How to Make a Quick and Healthy Packed Lunch: Presentation at the Metuchen Farmers Market

Last weekend I did a demo at the Metuchen Farmers Market about how to make easy, healthy packed lunches using ingredients from the farmers market. It was the first time I’ve ever done a public recipe demonstration, and it was lots of fun! Well, to be honest I could talk about healthy foods and cooking all day long, so it wasn’t a stretch for me. 😉

A recipe demonstation at the Metuchen Farmers Market, photographed by NJ photographer Kyo Morishima

During the demo, I showed how to put together three menus:

A Sandwich-Based Lunch

  • Roasted Red Peppers, Olive Tapenade, Cucumber, and Goat Cheese Spread Sandwich
  • Pesto Quinoa Salad
  • Insalata Caprese
Roasted red pepper, tapenade, and goat cheese sandwich with quinoa saland and insalata caprese, photographed by Kyo Morishima
An Asian-Style Lunch
  • Minced Veggie Meatballs
  • Soy-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
  • Cucumber-Carrot Sushi Rolls
Minced veggie meatball lunch with soy-glazed sweet potato and cucumber carrot sushi rolls, photographed by Kyo Morishima
An After-School or After-Work Snack
  • Crudites with Roasted Beet Dip
  • Sliced Fruit with Chocolate Fondue
Crudites with roasted beet dip, photographed by Kyo Morishima
Apple slices with chocolate fondue, photographed by Kyo Morishima
The real acid test for these recipes were the pint-sized recipe testers. I always believe that kids will eat more sophisticated fare than you would think, as long as you present it in a spirit of fun. Here’s a fan of the roasted beet dip:
Tasting roasted beet dip at the Metuchen Farmers Market, photographed by Kyo Morishima
Of course, some of the audience had to mix their taste-testing with a little aerobic exercise. Smart!
Kids playing at the Metuchen Farmers Market, photographed by Kyo Morishima.
If you are interested in the recipes for any of these dishes, as well as my “top ten tips for making quick and healthy lunches,” download my Lunchbox Recipes Handout.
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