Simple School Lunches
The school year is BACK! Whether you’ve been dreading this day or counting down the days of Summer (we don’t judge), we want to help you enjoy this Autumn just a little bit more than usual.
One way we’re doing this is by teaching kids how to make their own delicious and healthy food at home. Not only can your little (or not-so-little) ones have their meals ready to go, but they can help out the family a little bit in the process!
While our instructions tend to vary slightly when we teach adults versus children, you might be shocked to see just how advanced kids can be when it comes to kitchen skills. Spend a little time with them to make sure they’re familiar with safety procedures and basic skills, then let their minds run a little wild with recipes! Learning to mix various flavors and textures together can be a fun and creative experiment and can become an enjoyable pastime for the whole family.
But for the big kids (we’re talking YOU), let’s talk about one simple step you can take to minimize your weekly stress…
Let’s Talk Lunch!
Lunch is an incredibly important part of your students’ days. Not only is it an integral piece in keeping up energy and mental fortitude, but it’s often going to be made at home well in advance of eating, too. While several meals might be delicious if they’re eaten hot right out of the oven, it takes a special type of dish to stay tasty after being stored overnight or through much of the day.
But don’t worry… we’ve got you covered!
In Chef Dan’s award-winning cookbook, “Mix Match Make Take: High Energy Food for High Energy People,” he includes a wide array of recipes that are designed specifically for the purpose of packing to-go lunches! Each recipe makes more than one serving and includes instructions for packing up the dish for leftovers. And, extra perk, each recipe is made using whole, nutritious foods that will benefit the whole family!
Get your copy of “Mix Match, Make Take” here!
To give you a little “taste” (get it?) of what you’ll see in “Mix Match, Make Take”, check out one of our favorite, easy-to-make recipes below.
Traveling Caesar Salad
If you’re in a pinch, our Traveling Caesar Salad recipe is included in our cookbook as a quick and simple option. Plus, the recipe is incredibly kid-friendly - eat-to-follow instructions and familiar enough ingredients to pique their interest. Get ready to have some family fun in the kitchen!
Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
● 2 cloves garlic, peeled
● 1 anchovy fillet (it will taste delicious, trust us)
● 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
● 2-3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
● 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice
● Tabasco, to taste
● Freshly ground black pepper
● ⅓ cup olive oil
Directions
In a food processor, place the garlic, anchovy, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco, and pepper. Purée, then with the motor running, slowly and carefully pour in the olive oil. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Makes about ½ cup.
Salad
Ingredients
● 2 hearts of romaine, cored and sliced shin or any Spring lettuce mix
● 4 green onions, cleaned and sliced on a 45-degree angle
● 1 cup cherry tomatoes, any kind
● ½ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
● 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
● Optional, 1 avocado, diced*
● Optional, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
● Optional, ¾ cup roasted and salted corn kernels
Directions
When ready to eat, toss together all ingredients except the corn. Top with dressing and garnish with corn kernels. Reserve any remaining undressed vegetables and dressing for the next day!
*Avocados are a terrific addition to almost any salad; however, if they are served in a traveling dish, they should travel whole and then be split, seeded and cut just before serving.
Enjoy!
Did You Know
Chef Dan’s award-winning cookbook is available on Amazon for UNDER $10. If you’ve been looking for a cookbook that you’ll actually use, this is it!
Just check out this review:
“I love this cookbook. ANYBODY can use these recipes and make delicious gourmet meals for a week. This is so simple to use and is laid out well for someone who isn't very experienced in a kitchen. I love the Italian wedding soup. This takes away all excuses to eat healthy all the time. I have already recommended to several students of mine who don't know how to make anything but toast and they love it!”