Last Bite the
with Chef Sharon Schaefer
DIP IT. DUNK IT. SOAK IT. BLEND IT.
Written by a Mom? Yes. Something for Everyone? Also Yes.
Let dairy be the best thing that happened to you this summer.
Let’s Eat!
SUPER FUN IDEA ALERT!! Char-KID-erie Boards! These are not your typical meat and cheese grazing boards, these are eye- catching, tasty, and KID APPROVED! Sure, some cheese and crackers have their place here, but we can include so many other treats that the kiddos will love. Here are some ideas: popcorn (there are so many flavors!), yogurt covered pretzels, miniature chocolates, animal crackers, marshmallows (you’d be surprised of all the flavors there are!), goldfish, veggie straws, fresh fruit, nuts, graham crackers, gummies, veggies (bonus if you cut them into cool shapes), etc. The possibilities are truly endless!! If you’re looking for a healthier option… might I suggest the Fruicuterie Board? It’s basically a deconstructed fruit salad but this sounds fancier, and the presentation can be as creative as you like! Perfect for the summer, especially after a trip to your favorite local farm stand. Add whipped cream or fruit dip and your poolside, beach-side, lakeside, summer days are upgraded with a healthy and super refreshing snack. Charcuterie, of all kinds, is a staple at any party but also perfect for movie nights, play-dates, low-key date nights, a mid-day treat or picnic with the kids. They can be as basic or as indulgent as you like. Remember, there is always a reason to celebrate! Cheers!!
If you hear CELEBRATE and you immediately think of food and drink…then you are my people! Food is always the nucleus of any gathering so I would like to take this time to celebrate the quintessential party food: CHARCUTERIE! Ok, let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room…how do you pronounce it?!? No need to stress, I’ve got your back! Here it goes: Shar-koo-tuh-ree You’ve got it, nicely done! Now let’s get back to the food, shall we? Here’s a quick piece of history (also useful party trivia): Charcuterie is derived from French terms “chair” and “cuit”, which literally translates to “cooked flesh” (ICK, I know). It dates back to when we had to cure meats before refrigeration. Today we use the term “charcuterie” to refer to a delicious arrangement of yummy goodies. Traditionally, charcuterie consists of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, crackers, and breads. Boy, have we come a long way!! Nowadays you can get beyond boujee with it! I’m talking fruit infused ketchups, relishes, artisanal baked goods, candied nuts, bacon jam, truffles, black garlic, and any flavor aioli your imagination can muster (oh yea, mustards too)!
Celebrate National Dairy Month by not taking a vacation from healthful, nutrient dense foods. Dairy can save the summer by coming to the table with key nutrients, menu versatility, and overall healthfulness. Milk alone contains 13 essential nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and more. June is National Dairy Month and the perfect time to explore the benefits of making milk a summer staple! Milk is great for hydration and athletic recovery. On top of essential nutrients,milk is also 87-90% water! Just when hydration felt like it was getting boring, a glass of ice cold milk comes to the table! Dairy also contains the electrolytes potassium and sodium which are needed to restore loss from sweat. Read more here: https:// www.usdairy.com/news-articles/did-you- know-milk-is-90-percent-water-plus- protein-and-so-much-more Plan 3 servings of dairy everyday. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all high quality and student approved choices. School meals have always included fluid milk but
making sure to hit the three-a-day goal has students ready to play. Add yogurt, and cheese to the menu in these fun ways!!! Dip it: Adding fresh or dried herbs.These can transform plain yogurt into a savory dip for veggie sticks. Add some pineapple juice and a touch of cinnamon for a great fruit dip…never waste that pineapple juice again! Dunk It: Snack time is fun again with cold milk, cartons OPENED WIDE and a cookie, scone or graham snack to dunk! Soak it: Reuse leftover bread by making sweet or savory bread pudding. Top combos? • Everything bagel Breakfast Strata (soak everything bagels in milk, egg, shredded cheese overnight. Bake at 350 until it reaches 165 degrees.) • Cinnamon Roll French Toast bake (soak yesterday’s cinnamon rolls in milk, and eggs overnight. Bake at 350 until it reaches 165 degrees.) Blend it: Smoothies have never ending possibilities and they can be frozen too! Try your favorite smoothie as a pop. Pour smoothie into cup, add popsicle stick and freeze. Great item to help students CHILL OUT over summer break! *Chef Sharon Schaefer works with Midwest Dairy Council to help promote dairy ideas and innovation for K12.
30
Resident Chef, NxtGen Network; Owner of Evolution of a Lunch Lady, LLC Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Gretna Public Schools Since childhood Sharon was on a quest to make healthy food taste great! That love of all things delicious led her to The Culinary Institute of America. After completing her externship at The Food Network, Sharon discovered a world of how to share great food through media. Owner of Evolution of the Lunch Lady, LLC, and Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Gretna Public Schools, Chef Sharon Schaefer, SNS frequently takes her culinary chops and K12 experience on the road as a highly sought after Key Note Speaker and school nutrition trainer.
Hi. I’m Stacy. I ammany things, including but not limited to, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a creator, an amazing lip-syncer, an empath, and an overall good time. I have an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and I enjoy painting, photography, drinking wine, eating french fries, and crafting. I have been married for 10 years (cocktail please!!) and together we have made two amazing humans (another cocktail please!!). Our son Anthony (7) and our daughter Sloan (4) have non-stop energy and in the rare instance they are not talking they are eating all the snacks. I am typically the “go-to” person for my friends who are seeking advice, a non-judgmental ear, perspective, a good venting session, or even just a hug (I am also a master hugger). I believe that human connection is of the utmost importance and that kindness is cool.
Sharon Schaefer, SNS
Stacy Cardinale
Powered by FlippingBook