During the school year, where can I be found on “school nights?” Well, I’d often like to be on the sofa watching The Bachelor or Top Chef, but before I get to those, I’ll be in my kitchen, packing a lunch for each my kids (and one for my husband).
Nighttime is my chance to make everyone’s lunch, because mornings for me are about coffee, getting everyone ready, and making it out the door (barely) on time!
Cream cheese spreads aren’t just delicious, they have a helpful role to play: they protect sandwich bread from getting soft or soggy overnight. Also, most kids like cream cheese, and it’s great for showcasing other flavors — and nutrients, for that matter! Adding one of these spreads to any sandwich will make it healthier, more interesting, and more flavorful!
Each recipe makes 1 cup
Green Pea Spread
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- Salt and pepper
Using the back of a fork, gently mash the peas on a cutting board or large plate. Mix the mashed peas with the cream cheese until it’s thoroughly blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Yam Spread
- 1/2 cup cooked yam
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
To cook a yam, pierce a whole yam with a fork in several places. Place it on a paper towel in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes per side.
Using a fork, mash the yam with the cream cheese until it’s thoroughly blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Avocado Spread
- 1/2 cup avocado
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
Using a fork, mash the avocado into the cream cheese until it’s thoroughly blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
A couple more suggestions:
Younger kids really love their food to be in fun shapes, so it’s great to have a bunch of cookie cutters on hand.
You could also try spreads with pureed beets, carrots, spinach, tomato paste, fruit jams, and so on.
