“Sushi” Sandwiches

All Recipes, Dinner Recipes

Let me start by saying these delightful two-bite sandwiches aren’t just for children. These perfectly balanced bites contain protein from the turkey, fat from the cheese and carbs from the bread, making them healthy for everyone! They couldn’t be more fun to make; your kids will simply love this special activity/ lunch you can prepare with them on a summer day. Better yet, prepare before school so they can pack them in a lunchbox and wow everyone at their lunch tables. My kids will eat nearly anything they help make, and anything that involves chopsticks, so this recipe is a win-win in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours as well. I’ve included a savory and a sweet version.

One of the biggest tragedies in our society today is childhood obesity. Lack of exercise and slashed P.E. programs are partly to blame, but so is our reliance on fast food and convenience foods. The sad reality is that fewer parents than every before have the time to prepare healthy meals at home, and as a result, children are losing out on culinary skills and education that could keep them healthier as they grow up. Cooking kids are happy kids. Our children love to touch, taste, explore and create. Make it a point, or rather, make it your MISSION, to cook more with your kids. Teach them about portions and about seasonal ingredients. Show them healthier versions of not-so-healthy favorites. Get silly on the stove… why not make “pizzadillas” instead of “quesadillas?” Kids exposed to the kitchen become healthier, wiser and more aware adults, so break out those aprons everyone!

What kid wouldn’t love to help make these sushi rolls?

Even more fun is watching them use chopsticks.

Ingredients for Savory Version

2 slices Boar’s Head ham or turkey (low sodium version)
2 strips cheese, cut 2” x ¼”
2 slices “Made with Whole Grain White Bread” (Sara Lee has a good brand)
1 Tbs hummus (or any condiment your child likes: honey mustard, ranch, mayo, etc.)
1 tablespoon thinly shredded carrots (or zucchini)
1/2″ by 2″ slice of cucumber
baby pickles (optional)

Directions:

Place two slices of soft bread with the crusts cut off on a flat surface directly side by side. Use a rolling pin, or glass, gently flatten and fuse the bread slices together to make one long piece. Spread your condiment of choice inside the middle of the flat bread slices. Place two slices of ham or turkey on top. Place the shredded carrots and cheese on top of the meat. Place the two pickles or cucumbers horizontally and end-to-end at the bread edge closest to you. Starting at the bottom, roll the bread upwards to make a tight cigar-shaped roll. Carefully cut the roll into sushi-sized pieces, approximately one inch in length.

Any type of cheese will do. I chose cheese that wouldn’t have to be cut so that the kids could make this project entirely on their own. String cheese or shredded cheese are good options.