Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Chicken Noodle Soup


Today we served chicken noodle soup. We offered a minestrone soup as a vegetarian option.
Bacci rolls are a sought after item at lunch time, and most children would eat ten if they were allowed.
A crusty on the outside and soft on the inside warm roll is hard to pass up.
Salad bar was absolutely devoured today.

Just a great day today. As I read all of the nice notes the students wrote the lunch ladies, I am reminded of how fun my job is. Truly it is hard work, but when a student wishes he could bring us with him to high school, thats when I know I have done something right.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Beef and bean burrito

Today we served beef and bean burrito for the first time. They look identical to our regular bean and cheese burrito so I did not
bother with a picture. The reason that we strayed from our regular bean and cheese burrito is we wanted to liven things up a bit and try something different.

I am always asked by students, "why can't we have meat and cheese together." So I would like to explain to those parents and students who do not know about kosher rules and how they apply to the lunch program.

So the most important kosher rule in the lunch program is no pork, or shellfish. There are other things to avoid but pork and shellfish are really the only things that I would come into contact with.

The next kosher rule and the most confusing to students is no meat and dairy products served on the same plate.

We realize that most students at McGillis do not eat a kosher diet, but we really believe that it is important to serve lunch in a way that is accessible to all. We accommodate students with allergies to nuts and dairy, even gluten. Myself and one other lunch employee consider ourselves vegetarian. There are at least four vegetarian students at McGillis. So options are available daily.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011


Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich were the entrees today.
Very popular lunch.
This morning we came in early to prepare food for all of the students that
came to our "cool school" so early.
For breakfast we served pumpkin chocolate chip bread, bagels and vegetarian sausage egg and cheese muffins.
Juice and milk were served as well.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Chicken Tenders and lemony smashed potatoes


Today we served chicken tenders. These are very lightly breaded chicken breast pieces.
On the side we served lemony smashed potatoes. Klondike rose potatoes are steamed first and then smashed, lemon zest and a bit of olive oil is added.

We served oranges, apples and bananas on the fruit bar.
The salad bar had a roasted veggie pasta salad today.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

quesadillas and the big surprise

Today we served quesadillas. There was the option of a veggie (roasted zucchini, mushrooms and corn) quesadilla as well.
Spanish rice was served along with oranges, apples and bananas.

Lets just be honest here, the real news regarding lunch today is chocolate milk. Chocolate milk was a surprise for most of the students and they were so excited that screams of happiness were heard from the other side of the building. Chocolate milk will be served as a treat, maybe once every three months. Parents, I want you to know that I realize that chocolate milk is a high
sugar drink and most of you do not approve. I really believe that some foods if treated as a special occasion can be consumed in moderation. I promise that chocolate milk will remain a special treat and be served very infrequently.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Sloppy sloppy joes


Today we served sloppy joe sandwiches. This is not a sloppy joe that you open a can of sauce and stir in ground beef.
This recipe is home made and full of veggies. Diced onions, celery, bell peppers and tomatoes are added.
Emeril Lagasse featured this on his cooking show. I have omitted some of the heat that he adds to all of his dishes.
Very popular lunch. Low fat cottage cheese was offered on the salad bar today and wow it was popular.