Celebrate Back to School with Pineapple-themed Lunches

New Delicious Meals for School Year 

As the summer break draws to a close and students embark on a new school year, parents often find themselves perplexed about what to pack for their children’s breakfast, snacks, and lunch. One delectable option is to infuse a touch of tropical goodness into their meals by including pineapples.

By incorporating this delicious fruit into your child’s diet, you add a burst of flavor and ensure that they are well-prepared for the day ahead. Imagine the excitement on their faces as they open their lunch box to discover the wonderful surprises that await them. By following these three unique recipes, parents can proactively prepare for the upcoming days and instill a sense of excitement in their children when going back to school like a yummy pineapple lunch with a hidden treat.

Health Benefits of Adding Pineapples into Kids Diet 

 There are so many fantastic health benefits to eating pineapple. Not only are pineapples deliciously sweet but they are also packed with immune-strengthening antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C. This powerful vitamin helps our bodies fight off sickness and stay healthy. Pineapples also have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for digestion.These perfect Pineapples even have pain-relieving properties and can help prevent vision loss. And let’s not forget about bromelain, a therapeutic and healing enzyme found in pineapples that has been used as medicine for centuries.

 When it comes to serving pineapples to kids, there are plenty of fun options. You can present them on a platter alongside other tasty snacks, ensuring that kids have a variety of choices. Healthy study snacks are not only great for managing hunger and boosting nutrition but can also help prevent crankiness and overeating.While in class or even studying if not wanting a large portion of foods like stress and anxiety. Snacks may help prevent overeating at meals. And for picky eaters of all ages, snacks are a chance to add more nutrients to their diets.

Tropical Overnight Oats

These tropical overnight oats offer a delightful combination of your favorite tropical fruits, carefully curated to create a harmonious blend that will transport you to a sunny paradise with every spoonful. It is worth noting that this recipe allows for early preparation, as oats can be soaked for up to five days, ensuring a hassle-free morning routine. With the perfect balance of flavors and the added benefit of a well-planned breakfast, these tropical overnight oats are a delicious and efficient way to start your day on a refreshing note.

Ingredients 

1 cup oats

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

¼ plain yogurt 

1 banana sliced

½ cup of Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple, diced

½ fresh mango chunks 

1 ½ chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1 teaspoon unsweetened coconut 

Directions

1. Combine the oats, almond milk, plain yogurt, banana slices, pineapple, mango, chia seed and vanilla in a small bowl. Begin to stir the combination inside of a bowl. Ensure to cover and leave refrigerated overnight. 

2. In the morning take the bowl out of the refrigerator and stir the combination. If the oats or chia seeds begin to look a bit watery add a hint of almond milk then stir again. 

3. Begin adding the portions inside of a bowl or plastic jar and add a hint of coconut on top before serving.   

Pineapple Muffins 

Here’s a great healthy breakfast or snack, made with simple ingredients. These muffins are packed with nutritious goodness and are a perfect way to start your day or satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings. But what makes them even better is that they freeze well, so you can easily prepare a batch ahead of time for meal prep! Plus, we’ve all recognized the negative effects of consuming too much sugary food, especially in our children, and how it can impact their behavior and our overall well-being. So, involving kids in snack planning and cooking is not only a fun activity but also a great opportunity to teach them about healthy eating habits. And when you throw these muffins in their lunch boxes, not only will they enjoy a tasty treat, but they’ll also be boosting their immune system – the body’s defense against germs. It’s a win-win situation!

Ingredients 

1 cup sliced Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple

2 teaspoons almond milk 

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1 ½ vanilla extract

3 teaspoon additional sliced pineapples

1 cup oat flour 

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt 

⅓ cup of sugar

Directions 

1. Preheat oven 350 f and line 12 Muffin tray. Make sure to have non-stick spray coated inside of trays first.

2. Stir the ingredients and set aside for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Stir the remaining ingredients together into a small or large bowl until mushed.
4. Place each portion into the tray and bake for at least 20 minutes.

5. Once the muffins are done take it out of the oven and allow to cool down. Once the tray is cool, place it inside of the fridge until the next morning.
6. In the morning take the tray out as it should easily peel off and sprinkle a hint of sugar on top.

7. Begin serving and enjoy the falafel pineapple muffins!

Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice

This dish is a winner when it comes to nutrition. Packed with a well-balanced combination of proteins and carbs, it provides the perfect fuel to energize and satisfy all day. Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice is not only nutritious, but it also tantalizes your taste buds with its sweet and savory flavors. The succulent chicken is beautifully complemented by the freshness of the pineapple, creating a delightful symphony of flavors. Moreover, this dish is a hit with the whole family and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes! It’s a convenient option for busy parents who want to prepare a delicious and wholesome pineapple lunch for their kids or teenagers. So why not give it a try and enjoy a meal that is both nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients 

6 cups of cooked rice 

2 cups mixed vegetables 

3 cups Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple, sliced or chopped thin

1  skin boneless chicken thigh

1 diced white onion

1 tablespoon garlic minced 

4 tablespoon soy sauce 

½ teaspoon black pepper 

1 tablespoon any kind of oil 

¼ teaspoon salt 

2 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions 

1. Pre-cook rice based on the package picked unless using leftover rice try to break them down even more.
2. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch,salt and black pepper.
3. In a small or large skillet, set medium heat and add the oil of your choosing. Eventually add the garlic and onions into the skillet before the sliced chicken thighs. Cool until 70% cooked.
4. Add rice and fry until the rice is teaming then add soy sauce, salt and black pepper.
5. Place everything aside and begin to add and rinse off the veggies into another pot and cook for 60 seconds. Once cooked, place both the vegetables and rice into one pot and mix together.
6. Once the pot is finished, place it aside and add the pineapples to cook for 2 minutes until liquid has evaporated and proceed to toss the pineapples into the fried rice and vegetables.
7. Ensure that the rice,vaggbales, and pineapples are not overcooked together. Once finished you can now serve!

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