What did you pack for your kids lunch today? Chances are good that it included a sandwich. You probably had one for lunch too. It is with good reason that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the sandwich – people love them! It all started when Sir John Montagu didn’t want to stop playing a marathon game of poker but wanted something to eat in 1762. He asked his meal to be served between 2 slices of bread. Ta-da – the sandwich!
Sandwiches are super convenient to make and enjoy anywhere – at work, at school, in the car, while traveling, at home, and apparently while playing poker. Not only are sandwiches convenient but they offer a complete meal of grains, protein, dairy, and veggies all in one. It’s true, bread gives our bodies the essential nutrients that we need to stay healthy and fight diseases. Plus, the complex carbohydrates in bread and other grain-based foods give you and your family the lasting energy they need to get through the day.
Bryan Voltaggio Sandwich Recipes
The Grain Foods Foundation has partnered with celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio to celebrate the sandwich. Chef Bryan Voltaggio took sandwiches to the next level with 4 extraordinary recipes for the Grain Foods Foundation. My favorite is the Banana, PB & Honey Sandwich Recipe because I know everyone in my peanut butter loving family would enjoy this new twist on an American PB&J sandwich. It sounds delicious with bananas, homemade spiced peanut butter, and honey. I would never think to grill it! I might try a simpler version of this recipe with my family this week.
Bryan Voltaggio also created a delicious and fresh looking Avocado CLT recipe that looks amazing. The Pilgrim Recipe is a fancy recipe that can utilize your leftover turkey next week if you are feeling ambitious to try something new. The Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe has everything made from scratch for what looks like the most outstanding Reuben.
Grains for your family
November is National Bread Month! Is your family getting the recommended six 1-ounce servings of grain foods every day? Grains can be found in bread, buns, bagels, tortillas, crackers and more.
My kids like to snack on a piece of bread and butter or peanut butter every now and then. It is a wholesome snack and an easy way to incorporate bread and grains into their diet. Cheese and crackers is another favorite snack.
We enjoy sandwiches mostly for lunch for their convenience. However, there are many dinner time hot sandwiches that my family enjoys too. Sloppy Joes, grilled cheese, grilled melts, steak-um sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage sandwiches, and more. It is so easy to incorporate grains into your diet for any meal of the day.
I pack my kids lunches for school 3-4 times a week. Usually, they have a sandwich or wrap of some sort. I try to keep it all whole grain whole wheat products but if it is peanut butter & jelly, it has to be white bread. Their favorite sandwich is a simple recipe I got from a canned chicken demo at Sam’s Club. Sounds crazy but my kids love it!
Easy Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
This is a simple recipe that you can use canned or shredded cooked chicken. It makes 3-4 hearty sandwiches.
- 1 can chicken or shredded cooked chicken meat
- 2 chopped celery
- 1/4 chopped onion – because my kids don’t like too much
- 1/4 cup Ranch salad dressing – more or less to your preference
- 1 sliced tomato
- Spinach or lettuce leaves
- Bread – I use whole grain whole wheat but use your preference
- Mix the first 4 ingredients together
- Place the mixture on 1 slice of bread
- Top with 2 slices of tomato, spinach or lettuce
- Top with remaining piece of bread
To complete their lunch, I add fresh fruit, a dairy product like a yogurt smoothie or cheese stick, juice box, and a treat like a small bag of chips to their lunch bags. Oh, and don’t forget the personal note – they always love those!
What is your go-to sandwich for your lunch or kids’ lunch bags?
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
