Packing a lunch for your child can be a daily challenge, especially if you're trying to make it both nutritious and appealing. Fortunately, there are several ways to make kids' lunches more interesting, and one of the easiest options is to incorporate jams, spreads, and preserves in their lunches that make them healthy as well as flavourful. Here are a few recipes that are sure to be a hit with your little ones:
Let’s start with the classic PBJ!
Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich: This classic lunchtime favourite is easy to jazz up with fruit jams and spreads. Simply spread a generous amount of your child's favourite jam or spread on one slice of bread, and then top it with a dollop of peanut butter and the other slice of bread. You can try different nut butters that your child likes for variety. You could also do the same with chapatis instead of using bread. Some other recipes include:
Peanut Butter and Jam French Toast Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter and your choice of jam or preserve on a slice of bread. Roll the bread up tightly and dip it in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. Cook the roll-ups on a tava/skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You could use chapati instead of bread.
Strawberry and Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a chapati. Top with a spoonful of strawberry preserve and a few tablespoons of orange marmalade - as per your child’s preferences. Roll the roti up tightly and slice it into 1-inch pieces. You could try this with different flatbreads too.
Peanut Butter and Jam Muffins: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp of peanut butter. Now add the egg, milk, and peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir till just combined. Pour the batter into a muffin tin and top each muffin with a spoonful of your choice of jam or preserve. Bake the muffins at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.Chocolate spread is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a sweet and indulgent touch to any dish. Let’s explore some other recipes that you can recreate at home using chocolate spreads.
Chocolate and Mango Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of chocolate spread on one side of a tortilla/roti/chapati. Top with a spoonful of mango preserve and a few slices of banana. Place another tortilla /roti/chapati on top and press down gently. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat until the chocolate is melted, and the tortillas/roti/chapatis are crispy. Cut into wedges and serve.
Chocolate Spread and Banana Sandwich: This simple sandwich is a hit with kids of all ages. Simply spread a generous amount of chocolate spread on one slice of bread, and then top it with sliced bananas and the other slice of bread. For an extra touch of sweetness, try drizzling a bit of honey over the bananas before adding the top slice of bread.
Chocolate Spread and Strawberry Skewers: For a fun and portable snack, try skewing strawberries and dipping them in chocolate spread. Simply skewer a few strawberries and then use a spoon or fork to drizzle chocolate spread over the top. These skewers are a tasty and satisfying treat that kids will love.
Chocolate Spread and Mini Buns: For a savoury and sweet snack, try pairing chocolate spread with mini buns/pav. Simply spread a small amount of chocolate spread on top of a mini bun/pav. You can top it with toppings such as butterscotch or strawberry and chopped nuts.These recipes are just a starting point – get creative and see what other tasty combinations you can come up with! With a little creativity and the help of jams, spreads, and preserves, you can easily make your child's lunches more interesting and enjoyable. Get the best of the ingredients from Mapro’s range of jams, spreads, and preserves – they are made with real fruit so you don’t have to worry about your kids' health and nutrition!
Did you make this recipe?
Share a photo and tag us @maprofoods and get featured!