Kids' Sandwiches With an International Flavor

Make Fun and Educational Summer Lunches for Kids by Going Global

© Theresa Bledsoe

Jun 22, 2009

Sandwiches make a great summer lunch. They're quick, easy to make and popular with kids. As it turns out, they are also a great way to introduce young children to other cultures. All that is really needed is a few spices, some imagination and the right bread.

Bread is a food staple, and different cultures have their own favorites. Just consider bagels, tortillas, baguettes and pita bread to name only a few. There's a lot that parents can teach their children about the world and its various cultures just by introducing them to different breads. Keep in mind that it isn't necessary to be completely authentic when first introducing children to new flavors and foods. While kids love new things, they often prefer to eat foods that contain familiar ingredients.

Below are a few simple sandwich ideas inspired by various regions around the globe.

English Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup fresh or frozen chopped cranberries
• 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 16 slices of bread, crusts removed if desired
• cooked chicken sliced thin (enough for 8 double sandwiches)
• 8 lettuce leaves

Directions:

1. Combine the first five ingredients and spread the mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer half the slices with chicken and lettuce.
3. Top with the remaining bread.
4. Cut into triangles or decorative shapes.

A Taste of India

Ingredients:

• Flatbread or whole wheat tortilla, warmed
• Prepared chicken salad
• grapes or raisins
• mild yellow curry powder

Directions:

1. Spread chicken salad on flatbread.
2. Add sliced grapes or raisins.
3. Sprinkle with curry powder
4. Wrap and eat.

Easy Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1/2 cup garden vegetable pasta sauce (or tomato sauce)
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl crush beans with a fork and stir in corn and pasta sauce.
3. Spread bean mixture on tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese and fold in half.
4. Arrange quesadillas on a baking sheet.
5. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool slightly.

Many simple meals around the world do not require precise measurements. The following recipe ideas are all about stuffing, drizzling and sprinkling.

Latin American Empanadas

These simple meat-stuffed pockets are easy and fun to make. Use pie crust, or puff pastry for the bread. (In a pinch, you can use a slice of regular bread and roll it out flat.) Cut the bread into circles by using a small bowl for a pattern. Place taco seasoned beef or chicken in a line down the center of the circle. Add cheese. Fold over and crimp edges. (A fork dipped in milk works well.) Bake until lightly browned.

Asian Roll-Ups

These roll-up style sandwiches traditionally have exotic ingredients, but can be adapted into a simple meal for kids. Start with a rice pancake or warm wheat tortilla. Add shredded cooked chicken. Drizzle with hoisin sauce. Add julienned snow peas and shredded carrots. Wrap.

Consider taking the kids on a field trip to an ethnic grocer where authentic breads and condiments for sandwiches can be purchased. Most large grocery stores also have ethnic food sections. Need more inspiration? Don't forget to check the internet (and your globe!) for more ideas.

Summer Lunch Ideas for Kids

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