Peanuts Power Up CULINARY EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL BREAKFASTS BY VALERIA LEA
C ulinary excellence in school nutrition means serving meals that are both nutritious and delicious while staying within budget constraints. Peanuts, a sustainable, vegetarian-friendly ingredient that provides 7 grams of protein per ounce, are a versatile and affordable way to elevate school breakfast menus. Plus, proper food allergen management makes serving peanuts or any allergen possible and safer. INNOVATIVE PEANUT-BASED RECIPES FOR BREAKFAST The National Peanut Board has worked alongside school nutrition professionals to develop exciting, flavorful peanut-based recipes that fit seamlessly into school breakfast programs. These recipes showcase the versatility of peanuts in both sweet and savory applications: SAVORY AVOCADO TOAST WITH PEANUT SALSA MACHA: A nutritious twist on a popular favorite, featuring crunchy peanut salsa to add depth and texture. PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA BREAKFAST QUESADILLA: A kid-approved classic that combines nutritious peanut butter with naturally sweet bananas in a whole wheat tortilla. JAMAICAN PEANUT PORRIDGE WITH CARAMELIZED BANANAS: A warm, comforting dish that brings global flavors to the breakfast table. MAKING CULINARY EXCELLENCE ACHIEVABLE Many schools may not have dedicated chefs on staff, but that doesn’t mean they can’t achieve culinary excellence. Thoughtful menu planning and strategic food placement can make a significant impact on student participation and satisfaction. The National Peanut Board provides guidance on integrating peanuts into breakfast menus while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
ensures that peanut-based items are strategically placed throughout the menu, providing students with variety and consistency. OPTIMIZING SERVING LINE PRESENTATION The way food is presented in a serving line can enhance students’ perception of meals and encourage healthier choices. When incorporating peanut-based dishes, consider: COLOR AND TEXTURE: Combine vibrant fruits, whole grains, and peanut-infused dishes to create visually ap - pealing meals. PLACEMENT: Arranging menu items thoughtfully in serv - ing lines or grab-and-go carts can improve efficiency and maintain portion control. CUSTOMIZATION STATIONS: Allowing students to person - alize their meals with peanut toppings or mix-ins em - powers them to make healthy choices. LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFICIENCY
Understanding the costs of menu items is key to maintaining a sustainable school breakfast program. Utilizing back-of-
house software that integrates production records, ordering systems, and nutrition analysis can streamline budgeting and ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines. Investing time in mastering these tools can lead to long-term savings and operational efficiency. GET STARTED WITH PEANUTS IN SCHOOL BREAKFASTS The National Peanut Board is committed to supporting school nutrition professionals in achieving culinary excellence while safely managing food allergens. The Power Up with Peanuts: Making School Breakfast Epic toolkit offers valuable resources, including recipes, best practices, and implementation strategies to bring peanut-powered meals to school menus. Download your free copy today.
One essential tool in menu planning is the cycle menu. A cycle menu typically spans a set number of weeks before repeating, allowing nutrition directors to streamline food purchasing and minimize waste. A well-planned cycle menu
Valeri Lea | Contractor, National Peanut Board Valeri Lea has over 25 years of experience in the foodservice industry. Her background spans over 60 brands and product categories, leading foodservice marketing agencies, and serving in sales and marketing roles at large manufacturing companies. She is currently serving in a contractor role at NPB, responsible for foodservice business development where she provides strategic foodservice counsel and support. National Peanut Board website
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