve: low fat soured cream

Mix the beef with the herbs and seasoning. Divide into 24 and roll into balls. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs for 10 minutes until golden.

Add the chopped tomatoes and puree and cook for a further 10 minutes. Warm the tortillas according to pack instructions.

Spoon the meatballs over the tortillas, sprinkle over the cheese and add a dollop of soured cream. Fold up and serve with salad.

Spaghetti fish supper

This recipe is a great way to introduce more fish into your family meals

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Serves 4

• 300g wholemeal spaghetti
• 1 tbsp oil
• 250g mushrooms, sliced
• 500g frozen coley or cod fillets, defrosted and diced
• 200g frozen peas, defrosted
• 100g frozen prawns, defrosted
• 1 packet mix for cheese sauce
• 300ml semi skimmed milk

Cook the spaghetti in boiling water for 12 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to the pan.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, add the fish and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the peas and prawns and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Blend the packet mix with the milk and bring to the boil, stirring. Pour over the drained spaghetti and stir in the fish mixture.

Apple brown betty

This quick and easy recipe provides one of your five a day

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves 4

• 800g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and diced into 1cm pieces
• 75g soft dark brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp water
• 150g fresh blackberries
• 50g butter
• 150g fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
• 50g oats

Place the apples,50g sugar, cinnamon and water in a saucepan. Cover and cook gently for 5 minutes. Add blackberries, and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter with the remaining sugar in a large frying pan and fry the breadcrumbs and oats for 3-4 minutes.

Spoon half the apples into 4 wine glasses or bowls, spoon over half the breadcrumb mix. Repeat with the remaining mixtures.

Serve with low fat creme fraiche.

Fruit crumble

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves 4

• 800g plums, rhubarb or seasonal fruit, roughly chopped or sliced
• 125g soft brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 200g wholemeal flour
• 75g butter

Preheat the oven to 200C, gas mark 6.

Place the rhubarb, 50g sugar, ginger and 1 tbsp water in a large saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until just tender. Transfer to an ovenproof serving dish.

Meanwhile, rub the flour, butter and remaining sugar together to resemble rough breadcrumbs. Spoon over the rhubarb and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Fat-free fruit loaf

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Serves 10-12

• 1 tea bag
• 200g sultanas
• 100g dried apricots, chopped
• 175g soft brown sugar
• 2 medium eggs, beaten
• 225g wholemeal flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice

Soak the tea bag in 300ml boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Add the fruit and soak for 2-3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 180C, gas mark 4. Grease and base line a 1kg loaf tin.

Mix the sugar and eggs into the fruit mixture. Mix the flour, baking powder and mixed spice together and stir into the fruit mixture.

Spoon into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes or until firm to touch and a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.

All recipes from Wholegrain Goodness summer recipes. For more ideas about including wholegrains in your diet, visit www.wholegraingoodness.co.uk