Go back to school with a bang
Blink and you miss it – that’s another summer holiday season nearly over and now, we’re close to setting early alarms, school runs and homework.
If you’re wondering what to feed your family as they get back into the rhythm of nursery, school or university life, we have some delicious, easy-to-make meal suggestions for you to try.
Healthy Back-to-School Recipe Ideas
Easy-to-prepare meals that help to keep kids energised throughout the day are the key, as is careful meal planning to keep mealtimes on track. Lakings is renowned for its high-quality meats, offering excellent options to create nutritious and flavourful dishes. Don’t forget, we can deliver fresh meat directly to your door, with our next-day DPD delivery service -perfect if the hustle of the returning school term is just a bit too much.
Breakfast: Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Muffins
Sausage and veggie breakfast muffins are a fantastic way to start the day with a protein-packed meal. Using Lakings sausage meat, crumble the sausage meat into a pan. Cook until browned, then mix with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk, then stir in the sausage and veggie mixture. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the muffins are set. These muffins can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Mid-morning or After-school Snack: Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
Ham and cheese roll-ups are a simple and protein-rich snack. Use slices of Lakings roast ham and roll them up with a thin slice of cheese and a few spinach leaves. Secure with a toothpick if needed (remember to remove for younger children). These roll-ups are perfect for a snack, providing a quick boost of energy without the sugar rush.
Lunch: Rosie Dicker’s Steak Sandwich
Steak makes for a delicious and nutritious lunch option, and we’ve added avocado to include a healthy fat. Quick-fry Lakings fillet of beef or rib-eye and then pop it in the oven to roast for 15 minutes. Leave to rest. Meanwhile, slice a ripe avocado and add to fresh spinach, with a drizzle of Greek yoghurt mixed with a bit of Dijon mustard for added flavour. Toast several slices of ciabatta and then pile the rested steak, avocado and salad on top to provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep kids full and focused.
Lunch: Rosie Dicker’s Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops
One of the quickest and most satisfying meals to have in your arsenal, this lamb dish is a fantastic recipe to master. Ready in minutes, grass-fed lamb chops with a golden, cheesy crust is bound to be a people-pleaser. Serve with a minted pea, feta salad and salsa verde to keep things fresh and colourful for even the fussiest of eaters.
Dinner: Rosie Dicker’s recipe for Tasty Meatballs
The beauty of this dish is the meatballs can be made in advance, perfect if you’re running short on time to make it from scratch. It’s a great choice for a mid-week meal that has real flavour and substance – and because it’s made with both minced beef and minced pork, it’s also a great source of iron. Rosie’s full recipe can be found on Lakings’ website.
Dinner: Grilled Premium Chicken breasts and Quinoa Salad
Grilled chicken and quinoa salad is a wholesome dinner option that’s easy to prepare. Marinate Lakings chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill until cooked and piping hot. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Toss the quinoa with chopped vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the salad. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This salad is not only nutritious but also vibrant and full of flavour.
Pack-up ‘cheats’
Mix up your child’s lunchtime school pack-up by popping in a Lakings sausage roll, made with Lincolnshire pork, perfect for when you’ve run out of sarnie inspiration. For a sweet treat, add a slice of Lakings flapjack from our pantry.
