Ease and convenience are the name of the game during the school year as parents and students alike adapt to overwhelming schedules, mounds of homework, and seemingly never-ending after-school activities. Oftentimes, it’s school day meals that take a hit with families opting for quick bites or drive-thru dining, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
Sharing meals that are filling and flavorful can still be a quick endeavor — you just need creative recipes that help simplify school day schedules. In fact, with kids, more imagination can mean more deliciousness. This playful Caterpillar Sandwich is a ham and cheese spinoff crafted to excite little ones and their little taste buds at lunchtime.
These Spiced Pineapple Skewers are destined for flavors beyond sliced bread that are perfect for adding a dash of island delicacy to your midweek dinner menu. A sweet and spicy celebration of tropical flavors, this recipe is perfect for lighting the grill and taking a break from the busy season.
Courtesy of Kretschmar
Caterpillar Sandwich
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
- 2 slices whole-wheat bread
- mayonnaise, divided
- 1 slice Kretschmar American Cheese (or preferred brand)
- 2 slices Kretschmar Off the Bone Ham (or preferred brand)
- 1 leaf iceberg lettuce
- 1 cherry tomato
- 1 carrot, shaved
- 1 slice Kretschmar Provolone Cheese (or preferred brand)
- black decorating gel
On two slices of whole-wheat bread, spread thin layer of mayonnaise on each.
Lay American cheese, ham, and lettuce leaf on one bread slice, then top with other bread slice.
Using biscuit cutter, punch four holes into sandwich, removing crust from sandwich, then set aside.
Using a toothpick or knife, poke two holes into cherry tomato. Insert small cores of carrot into tomato for “antennae.”
Using a pastry tip, cut “eyes” out of provolone cheese. Cut out sliver of provolone cheese for “mouth.”
Dab mayo on back of “eyes” and “mouth” then attach to cherry tomato.
Use black decorating gel to add tiny dots to eyes for pupils; set aside.
Place four mini sandwich circles on plate to form caterpillar body, then place cherry tomato face at one end.
Courtesy of Kretschmar
Spiced Pineapple Skewers
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 8-10 stainless steel or wooden skewers
- 16 ounces pineapple,
- 1 1/2 pounds Kretschmar Spiced Pineapple Ham (or preferred brand)
- 1/2 cup Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- black pepper, to taste
- oil, for grates
Prepare skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes.
Heat grill to 300 F.
Trim and cut pineapple and ham steak into 1-inch cubes, 1/2-inch thick, and lay on paper towel to pat dry before placing in mixing bowl. Add barbecue sauce to bowl. Toss to combine.
Cut bell peppers and red onion into equal-sized, 1-inch cubes. Place in a small bowl and coat with canola oil, salt, and black pepper, to taste.
To assemble skewers: Alternate threading ham, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers then place on baking sheet.
Using a paper towel, apply oil to grill grates or grill pan then place skewers on grill uncovered, turning every few minutes until charred, no longer than 6-7 minutes.
Discover more delicious recipes to take back hectic school days at KretschmarDeli.com. Courtesy of Family Features