This recipe is for kids of all ages. You can replace the cilantro with a handful of spinach, arugula, or lettuce. To save time, you can buy unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds, but the flavour won’t be as fresh. Extra sunflower butter will keep for up to three months in the fridge.
Sunflower Butter
1 cup (250 mL) unsalted, unroasted sunflower seeds
1 Tbsp (15 mL) mild-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil
Scant 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
Spread sunflower seeds on cookie sheet and toast in 325 F (160 C) oven for 8 minutes. Shake seeds and return to oven for 5 minutes more, or until seeds are slightly browned and aromatic.
In food processor, process seeds to a powder. Keep processing until clumps begin to form as the seeds release their oils. Slowly drizzle in olive oil. Continue processing for 2 minutes, or until mixture becomes creamy and smooth. If mixture is dry, add up to 1 Tbsp (15 mL) more oil and process for 2 minutes more. Add salt.
Makes 5 Tbsp (75 mL).
Each 1 Tbsp (15 mL) contains: 78 calories; 2 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 2 g total carbohydrates (0 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 95 g sodium
Sandwiches
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
2 tsp (10 mL) honey, divided
1 tsp (5 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp (45 mL) lime juice, divided
Pinch of salt
8 slices whole grain bread or gluten-free bread
1/2 cup (125 mL) sunflower butter
2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Cut sweet potato into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) thick slices on the diagonal to make approximately the same length as a slice of bread. In bowl, toss with 1 tsp (2 mL) honey, oil, 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lime juice, and salt. Transfer to baking dish and roast in oven for 20 minutes.
Flip sweet potato slices and bake for 10 minutes more, or until softened. Toss slices with remaining 1 tsp (2 mL) honey and 1 Tbsp (15 mL) lime juice.
To assemble sandwich: spread 2 Tbsp (30 mL) sunflower butter on slice of bread. Top with 2 or 3 sweet potato slices and cilantro, followed by second slice of bread.
Makes 4 sandwiches.
Each sandwich contains: 305 calories; 11 g protein; 11 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 43 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 295 g sodium
source: "Build a Better Lunch", alive #383, September 2014
Custardy French toast drizzled in pure maple syrup is a cozy, cold-weather breakfast classic. We’ve given this recipe a vegan makeover by swapping out eggs in the batter with mashed banana and a bit of ground flaxseed. This clever swap makes the French toast reminiscent of banana bread. Top it off with a decadent drizzle of raspberry syrup and you’re just a quick stint in the kitchen away from breakfast bliss. Citrus swap If you don’t have any bananas around, consider swapping for an orange. In blender, add zest of one large orange along with peeled fruit and other batter ingredients. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe as described.
A satisfying plant-based dinner or packed lunch, quinoa and beans add filling protein, while greens, cucumbers, roasted veggies, and a probiotic-rich dressing bring texture and flavour. Try it with a creamy plant-based cheese on top, or goat cheese for non-plant-based eaters. Mix and match Use this recipe as a guideline. Add in your go-tos such as chopped walnuts or hemp hearts, pitted sliced dates, roasted cauliflower, and crumbled feta (plant-based, if desired).
Brown rice and two varieties of lentils cook in one pot with broth, coconut milk, and simple spices. Nourishing spinach and sweet green peas bring this meal to life. It’s true sunshine in a bowl for those cold winter nights. Main grains White basmati rice, short-grain brown rice, quinoa, or millet can be used in place of the brown basmati rice. Try a mixture of grains for added nutrition and taste (e.g., millet and basmati rice, quinoa and millet, and so on).
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake. Salad swap Once cool, the tofu mixture can be served on a bed of crunchy romaine for a packable lunch that’ll spark office envy. Keep the sauce on the side and dress right before serving.