Preparations have begun for the start of a new school year. A new wardrobe, new supplies, perhaps even a new journey as children venture off towards college and university. Whether preparing students for campus life or another year of elementary or school thought always goes into nourishment.
A great way to feed those young minds is by packing some pasta into their school lunch. The carbohydrates found in pasta provide glucose, the crucial fuel for brains and muscles. Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow release of energy. Unlike simple sugars that offer a quick, yet fleeting boost of energy, pasta helps sustain energy. Pasta can also be paired with a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fiber-filled beans and vegetables; heart-healthy fish and vegetable oils; antioxidant-rich tomato sauce and protein-packed cheese and lean meats for nutritious and delicious meals.
Need some ideas for how to pack pasta for lunch? How about baking macaroni and cheese in muffin tins to make a bite-sized version of this kid-friendly classic that can be easily packed into a lunchbox. Another great way to enjoy pasta is in a pasta salad that can be portioned into mason jars or other reusable containers. For a unique mid-day meal try whisking leftover pasta with eggs, cheese (any other ingredients of your choosing for a filling pasta frittata. And finally, easily fill a thermos with their favorite noodles.
If on the other hand you are preparing care packages to send off with your undergrads pasta is also a great choice. Stop into Continental Noodles to pick up any one of the 50 pasta varieties we carry and partner it with our ready-made sauces that can be easily heated and enjoyed. A jar of tomato sauce will also come in handy for pizza along with some ready-made dough. In the heat and eat category we also have a variety of delicious homemade soup like minestrone loaded with hand chopped vegetables along with ready-to-bake lasagna; veal, chicken and eggplant parmigiana; and arancini. We also have bags of polpettine, 100% ground veal meatballs rolled by hand. These are great to keep on hand for pastas, soups and sandwiches.
You can confidently go back-to-school with Continental Noodles helping to feed your children’s appetites for learning.