
Between work, school, practices and everything else, making separate meals for kids and adults isn’t realistic. Yet we still crave more complex dishes laced with varied flavors and textures – spicy, savory, smoky, crispy. While they only want foods that are simple and mild, no matter how often we try to develop their palates by sneaking in something green and crunchy.
So to make sure they’re eating and getting the nutrients they need, we make tamer meals again and again. Cue the Cheddar cheese and noodles. A bowl of mac 'n' cheese is great from time to time, but you don’t have to settle for it all the time.
You can easily swap out ingredients in classic kid-friendly meals to create dishes that are on par with your appetite. Here are just a few breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas to get you started.
Breakfast
Kid-Friendly: Breakfast Sandwich
Adult-Friendly: Italian Breakfast Sandwich
For an adult upgrade, swap out our cheddar for an herb cream cheese to lay a velvety smooth and fragrant foundation. If you’re in the mood for something with a little kick, add a slice of our sopressata for a taste of robust spices and peppercorns. Accent with fresh baby spinach leaves – perhaps a few from the bag in your crisper drawer - for a touch of freshness and bitter sweetness.
Lunch
Kid-Friendly: Roast Beef & Cheese Sandwich
Adult-Friendly: Roast Beef, Cheese and Apple Sandwich
We created this sandwich using soft French loaves, but it’s also great on all sorts of other breads. So don’t be shy about trying it out on what you have stashed in the cupboard. A slice of whole wheat. A rogue Ciabatta roll. A piece of rye.
Snack
Kid-Friendly: Fruit & Crackers
Adult-Friendly: Prosciutto-Pear Crostini
Go ahead and explore different variations that cater to what you have on hand. Swap out pears for strawberries or apples. Try adding a sliver of cheese like our Swiss or pepper jack. Finish it off with a dollop or two of jelly leftover from PB&Js. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
Dinner
Kid-Friendly: Cheese Pizza & Juice
Adult-Friendly: Pizza Alla Genoa & Wine
You can lay a smooth, creamy base with a blanket of our mozzarella or provolone. Meats like our Genoa salami and smoked ham can add substance and flavor. Weave in pops of vibrant color and snappy bites with pepperoncini peppers and our roasted red pepper strips.
And let’s not forget the other important component of any good dinner – the wine. While the kids guzzle grape juice, you can savor the satisfying sensation of a silky red or sweet white sliding across your palate.