Providing a snack for a child’s classroom is no simple task, especially when it comes to Halloween.
The trick-or-treating itself will result in plenty of candy, so many parents hesitate to send in yet more sweets. Plus, the prevalence of food allergies means you must be especially careful about what you select, whether sweet or savory.
The best bet is something healthful, that avoids the major allergens (such as nuts) and that the kids will still get a kick out of.
These healthy Jack-o’-lantern Sandwiches are made with whole-grain bread plus low-in-fat sliced deli meat and kid-friendly American cheese to make glowing orange eyes.
Toasting the bread makes it easier to work with when you’re cutting out the eyes and mouth.
A simple spread made by combining ketchup and light mayonnaise provides a touch of sweetness kids will love, plus it helps hold the sandwiches together. If you like, you can add pickles or lettuce leaves for an optional vegetable layer.
The sandwiches are formed using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter. Other shapes also could be used.
Healthy Jack-o’-lantern Sandwiches
Preparation time is 20 minutes. Makes 16 servings.
Ingredients
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
32 slices whole-grain or pumpernickel bread, toasted
16 slices (about 1/2pound) deli ham or turkey
16 slices 2 percent milk American cheese slices
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup.
Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on one side of 16 of the slices of bread. Top each of the 16 slices with ham or turkey, then 1 slice of cheese.
Top with the remaining slices of toast.
Use a 4-inch pumpkin cookie cutter to cut each sandwich.
Remove the top slice of toast from each sandwich, then use the tip of a paring knife (or a small triangle cutter) to cut out eyes, nose and a mouth.
Place the bread back on the sandwich so the orange cheese shows through the holes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Per serving: 202 calories; 53 calories from fat; 6g fat (2g saturated; 0g trans fats); 17mg cholesterol; 27g carbohydrate; 12g protein; 3g fiber; 746mg sodium.
