Isles of Scilly/Cornwall hints and tips - incl easy food

[Madcats]

We are heading off to the Isles of Scilly shortly (self catering) with family incl 2 kids (early teen) and grandparents. I am looking for some easy ideas for meals for 8-10 which don't involve buying lots of ingredients we won't be able to take back with us.

I'm packing a couple of spice mixes (sort of thing where you throw chicken pieces and veg in a bag and bake) and flavoured rice/cous cous as I figure that can save the plainest meat. DH, DD and I love seafood (the rest don't) so a simple seafood cafe would be a real treat for the 3 of us.

I really have no clue how extensive the St Mary's Coop will be. Have I missed any other simple ideas? Ordinarily I would pack a first meal in a freezer bag but we're flying over.

Also, any suggestions about "must do's" gratefully received. I've booked some snorkelling and a sail lesson and GPs want to spend a day at Tresco Gardens (we've booked a Tresco walk that day). We'll be visiting St Agnes too. We are also planning to watch an evening gig race.

Are there good beachcombing/rock pooling beaches?
Where are the gorgeous white sand photogenic beaches?

Also spending a few days in Cornwall getting to/from Penzance. Do I need to book pubs/restaurants (we'll be on our way home by 27th when many schools are just breaking up).

Thanks in advance

You can buy packets of Heinz Creationz Mexican Beans. They're great in warm wraps with lettuce, peppers and sour cream or can be used for enchiladas.
Stuffed peppers www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4404/easy-stuffed-peppers These work just as well with mozzarella if some people don’t like goats cheese. You could use the leftover pesto from this recipe in this couscous and feta salad www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10minute-couscous-salad
This is really quick and always popular. www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4814/mustardstuffed-chicken Use up leftover cheddar cheese from this recipe with this easy macaroni cheese www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/a535331/easy-macaroni-cheese-recipe/
Jamie’s sausage carbonara thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/easy-sausage-carbonara

Thank you RiceK. Good ideas there for when we are back in Cornwall too. I think I probably need the Google Streetview man to go round the island shop!

Can I really ask "should I bring my own mozzarella and pesto over in DD's carry on?" on Tripadvisor? We coped fine when we had a lovely stay on Lundy, but the prospect of catering for 3 families is throwing me.

The first time I went to Scilly I took pesto with me, having been warned by friends that shopping was a bit limited. However it was far and away better than the little place I'm used to in the West Highlands! Supplies can run short when the supply ship is due. I'm sure you'll be fine. Plan picnics and pub lunches (the Kavorna pasties are great). Can you get the grandparents to do some cooking too?

Appletree and Pentle bays on Tresco are lovely. Beachcombing best after heavy weather, which you don't really want for your summer holiday!

Where are the gorgeous white sand photogenic beaches?

That sounds like St Martins.

If you are on St. Mary's you can get a boat to any of the inhabited islands as it is the sort of hub.

It's about 10 years since we went so I don't have any up-to-date info on cafes, restaurants.

I remember the Co-op was adequate, small but we found everything we wanted.

Most of the islands are small enough to walk around in a day, but we did St Mary's in 2 or 3 goes as it is bigger. We also hired bikes one day and definitely you can get around St Mary's in half a day on a bike.

I remember we went out o a boat trip that went to the rocks where seals were basking and got really close up - that was good.

It's a lovely place I would like to go back one day.

Can't remember about seafood but I am glad to see this place is still going Dibble and Grub We had a lovely lunch there

Thanks all. I think I am probably overthinking the catering on behalf of the rest of the extended family.

St Martins was off the radar, so thank you for that