MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - August 23, 2010) - (Family Features) When PB&J just don't make the grade anymore, it's time to think outside the loaf. Nationally recognized nutritionist Elizabeth Somer and Mission Foods have created some nutritious and affordable school recipes that put some fun -- and flavor -- back into the lunchbox.
"Kids do get tired of the same old sandwiches," says Somer. "A tortilla wrap or pinwheel is a great way to experiment with a variety of healthy ingredients. "Mission Flour Tortillas are a good choice for budget-conscious families, too -- they let you make a variety of flavorful lunch options as well as quick and easy meals the whole family can enjoy after a long day at school and work.
For more affordable, kid-friendly recipes, visit www.missionmenus.com.
| Very Berry Burrito | ||
| Recipe by Elizabeth Somer | ||
| Serves 4 | ||
| 4 | Mission Large / Burrito Flour Tortillas | |
| 8 | tablespoons peanut butter | |
| 4 | tablespoons strawberry jam | |
| 1 | cup fresh blueberries | |
| 1 | cup diced fresh strawberries | |
Spread each tortilla with 1/4 of the remaining ingredients. Roll into a burrito. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap, place in refrigerator for later use.
| Sweet Ham Roll-Ups | ||
| Recipe by Elizabeth Somer | ||
| Serves 4 | ||
| 4 | Mission Medium / Soft Taco Flour Tortillas | |
| 4 | tablespoons fat-free cream cheese | |
| 1 | teaspoon mustard sauce | |
| 8 | thin slices ham (or 8 ounces) | |
| 4 | tablespoons grated cheddar cheese | |
| 1 | small apple, sliced into toothpick-sized slivers | |
Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese over entire surface of each tortilla. Dot middle of each tortilla with 1/4 teaspoon mustard. Top with 2 slices ham, 1 tablespoon cheese, and 1/4 of the slivered apple. Roll tortillas tightly into a wrap. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. To serve: Remove from plastic wrap and cut in half.
| PB&J Banana Burritos | ||
| Recipe by Mission Foods | ||
| Serves 2 | ||
| 2 | Mission Small / Fajita Flour Tortillas | |
| 4 | tablespoons Jif Creamy Peanut Butter | |
| 2 | tablespoons Smucker's Strawberry Jam, Jelly, or Preserves | |
| 2 | bananas, peeled | |
Place tortillas on a paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds. Spread 2 tablespoons peanut butter on each tortilla. Add 1 tablespoon jelly to each tortilla. Place the banana near the edge of the tortilla and fold up the ends of the tortilla. Roll-up and enjoy!
| Tuna Salad Wraps | |||
| Recipe by Elizabeth Somer | |||
| Serves 4 | |||
| 4 | Mission Whole Wheat Soft Taco Flour Tortillas | ||
| 1 | 12-ounce can tuna, drained | ||
| 1/4 | cup diced celery | ||
| 3 | tablespoons diced green onions | ||
| 1/3 | cup low-fat mayonnaise | ||
| 1 | teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) | ||
| Salt and pepper to taste | |||
| 1 | cup chopped tomato | ||
| 1 | cup lettuce leaves | ||
In a small bowl, blend tuna, celery, onions, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
Top each tortilla with 1/4 of the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with tomatoes and top with lettuce. Roll tightly. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Getting the Kids Involved
- Celebrate with food: Use cookie cutters to transform an ordinary lunch into a fun meal. Seasonal cookie cutters are inexpensive and can be used to create festive meals with tortillas like heart-shaped quesadillas or bunny-shaped banana and peanut butter wraps.
- Make it an educational process: Bringing in ethnic foods teaches kids different cultures and expands the palate. Try tortillas and hummus for a healthy snack.
- Create a family tradition: Let the kids plan "Tuesday Taco Lunches" and choose the ingredients.
