Are you tired of packing the same old sandwiches for your child's school lunch? Want to add a little je ne sais quoi to their midday meal? Then look no further! These easy French-inspired recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and will make your child's lunchbox the envy of the classroom. They're quick, healthy, and best of all, delicious! Forget processed snacks and embrace the charm of homemade goodness with these simple yet impressive recipes.
Simple Ham and Cheese Crepes
This classic French recipe is a delightful alternative to boring sandwiches. Crepes offer a fun, portable way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make!
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Yields: 6 crepes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking crepes
- 6 slices of ham
- 6 slices of cheese (Gruyere or Swiss recommended)
Instructions:
- Whisk the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes.
- Cook the crepes: Heat a lightly oiled crepe pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan, swirling to spread it thinly. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Assemble the crepes: Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each crepe. Fold in half or roll into a cylinder.
- Pack and enjoy: These are best served fresh, but you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the crepe batter.
Caprese Salad Skewers
These vibrant and refreshing skewers are a fun and healthy alternative to traditional salads. They're perfect for school lunches because they hold up well without getting soggy.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
- Assemble the skewers: Simply thread a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf onto each skewer.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: If using, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the skewers before packing them in the lunchbox. This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the other ingredients.
Tip: You can also add other vegetables to your skewers such as cucumber or bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
Ham and Cheese Crepes: Calories: 250-300, Protein: 15-20g, Fat: 10-15g, Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Caprese Salad Skewers: Calories: 80-100, Protein: 5-7g, Fat: 5-7g, Carbohydrates: 5-7g
These easy French recipes are a delightful way to elevate your child's lunchbox game. They're quick, healthy, and perfect for busy parents. So, ditch the boring sandwiches and embrace the deliciousness of homemade French cuisine! Bon appétit!