Friday, December 2, 2022

Simple Lunches

 Lunch is often t he meal t hat's overlooked,especially if you're working from home. It's either a smoothie or a cup of yogurt and a drink of some sort to wash it down. Yet' that's not a meal.  A simple lunch can get you through the afternoon.It's a tasty mid day break that's both filling and tasty.

Cold days deserve a hot meal. A simple lunch is an easy canned soup. Gardein and Campbell's Well Yes are perfect for this. Gardfein's has a variety of plant based ones along with chili for a satisfying good for you middday meal. Their  version of Italian wedding soup is just as flavorful as Progresso's which is made wirh beef meatballs and chicken broth. The company also has a really good gumbo too along with beef and chik'n ones that are also loaded with veggies rice or noodles Well yes is going in this vegan vein too. They introduced their version of plant based chicken noodle and rice soups. A true plus about Well Yes is that  they have indiviual  microwavable cups of  soup. This is perfect if you're eating by yourself . For those who want classic then think about Campbell's tomato soup. or chicken noodle Both make for  a fun lunch . especially with a big stack of Saltines. A homemade soup is easy too. Heat smaller sized pasta like orzo or pastina in any kind of broth. Within half an hour there's a delicious hot meal that's soothing and filling.

An easily made hot sandwich is always a good lunch. You couldgo with a simple grilled cheese or the fancier Croque Monsieur. white bread is used but you can also go with whole wheat or even brioche bread. This is buttered liberally on one side. You could use mayo as many home chefs swear by this. as for the cheese most go for the good old fashioned American but if you want some zing then use a sharp, zingy Vermont cheddar.It's then frying it ona griddle or fryer for a few minutes on both sides. For a lusher lunch try the French bistro classic the croque monsieur. This is a yummy  amped up version of grilled cheese complete with an easy Bechamel sauce. Don''t be fooled by the name. The sauce is an easy cook on the stove top, using milk butter and flour. Dijon  mustard and nut meg are added at the end and whisked in. (Keep in mind that the sauce can be made in advance and also the extra is good over any kind of veggie). It's slathered on toasted white bread followed by a layer of ham and shredded Gruyere cheese.  The sandwich is then cooked for about five minutes in a 425 Farenheit degree oven. You can make an air fryer version of this and add the bechamel sauce later.

An easy lunch is easy to make. A hot soup or sandwich fills the bill. They make for a rewarding mid day meal.