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Kidsville Kitchen

Easy Tips for a Healthy School Year

Another school year is underway and with it comes homework, play dates, team sports and more, which can make the task of feeding your kids healthy snacks a daunting one. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can make snack time easier and more nutritious. Healthy, convenient and naturally sweet options, such as California raisins, are a great solution for snack time throughout the school year. “California raisins are an all-natural, dried-by-the-sun fruit parents can feel good about giving their kids,” says Larry Blagg, senior vice president of marketing for the California Raisin Marketing Board. “The ingredient list says it all – raisins.” Because they are 100-percent fruit with no added sugar, raisins contain zero empty calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food-a-Pedia website. In fact, a recent study presented at the Canadian Nutrition Society found that children who eat raisins as an after-school snack may prevent excessive calorie intake and may increase satiety (or feeling full) when compared to other common snacks. For naturally sweet and satisfying ways to avoid falling into a snacking rut, follow these simple tips: 1.) Don’t leave snacking to chance. Avoid unhealthy snacks by preparing nutritious options ahead of time. Try a no-fuss option like a hearty trail or snack mix and add California raisins for sweetness without the sugar. 2.) Make grab-and-go snacks. Make snacks that are portable. On busy days, having go-to snacks that travel well in backpacks, lunch boxes, your purse or car will save time and satisfy hungry tummies. 3.) Involve the kids. Create healthy habits by involving kids in snack preparation. When kids are engaged in creating their own snacks, parents can make valuable connections between food choices and nutrition. Choose fun and simple recipes kids can make on their own or with little help. 4.) Don’t forget the fun. Remind kids that snacking healthy can be creative and fun. Introduce them to the rainbow of colors, shapes and tastes included in a healthy diet. 5.) Remind kids: healthy is tasty. It really is possible to make healthy snacks kids won’t trade at recess. Prepare wholesome snacks, like this chewy and delicious Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix, made with naturally sweet California raisins. For more information about California raisins and more great recipes, please visit www.loveyourraisins.com and sign up for a California Raisins snack pack on the California raisins Facebook page at facebook.com/californiaraisins. Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Cool time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 cups 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup honey 2 tablespoons almond butter 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 1/2 cups brown crispy rice cereal 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup rolled gluten-free oats 2 cups California raisins 1/2 cup California golden raisins Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add honey, almond butter and cinnamon and bring to full boil. Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cereal, almonds and oats. Spread 1-inch thick on baking sheet and then separate into 1-inch clusters. Let cool completely; then sprinkle in raisins. Store in an airtight container. Note: For crunchy clusters, spread cooked mixture 1-inch thick on a prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir to form clusters and let cool completely. Sprinkle in raisins.

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Kidsville Kitchen

5 Quick, Affordable Dinner Ideas

Many families face hectic schedules and tight budgets. A few quick meal solutions can help you spend less at the store and enjoy more time with your family on weeknights. Comforting and convenient, a store-bought rotisserie chicken — with a few other additions — can help you create a complete meal for the family in 30 minutes or less. However, quality is important. Theo Weening, global meat buyer for Whole Foods Market, believes that the best-tasting meat comes from chickens raised the old-fashioned way. “Preparing great-tasting meat starts long before you bring it home from the store. It starts on the farm,” Weening said. “Check the label and opt for chicken that was raised the way nature intended — on a vegetarian diet with no added growth hormones and no antibiotics ever.” For example, the rotisserie chickens at Whole Foods Market come from farms that have been certified to the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating System, so consumers can know exactly how the animal was raised. While rotisserie chicken on its own is a delicious, easy go-to meal any night of the week, don’t forget to shake things up. Try these simple ideas: • Shredded in tacos or quesadillas: Quick and simple, chicken will be the star of this easily portable meal. • Cubed in a cooked grain salad: Step up a side dish and make it an entrée. Add chicken to whole grains, like brown rice or barley, for a filling meal. • Added to rice and steamed veggies: Turn this plain dish up a notch with protein. Pair with your favorite sauce or dressing for extra flavor. • Added to pesto pasta: Mix whole wheat pasta with pesto, chopped tomatoes and chicken for a well-rounded dinner. • Kabobs: Easy to assemble with fresh or pre-cooked veggies, chicken kabobs make a nice addition to your tried-and-true menu. Want some inspiration? Try this recipe for Easy Chicken Burritos. Ingredients • 2 teaspoons canola oil • 1 small onion, diced • 1 cup frozen corn kernels • 2 cups shredded (about 7 ounces) roasted or rotisserie chicken meat • 1½ cups cooked brown rice • 1 cup salsa • 6 tablespoons sour cream • 6 large whole wheat tortillas, heated • 3 cups baby spinach leaves Directions Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and corn (no need to thaw it) and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn begins to brown, about eight minutes. Add chicken and rice, and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in salsa and sour cream. Line tortillas with spinach leaves and spoon about 2/3 cup chicken mixture down the middle of each. Fold in top and bottom and roll up. More time saving tips and recipes can be found at WholeFoodsMarket.com/recipes. Having plenty of dinner tricks up your sleeve can make weeknights simple.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Hosting a kid-friendly dinner party

Children do not often attend dinner parties. Adults with children typically leave the kids with a babysitter when attending a dinner party with colleagues or friends. But some hosts choose to make their dinner parties kid-friendly. This approach can make things easier on guests, who won’t have to go to the trouble or expense of hiring a babysitter for the night. It also can make things easier on hosts with children of their own and who don’t want to add finding a sitter to their list of things to do in the days leading up to the party. Kids can add some life to a dinner party, but hosts may want to employ a few strategies to ensure their kid-friendly dinner parties are enjoyable for adults and children alike. * Feed the kids first. Kids can’t ignore their appetites as long as their adult counterparts, so make sure dinner for the kids is served once all of them have arrived. Choose kid-friendly fare like pizza or macaroni and cheese so kids are more likely to eat and not complain of hunger later in the evening. Feeding the kids first also makes it easier for adults to enjoy uninterrupted conversation when it’s their turn to sit down and eat. * Keep the kids entertained. Whether it’s a movie, a board game or another distraction, finding something to keep the kids entertained throughout the night should be a priority for hosts. A selection of movies that kids can choose from might be your best bet, as films that are between 90 and 120 minutes long can keep youngsters occupied for much of the night. Let kids watch their movies in a playroom that’s separate from where adult guests will be gathering prior to dinner, and periodically check in on the kids as the night progresses. Provide some snacks like popcorn or even some candy to create a night at the movies atmosphere for kids. * Remind kids to be gracious hosts. When choosing activities for kids, remind your own children that it’s their responsibility to be gracious hosts, even if that means playing games they aren’t interested in or watching movies they have already seen. Let youngsters know in advance that if they fulfill their responsibilities as hosts they can choose how to spend the following day or weekend. * Choose an adult entree that’s simple to prepare. No matter how well behaved kids may be before and during a dinner party, hosts should not add to their already considerable workload by preparing an especially complicated meal for their adult guests. Keep things simple, especially if you are preparing a separate meal for the kids. Much of the stress of hosting a dinner party comes with preparing the meal, and that may only prove more stressful if you are preparing two meals while simultaneously catering to the needs of your youngest guests. * Consider hiring a babysitter. Sometimes hiring a babysitter makes sense even when mom and dad are home. A babysitter can look after the kids while the parents are elsewhere in the home enjoying a good meal and great company. Adults attending the party with their children can split the cost of a babysitter, even if he or she charges extra to look after several kids at once. Hosting a kid-friendly dinner party can make for a memorable night for parents and their children. Hosts can make the night even better by employing several strategies to make the party feel like a more traditional affair, even if the kids are in the next room.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Quick, Affordable Dinner Ideas

Many families face hectic schedules and tight budgets, especially when kids go back to school. A few quick meal solutions can help you spend less at the store and enjoy more time with your family this school year. Comforting and convenient, a store-bought rotisserie chicken — with a few other additions –— can help you create a complete meal for the family in 30 minutes or less. However, quality is important. Theo Weening, global meat buyer for Whole Foods Market, believes that the best-tasting meat comes from chickens raised the old-fashioned way. “Preparing great-tasting meat starts long before you bring it home from the store. It starts on the farm,” Weening said. “Check the label and opt for chicken that was raised the way nature intended — on a vegetarian diet with no added growth hormones and no antibiotics ever.” For example, the rotisserie chickens at Whole Foods Market come from farms that have been certified to the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating System, so consumers can know exactly how the animal was raised. While rotisserie chicken on its own is a delicious, easy go-to meal any night of the week, don’t forget to shake things up. Try these simple ideas: • Shredded in tacos or quesadillas: Quick and simple, chicken will be the star of this easily portable meal. • Cubed in a cooked grain salad: Step up a side dish and make it an entrée. Add chicken to whole grains, like brown rice or barley, for a filling meal. • Added to rice and steamed veggies: Turn this plain dish up a notch with protein. Pair with your favorite sauce or dressing for extra flavor. • Added to pesto pasta: Mix whole wheat pasta with pesto, chopped tomatoes and chicken for a well-rounded dinner. • Kabobs: Easy to assemble with fresh or pre-cooked veggies, chicken kabobs make a nice addition to your tried-and-true menu. Chicken Burritos Ingredients • 2 teaspoons canola oil • 1 small onion, diced • 1 cup frozen corn kernels • 2 cups shredded (about 7 ounces) roasted or rotisserie chicken meat • 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice • 1 cup salsa • 6 tablespoons sour cream • 6 large whole wheat tortillas, heated • 3 cups baby spinach leaves Directions Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and corn (no need to thaw it) and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn begins to brown, about eight minutes. Add chicken and rice, and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in salsa and sour cream. Line tortillas with spinach leaves and spoon about 2/3 cup chicken mixture down the middle of each. Fold in top and bottom and roll up. More time-saving tips and recipes can be found at WholeFoodsMarket.com/recipes. This back-to-school season, have plenty of dinner tricks up your sleeve to make weeknights simple.

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Kids

Fruit Salsa Yogurt Parfait

Classroom Success Begins with Breakfast Nutritious dairy foods give kids an essential boost Dairy and breakfast go hand in hand. With so many types of milk, cheeses and yogurts available, it’s easy to find breakfast combinations that set the curve for success as the kids head back to school this fall. Children who eat a morning meal perform better in the classroom and have better overall nutrition. Research shows that kids who eat breakfast have better memory, attention and behavior, and score higher on tests. In addition to the wide variety of dairy foods that make school-day breakfasts easy, dairy also gets an A+ for nutritional and economic value. Dairy delivers a unique package of nine essential nutrients in a variety of tasty and affordable options. For example, one 8-ounce glass of milk delivers calcium, potassium and vitamin D and costs only about 25 cents. Recognizing the important role breakfast and dairy foods play for school children and their success in the classroom, dairy farmers and milk processors nationwide have organized the Great American Milk Drive, a Feeding America program to deliver gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most. To donate, text “Milk” to 27722 or visit milklife.com/give. Meanwhile, to boost breakfast success for your family this school year, consider these tips: • Keep breakfast foods on hand, such as ready-to-eat cereals, yogurts, white and flavored milks and fruit. • Build a breakfast burrito bar. Prepare toppings such as shredded cheese, diced ham, tomatoes and olives the night before. In the morning, just scramble eggs, warm tortillas and fill with your favorite toppings. • Save money on dairy foods by buying milk by the gallon, cheese in block form and shredding it yourself and plain, low-fat yogurt by the quart and stirring in your own flavorings, such as honey or fresh fruit. • Whip up a yogurt smoothie or build a yogurt parfait, such as this recipe for a Fruit Salsa Yogurt Parfait provided by the Midwest Dairy Council. Or, bring more smiles to the table with the Fruity Splash Smoothie. Find more kid-friendly breakfast nutrition tips and recipes www.DairyMakesSense.com. Fruit Salsa Yogurt Parfait Servings: 8 Prep time: 15 minutes 1 can (15 ounces) peach slices in juice 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice 2 peeled and chopped kiwis 1 cup chopped strawberries 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 carton (32 ounces) non-fat vanilla yogurt Drain peach slices, discarding juice. Drain pineapple chunks, reserving juice. Chop peaches and pineapple. Toss peaches, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, brown sugar, spices and reserved pineapple juice in medium bowl. Layer 1/2 cup yogurt with 6 tablespoons of fruit salsa in each of eight parfait glasses or dessert dishes. Serve immediately.

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Kidsville Kitchen

On-the-Go Yummy Eats

Healthy and filling ways to snack Hectic mornings, busy schedules and afternoon snack cravings can make it difficult to eat foods that are tasty, healthy and satisfying. Instead of grabbing a bag of packaged cookies or vending machine chips, have a healthy alternative available for you and your family that’s delicious and satisfying. “Better food options keep energy levels high in-between meals,” said Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “By planning ahead with healthy snacks or mini meals, you’ll have great choices available, even with a chaotic schedule.” Try these tips from Wilton for healthier, tasty treats: • Think Greek. With more protein and richness than other yogurt varieties, Greek yogurt can be used in many different ways. Try it in fruit dips or as an alternative for mayo or sour cream. You can even substitute it for some of the butter in baking recipes to reduce calories and fat. • Make it fun. Let kids get creative by using cookie cutters on low-fat cheese slices and whole grain bread or tortillas to build their own snacks. Or, have them make funny faces using natural peanut butter, raisins and fruit, like sliced bananas, apples or pears. • Sneak in veggies. Bakers are using veggies more than ever before in new, inspirational baked treats. Many vegetables have a natural sweetness, so your family won’t taste the difference during snack time. Try sweet potato cupcakes or carrot and zucchini cookies. Make this recipe for Squash and Banana Mini Muffins for a quick and healthy snack that’s delicious whether after school or while at work. For more healthy recipes ideas, baking tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com. Squash and Banana Mini Muffins Makes about 48 mini muffins 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup quick oats (uncooked) 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 1/4 cups thawed frozen pureed winter squash 3/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar 3/4 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas) 1 egg 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 cup dried cranberries Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare mini muffin pan with vegetable pan spray. In large bowl, stir together flour, oats, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. In medium bowl, whisk together squash, sugar, banana, egg and oil. Make a well in center of flour mixture; whisk in squash mixture until just combined. Stir in cranberries. Fill cavities 2/3 full with batter. Bake 12-14 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Antipasto Bean Salad

Now that winter is behind us and schedules are beginning to fill up, the best kind of weeknight meal is a quick, easy and delicious one. In about 15 minutes, Antipasto Bean Salad can be on the table, or ready for toting to the office potluck or a neighborhood picnic. Starring classic antipasto ingredients, this main dish pasta salad doesn’t require cooking, except for the pasta. While the pasta is boiling, there’s time to prep the other ingredients. Start with high-quality prepared foods that can be purchased at the supermarket. No gourmet food shopping necessary, but the finished salad will be reminiscent of one from a specialty deli or food shop. Begin with a can of READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad. This combination of green, wax and kidney beans, with chickpeas making the fourth bean, is the base for the salad. The beans, along with jarred roasted peppers, canned artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and strips of salami, make a great-tasting Italian-inspired meal. For the simple dressing, add olive oil, fresh garlic and herbs to some of the reserved liquid from the bean salad, then toss with the pasta and bean mixture. Serve it at room temperature or chilled — this dish is destined to become a favorite go-to recipe. For other delicious recipes made with READ Salads, visit www.READSalads.com. Antipasto Bean Salad Preparation Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 1 can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad 1/4 cup thin strips roasted red bell peppers 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese pieces (about 1/2-inch pieces) 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (canned or frozen; thaw if frozen) 1/4 cup thin strips salami or pepperoni 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Dressing: 1/4 cup reserved bean liquid 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, optional Drain bean salad; reserve 1/4 cup liquid. For dressing, combine reserved bean salad liquid, oil and garlic; whisk until combined. Add fresh herbs, if desired. In large bowl, toss together drained bean salad, roasted bell peppers, cheese, artichoke hearts, salami and fresh basil. Toss with dressing. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Note: Parsley, basil, thyme or other favorite herbs can be used. Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 8 g protein; 16 g carbohydrate; 16 g fat; 870 mg sodium; 25 mg cholesterol; 3 g dietary fiber; 1 mg iron; 0 mg thiamin; 1010 IU vitamin A; 21 mg vitamin C.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Pizza

Pizza is one of America’s favorite foods, as it is easy to prepare and fun to share. Families are often looking for ways to enjoy this tasty dish and still feel good about staying on track with enjoyable, mindful eating. With the help of the Nestlé Pizza Portion Guide, you can feel even better about serving this family favorite. “It’s all about how much you eat and what else you eat with it,” says registered dietitian Lisa R. Young, Ph.D., R.D., author of “The Portion Teller Plan.” It’s easy as pizza pie–While assisting in the creation of the new Pizza Portion Guide, one of Young’s goals was to help people “legalize” pizza in their mind, while helping them stay committed to a balanced diet. “One of the best ways to do this is to be mindful of portion size,” says Young. “When you learn ways to eat what you love in appropriate portions, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods (in appropriate portions) and keep your meals enjoyable and your eating plan on track.” Pizza is what’s called a mixed dish, combining several food groups such as proteins, vegetables and grains all in one slice. By pairing pizza with nutritious side dishes, such as steamed vegetables and fruit salad, you create a complete meal. For a mindful approach to enjoying pizza, Young recommends these tips: Top it your way: Select your favorite kind of pizza. Consider adding your own various vegetable toppings. Nutrition facts check: Read the nutrition facts label on packaged pizza you prepare at home (shown per “serving size”). Show of hands: Portion size can be based on what you have eaten in a day or what you plan to eat. One fun way to determine the best portion size of pizza is to picture your hand as a pizza slice. Plan to enjoy only one or two hands’ worth. A child or small woman’s hand is smaller, and so are their portions. A side of healthy, please: Fill half of your plate with a salad, steamed or roasted mixed vegetables and seasonal fruit for a complete meal. Savor your selection: Enjoy your selection knowing you are eating your favorite foods in the right amount for you. You’ll leave the table fully satisfied, but not overly full. Family pizza night Celebrate this family favorite with a pizza night. Young recommends keeping the night fun by allowing family members an active role in crafting pizza portions tailored to their tastes and needs. Mix and match the following possibilities for a fun and flavorful pizza night: Line up small bowls, each filled with different toppings to bring color and variety to pizza. For a unique choice, add pineapple, strawberries or blueberries. Add canned beans, cooked chicken, turkey or shrimp to cheese pizza for more protein. For more great pizza pairing ideas, visit www.nestleusa.com/enjoypizza.–Source: Nestlé.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Rainbow Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Fuel your active lifestyle, simple Ways to boost fitness with dairy! Many people are taking advantage of warmer temperatures and increased hours of sunlight to get fit for the fun season ahead. As they do, they’ll be looking for ways to fuel their efforts. Enter dairy, a protein powerhouse that provides numerous benefits to active individuals. More protein per ounce The perfect addition to snack or mealtime, dairy foods offer a convenient way to add the protein needed to help you achieve your fitness goals. While helping your body build and repair muscle, as well as regulate metabolism, it also keeps you satisfied longer. In fact, just one serving of milk, cheese or yogurt provides approximately 8 grams of high-quality protein, including all essential amino acids. When it comes to smart snacking, dairy really packs a protein punch. Protein-packed whey Whey protein is a high-quality protein found naturally in dairy foods, and it provides the nutrients that help promote better health. Need a helpful way to remember this beneficial nutrition source? Think “Y-M-C-Whey” when you’re looking to fuel your fitness efforts: • Y is for Yogurt: Enjoy this versatile food at any time of day. Double up on protein with Greek yogurt, which often contains twice the amount as regular yogurt. • M is for Milk: Reach for low-fat chocolate milk after exercise. The protein it provides supports healthy muscles, and the carbohydrates help refuel you with energy. • C is for Cheese: Grab a slice, wedge or stick when you need something to tide you over between meals. The protein in cheese can curb hunger, which makes it a great tool for weight management. • W is for Whey: Add whey protein powder to your post-workout smoothie or cereal, which can help build and maintain lean muscle. It’s simple to power your fitness goals —whatever they may be — with dairy. Find more nutrition information and recipes to power up at www.dairymakessense.com. Rainbow Fruit & Cheese Kabobs Servings: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes 6 straws (8-inches or longer) 6 ounces Monterey cheese, cut into 18 cubes 1/2 cup strawberry halves 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup pineapple, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into 6 pieces 1/4 cup blueberries 6 purple grapes To make a rainbow for each kabob, thread onto a straw a piece of cheese, a strawberry halve, a cantaloupe cube, a pineapple cube, another piece of cheese, a piece of kiwi, 2 blueberries, a grape and another piece of cheese. Repeat pattern with remaining straws. Nutritional information per serving: 135 calories; 9 g fat; 7 g protein; 8 g carbohydrates; 1 g dietary fiber; 25 mg cholesterol; 135 mg sodium; calcium 22 percent of daily value.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Little-Known Food Facts Revealed!

What can a camel teach you about grilled cheese? Camels like the Sahara desert because it is dry. Grilled cheese sandwiches also like a hot and dry environment — the pan. Put the butter or oil on the outside of the bread, not in the pan.Become a food adventurerThe best cooks, hosts and shoppers have a well-rounded approach to the culinary world, including a wealth of helpful tips at their foodie fingertips. To show others how best to navigate their kitchens and grocery stores to create the most delicious and freshest dishes, food adventurer Marcy Smothers wrote her unique, fun-filled book SNACKS: Adventures in Food, Aisle by Aisle. While taking the reader on a journey through each grocery store aisle, culinary insights are served in fun, small bites. Here are a few of Smothers’quirky, fun facts you can use in your own food adventures:  Is your spinach a sunbather? Do you always grab the bag in the back to get the freshest one? That’s okay for salad greens, but not spinach. USDA research has shown that spinach packed in clear plastic containers and continuously exposed to supermarket lights maintains photosynthesis. The best bet for nutrition is the bag basking in the front.  Why should you listen to your knives? Not sure if it’s time to sharpen your knife? Listen to it. Carefully ping the blade. If you hear a high-pitched tone, the blade is still sharp. If you hear a dull tone, it’s time to sharpen the knife.  Should you blow-dry your chicken? The secret to a crispy chicken skin is starting with dry skin. The skin of a chicken is fifty percent water. Use a blow dryer on the no heat setting to draw out the moisture, and then roast the chicken in the oven. The book also includes original recipes, such as this one for Soupwiches, which combines the creaminess of tomato soup and grilled cheese in the same easy-to-enjoy sandwich. For more information, visit www.snacksthebook.com.SoupwichesServings: 4 as main course or 12 as an hors d’oeuvre1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature1/4 cup Campbell’s Tomato Soup, condensed (right from the can)1 tablespoon onion or shallot, minced2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded8 slices bread (English muffin bread, if available)Olive oil Mix the butter, soup, onion and cheese. Spread equal amounts of tomato soupcheese butter on four slices of bread. Top with the other bread slices. Press on the Soupwiches to seal. Using a pastry brush, lightly paint the outside of the Soupwiches on both sides with olive oil. Alternately, you can use soft or melted butter. Heat heavy or nonstick skillet on medium-high. When it is hot, add Soupwich. Squish and flip a few times until browned on both sides. (You can cook two at a time if your pan is big enough and you can manage twice the squishing and flipping.) Cool the Soupwiches for a few minutes. Slice in half, plate them and serve. If you are serving the Soupwiches as an hors d’oeuvre, remove the crusts and cut into fours on the diagonal. Still want soup? Go ahead and make the rest of it. Be sure to fill the can 3/4 full with water, not all the way to the top.

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