Fresh and Tasty School Lunches

Fresh and Tasty School Lunches
Finding school lunch ideas that stay fresh can be challenging. But with a few simple solutions, you can provide delicious and tasty sandwiches. 

Be sure to choose the right bread. The more moisture in the fillings, the drier and denser the bread should be. Breads with thick crusts work perfectly, or swap your regular bread for flour tortillas, bagels, English muffins or pitas.

To keep sandwiches crispy and delicious, place a single layer of deli meat on each slice of bread, then spread the condiments on those. Cheese also works as a barrier. Never place tomatoes directly on cheese - the juice will make the cheese soft and cause the bread to become soggy. Instead, place tomatoes in between lettuce slices.

The Back to School Bagelwich

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4-6 slices Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin Honey Ham
1     bagel
2     teaspoons cream cheese
1     teaspoon honey mustard
1     thin slice beefsteak tomato
6     thin cucumber slices

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Split bagel, spread each cut half with 1 teaspoon cream cheese.
On each half of bagel, layer half of each of the ingredients in this order: Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin Honey Ham, honey mustard, tomato, and cucumber slices.
Join the two halves together. Cut in half and wrap.

To get more quick and easy recipes or additional freshness tips, visit www.gomeat.com.  

Red, White and Blueberry Torte

 This Fourth of July, get the kids involved in decorating the yard for a red, white and true blue backyard party.

• One-of-a-Kind Mural: Break out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids create their own patriotic sidewalk mural. Flags, fireworks, the Statue of Liberty - anything goes. Guests might like to try their hand at adding to the mural, too.
• A Patriotic Welcome: Put red, white and blue pinwheels and flags into buckets and flower pots filled with sand. Line the walkway to your door to set the mood and welcome guests.
• Balloon Fireworks: Use a funnel to fill red, white and blue balloons about one-quarter full with sparkly confetti. Inflate balloons with a hand pump and tie them off. Then, let kids pop away for some "firecracker" fun. 

Of course, no Fourth of July party would be complete without an inspired dessert.

Red, White and Blueberry Torte   
Makes 8 to 10 servings   

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3/4  cup granulated sugar
6  tablespoons butter or margarine
1  tablespoon water
1 1/2  cups (9 ounces) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
1  teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
2  large eggs
2/3  cup all-purpose flour
1/4  teaspoon baking soda
1/4  teaspoon salt
1  package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
2  tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2  of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped topping, thawed
2  cups sliced strawberries
1/4  cup fresh blueberries
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PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Line 9-inch-round cake pan with wax paper; grease paper.

COMBINE 3/4 cup sugar, butter and water in small, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add 3/4 cup morsels; stir until smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir until well blended. Stir in remaining 3/4 cup morsels.  Pour into prepared cake pan.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert torte onto wire rack; remove wax paper. Turn right side up; cool completely.

BEAT cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until creamy. Stir in whipped topping. Spread over torte; top with berries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For more recipes worth celebrating, visit TollHouse.com.

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestle Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.