Lunchbox Special
Lunchbox Special Recipe: Vegetarian Grain Bowl with American Cheese and Apple
Introduction
The Lunchbox Special is a simple yet delightful recipe that brings together the wholesomeness of whole grain bread, the creaminess of vegan cheese, and the crisp freshness of apple slices. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious meals can be created with minimal ingredients. It's a perfect choice for those busy mornings when you need to pack a quick, nutritious lunch for yourself or your kids.
History
The Lunchbox Special was born out of necessity during a time when the pantry was running low on supplies. Despite the limited resources, the combination of available ingredients resulted in a surprisingly delightful sandwich that was not only enjoyed by the kids but also requested by them as adults when they visited home.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of whole-grain raisin vegan bread (such as Ezekiel's)
- Veganaise Dressing & Sandwich Spread (or similar)
- 1 or 2 slices of vegan american cheese
- apple slices
How to prepare
- Spread vegan bread with Veganaise. (Optionally, spread Vegenaise on one slice and Peanut butter on the other.) Add the Cheese and Apple slices.
- I discovered this recipe during a time when I had limited resources in my fridge for lunches. Surprisingly, the kids enjoyed it. Even now, as adults, they request it when they visit home.
Variations
- You can add lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumber slices for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also replace the apple slices with pear slices for a different flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To enhance the flavor of the sandwich, you can optionally spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and Veganaise on the other. This adds a sweet and savory element to the sandwich. Also, using fresh, crisp apple slices will give the sandwich a refreshing crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lunchbox Special with a side of fresh fruits or a handful of nuts for added nutrition.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, just assembling the ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're not a fan of Veganaise, you can substitute it with hummus or avocado spread. You can also use any type of vegan cheese you prefer.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sandwich the night before and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to keep the apple slices separate to prevent them from making the sandwich soggy.
Presentation Ideas
Cut the sandwich into fun shapes using a cookie cutter to make it more appealing, especially for kids.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Lunchbox Special with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge. There's no need to reheat it; it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
The Lunchbox Special contains approximately 350 calories per serving, making it a balanced and satisfying lunch option.
Carbohydrates
Two slices of whole grain bread provide about 30 grams of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. The apple slices add another 15 grams of carbohydrates, mainly in the form of natural sugars.
Fats
The vegan cheese and Veganaise spread contribute healthy fats to the sandwich. Depending on the brand, a slice of vegan cheese contains about 5 grams of fat, while a tablespoon of Veganaise contains about 9 grams of fat.
Proteins
Whole grain bread and vegan cheese are good sources of protein. Two slices of bread provide about 8 grams of protein, while a slice of vegan cheese provides about 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
The apple slices in the sandwich provide a good amount of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Whole grain bread is a good source of B vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe may contain allergens such as wheat (in the bread) and soy (in the Veganaise and vegan cheese). Always check the labels of your ingredients if you have food allergies.
Summary
The Lunchbox Special is a balanced meal providing carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It also offers a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
The Lunchbox Special is a simple, nutritious, and delicious sandwich that can be prepared in minutes. It's a perfect choice for a quick lunch, whether you're at home, at work, or on the go.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the Lunchbox Special. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She was an incredible cook, always whipping up delicious meals for our family with ease and grace.
One day, as I was rummaging through my mother's old recipe box, I came across a faded and tattered card with the title "Lunchbox Special" scrawled across the top in my mother's elegant handwriting. Intrigued, I asked her about it, and she told me that it was a recipe she had learned from her own mother, my grandmother.
My mother explained that the Lunchbox Special was a family favorite, a hearty and satisfying meal that was perfect for packing in a lunchbox to take to school or work. It was a simple yet delicious dish, made with ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Excited to learn how to make this special recipe, I asked my mother to show me how. She patiently guided me through each step, teaching me how to brown the ground beef, chop the vegetables, and simmer everything together in a savory sauce. As the aroma of the cooking meal filled the kitchen, I knew that this would become one of my favorite recipes as well.
Over the years, I perfected my own version of the Lunchbox Special, tweaking the recipe to suit my tastes and preferences. I added a touch of garlic for extra flavor, and sometimes threw in a handful of chopped mushrooms for a little extra depth. Each time I made it, I thought of my mother and grandmother, and how their love and passion for cooking had been passed down to me.
As I grew older and started my own family, the Lunchbox Special became a staple in our household. My children loved coming home from school to find a steaming plate of this comforting dish waiting for them, just like I had when I was their age. It became a tradition, a meal that we all looked forward to sharing together.
I shared the recipe with my friends and neighbors, who all raved about its deliciousness and simplicity. They would often ask me for the recipe, which I gladly shared, knowing that it would bring them as much joy and comfort as it had brought me over the years.
As time passed, my children grew up and moved out on their own, but the Lunchbox Special remained a beloved part of our family's culinary history. I continued to make it for myself and my husband, savoring each bite and reminiscing about the days when my children were young and the house was filled with laughter and joy.
Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple yet profound pleasure that a good meal can bring. The Lunchbox Special may just be a recipe, but to me, it represents so much more - a connection to my past, a link to my family, and a reminder of the love and traditions that have shaped me into the cook that I am today.
Categories
| American Cheese Recipes | American Recipes | Apple Recipes | Cereals Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |