january / february 2025
28
Take Back Busy School Days with Simplicity and Creativity
( Family Features ) Ease and convenience are the name of the game during the school year as parents and students alike adapt to overwhelming schedules , mounds of homework and seemingly never-ending after-school activities . Oftentimes it ’ s school day meals that take a hit with families opting for quick bites or drive-thru dining , but that doesn ’ t have to be the case .
Sharing meals that are filling and flavorful can still be a quick endeavor – you just need creative recipes that help simplify school day schedules . In fact , with kids , more imagination can mean more deliciousness . This playful Caterpillar Sandwich is a ham and cheese spinoff crafted to excite little ones and their little taste buds at lunchtime .
It ’ s made with Kretschmar ’ s premium deli meats and cheeses that are crafted for quality . From uniquely smoked ham to hand-trimmed fine cuts of beef and poultry , the off-the-bone deli meats come from the leanest , most tender cuts . Plus , the more than 16 flavors of awardwinning deli cheeses are expertly handcrafted by Wisconsin cheesemakers .
These high-quality ingredients are made for more than just sandwiches , however . They ’ re destined for flavors beyond sliced bread , such as Spiced Pineapple Skewers that are perfect for adding a dash of island delicacy to your midweek dinner menu . A sweet and spicy celebration of tropical flavors , this recipe is perfect for lighting the grill and taking a break from busy season .
Discover more delicious recipes to take back hectic school days at KretschmarDeli . com .
SPICED PINEAPPLE SKEWERS Total time : 30 minutes Servings : 4
8-10 stainless steel or wooden skewers 16 ounces pineapple , 11/2 pounds Kretschmar Spiced
Pineapple Ham 1/2 cup Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 1 small red onion 1/4 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon salt black pepper , to taste oil , for grates
1 . Prepare skewers . If using wooden skewers , soak in water 30 minutes . 2 . Heat grill to 300 F . 3 . Trim and cut pineapple and ham steak into 1-inch cubes , 1 / 2-inch thick , and lay on paper towel to pat dry before placing in mixing bowl . Add barbecue sauce to bowl . Toss to combine . 4 . Cut bell peppers and red onion into equal-sized , 1-inch cubes . Place in small bowl and coat with canola oil , salt and black pepper , to taste . 5 . To assemble skewers : Alternate threading ham , pineapple , bell peppers and onion onto skewers then place on baking sheet . 6 . Using paper towel , apply oil to grill grates or grill pan then place skewers on grill uncovered , turning every few minutes until charred , no longer than 6-7 minutes .
CATERPILLAR SANDWICH Total time : 20 minutes Servings : 1
2 slices whole-wheat bread mayonnaise , divided 1 slice Kretschmar American Cheese 2 slices Kretschmar Off the Bone Ham 1 leaf iceberg lettuce 1 cherry tomato 1 carrot , shaved 1 slice Kretschmar Provolone Cheese black decorating gel
1 . On two slices whole-wheat bread , spread thin layer of mayonnaise on each . 2 . Lay American cheese , ham and lettuce leaf on one bread slice then top with other bread slice . 3 . Using biscuit cutter , punch four holes into sandwich , removing crust from sandwich , then set aside . 4 . Using toothpick or knife , poke two holes into cherry tomato . Insert small cores of carrot into tomato for “ antennae .” 5 . Using pastry tip , cut “ eyes ” out of provolone cheese . Cut out sliver of provolone cheese for “ mouth .” 6 . Dab mayo on back of “ eyes ” and “ mouth ” then attach to cherry tomato . 7 . Use black decorating gel to add tiny dots to eyes for pupils ; set aside . 8 . Place four mini sandwich circles on plate to form caterpillar body then place cherry tomato face at one end .