Remember a few months ago when you and I had a big lunch discussion? I was flooded with emails, comments and Face Book messages about how pretty much you and I are over lunch. We’re tired of thinking about it, making it and even eating it. Lunch has just become so uninspiring.
But…what did I promise you? I told you that once the warm months of summer began, we would conquer lunch together. Between now and the end of July, I’m going to post lunch ideas every week, so by the time the new school year rolls around, we will have a variety of easy recipes for us and our little ones.
Plus…we’ll mix and match the heck out of some simple methods because…well, that’s what we do over here. (It just makes mom life so much easier!)
Here we go…my first lunch idea for you and your little ones.
First, I have my Ham and Swiss with Pesto sandwiches. As sides, I’ve popped some popcorn and added a few strawberries. Easy!
Here is what I love about this little sandwich:
1. It’s good hot or cold
2. Change the bread out to let’s say that Goldfish shaped bread or cookie cutter pieces of bread and your kids will think it’s extra special.
3. Add in a bit of fresh spinach or sliced cucumbers if you’re feeling extra fun…the pesto compliments everything.
4. Don’t have Swiss? No worries! Provolone, Cheddar or Monterey Jack would be delicious too.
5. Don’t have Pesto? Use hummus or a spicy mustard.
6. Don’t have a fresh loaf of bread? Use a dinner roll or like me, an Ezekiel English Muffin.
And the sides are easy and transport so well! Simple, delicious, lunch is done.
Shopping List
2 slices of bread (or an English muffin…or whatever you like)
Ham
Swiss
Pesto
Spinach, cucumbers, sliced bell pepper, etc. (optional)
Microwaved popcorn
Strawberries
If you’re making this hot, I slathered both sides of my English muffin with pesto, layered my ham and Swiss and then placed my sandwich under the panini press for about 2 minutes. You could also cook it like a grilled cheese in a hot skillet.
I had one the next day cold at the park…and it was just as delicious!
I’ve decided to stop making lunch complicated! Who’s with me?
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Okay lady. This looks AWESOME. Bring me one!
Melissa H. says
I am excited about this! I feel so guilty about sending the same boring things to work with my husband for his lunches. But I just don't feel inspired at all. Hoping these lunch posts will help!
Susan Pentz says
Oh I agree…lunch is exhausting…..and it gets wayyyyyy worse when kids become teenagers!!!! Yes I still pack lunch for my teens, but it's just to show my love for them! They certainly know how by now!
Aubs says
love it!! its gonna be fun to jazz up lunch along with ya!!
Olivia says
I dread lunch! Paninis area great idea. I need to find a mini Panini press! Thanks for the idea!
Anonymous says
Great post! I hate lunch and usually just snack and then I feel horrible by late afternoon – this will help me make the time to eat a real lunch!
Jenna Schaben says
Yummy! I am always searching for new lunch time ideas for me and my little guy and this looks delish!! I have made quite a few of your recipes, and I have to admit, you never disappoint! I love how easy they are to follow, and 9 times out of 10 I have all of the ingredients, which is a huge bonus! Love your blog and your absolutely adorable little family!! Thank you for inspiring the "cook" in me 😉
http://www.jennaraeeveryday.blogspot.com
Jenna
Nikki Dargatz says
That looks so yummy, Shay! You will probably run into me this afternoon at Market Street getting ham and pesto. Yum!!!
Carmen says
Had this for lunch today and LOVE it! I used an English muffin, homemade pesto, pastrami and cheddar and wow…so good!! Thanks for the yummy recipe!