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Time has flown by, and it's now September. Children are returning to school, and parents are getting busier as they head to work. For mothers, it's a time to think about simple yet easy meal options. Instead of rice every day, why not consider a meal plan that incorporates bread for at least one meal a day? I’ve gathered some bread menu ideas that can be used for busy mornings, snack times, and meals. Sandwiches can be transformed in countless ways depending on their fillings, so let’s get creative with the ingredients in the fridge to prepare a special table.
Morning 7:30 AM
Mini Croissant Sandwiches
Let’s prepare breakfast sandwiches using mini croissants that are easy to grab. They can be enjoyed lightly for breakfast on the way to school or work.
1. Cut the mini croissant in half, spreading mayonnaise on one side and honey mustard on the other.
2. Fill it with lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced ham, and cheddar or Swiss cheese, cutting them to fit nicely.
You can also make a Brie cheese and apple sandwich using sliced green apples and Brie cheese. Adding arugula enhances the flavor.
Sweet French Toast
Warm and moist French toast is an excellent menu choice for a morning when you’re not feeling hungry. It’s also a great way to use bread that has become a bit stale after a day or two.
1. Prepare 3 slices of bread, 3 eggs, and 120ml of milk. Crack the eggs and add them to a bowl with the milk, then mix in about half a teaspoon each of salt and sugar.
2. Dip the bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well soaked but not too long to avoid falling apart. Heat butter in a pan and cook the soaked bread until golden brown on both sides.
3. Serve on a plate, and if you have berries or other fruits, add them on the side. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, or sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top.
Snack Time 1:30 PM
Ricotta Cheese Peach Bruschetta
For a light afternoon snack, let’s prepare some fruit-topped bread options. How about a fruit bruschetta using fragrant peaches? A drizzle of sweet honey would be a nice addition.
1. Slice a baguette and lightly brush both sides with olive oil, then bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees or toast in a frying pan until golden.
2. Spread ricotta cheese (or cream cheese if you don’t have ricotta) on the bread, top with sliced peaches, and finish with a drizzle of honey. Garnish with mint leaves or blueberries for an impressive presentation.
Nutella Strawberry Sandwich
The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a winner. You can use these two ingredients in a sandwich. Let’s prepare a simple afternoon snack with Nutella spread and strawberries.
1. Toast the bread until golden on both sides in a toaster.
2. Spread Nutella on one side and sandwich it together. You can slice the strawberries and add them inside as well.
*Tip: You can also make a Nutella banana sandwich by slicing a banana thinly and spreading peanut butter on the other side of the bread for a delicious Nutella banana peanut sandwich.*
Creative Open Sandwiches for Kids
Sometimes, it’s nice to have fun snacks that catch kids' attention. Let’s make interesting sandwiches using various spreads and fruits from the fridge. For an American flag sandwich, lightly toast the bread, spread strawberry jam, place half-sliced bananas, and top with whipped cream or cream cheese, finishing with blueberries. For animal-shaped sandwiches, spread cream cheese, Nutella, and peanut butter on toasted bread according to color, then decorate with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. This way, you can serve cute shapes along with fresh fruit!
Afternoon 3:30 PM
Nutritious Tuna Sandwich
Tuna, known for its omega-3s like DHA, high protein, iron, and selenium, is a great choice for nutrition. Let’s make a hearty lunch sandwich using tuna, which is also beneficial for improving children's memory. Tuna sandwiches can be made with any type of bread, such as white, whole grain, baguette, or ciabatta.
1. Drain the oil from 2 cans of tuna and place it in a bowl. Soak sliced red or regular onions in cold water for a bit to remove the sharp taste, then drain and chop finely. Dice pickles and add them to the bowl.
2. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise along with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can use the bread as is or lightly butter one side and toast it before using it with the buttered side facing in. Place lettuce on the bread, add the mixed tuna, and cover with another slice of bread.
*Tip: If you don’t want the filling to spill out when eating, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before cutting, or keep it wrapped in parchment paper and cut it in half with the paper still on.*
Warm Hot Sandwiches
Let’s make warm grilled sandwiches using a panini press or oven. A panini press gives a nice grill mark, but you can also use an air fryer.
Three Cheese Grilled Panini: Use white or ciabatta bread to sandwich various cheeses you have at home, then grill in the panini press (cooking times may vary, but it usually takes about 3-5 minutes). Layer cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella cheese for a Three Cheese Grilled Panini.
Ham and Cheese Panini: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard on the bread, add lettuce or romaine, sliced tomatoes, ham, and cheddar cheese, then grill. You can also add cooked bacon if you like.
