You know how the day seems to get ahead of you faster than you anticipate? Before you know it, it is time to serve the kids lunch, make sure they eat it, clean it all up and then move on to the next adventure. Usually, moms eat whatever the kids are eating, if they eat lunch at all. But if you want something other than the usual chicken nuggets, grilled cheese or pasta for lunch, try one of the following recipes.
I call these recipes my go to lunches for a number of reasons. They are quick and easy to prepare, and you can scale them up or down depending on whether or not you want a whole lunch or just have time for a snack.
Toaster Tomatoes
You can make these before the kids ask for a second cup of milk. Double or triple the recipe as needed, depending on appetite and time.
Ingredients:
One ripe tomato, salt, dried basil, 1/4 of shredded mozzarella.
Directions:
Wash and slice your tomato into thick slices and place it on a broiler pan in a toaster oven or standard oven.
Sprinkle each slice of tomato with a pinch of salt. next, layer mozzarella cheese on each slice, being careful to not spill any on the bottom of the pan.
Next, take a small pinch of dried basil and rub it between your fingers to release the aroma. Sprinkle a bit on top of each cheese laden slice of tomato.
Broil the slices for about three minutes or until they are bubbly. Enjoy!
Fresh Mozzarella Sandwiches
You can make this sandwich as sophisticated or as down home as you like. I enjoy the following version because it is simple to make, but it just bursts with flavor. This is my favorite lunch to serve to a fellow mom during a play date.
Ingredients:
Fresh Italian bread or a French baguette, fresh mozzarella (I prefer Ovalino, which are shaped and sized like small eggs), fresh basil leaves, pinch of salt, a fresh tomato, good quality olive oil.
Directions:
Cut your bread to size. Slice it open. In the case of Italian bread, hollow out some of the inside and retain for another use, such as stuffing or bread crumbs.
Toast the bread lightly. Sprinkle olive oil on both inner sides of the bread.
Next, slice the tomato and layer it on one side of the bread. Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat dry. Layer the leaves on top of the tomato slices.
Slice the fresh mozzarella and place it evenly on the other side of the bread. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mozzarella. Place the two halves of the sandwich together and enjoy!
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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