Schools and parents have been eagerly awaiting the launch of our new Summer/Autumn menus in our Primary and Secondary schools... And we are thrilled to finally announce that the menus are ready!
This year’s Summer/Autumn menu offering takes its influence from many areas including global trends, working with our suppliers on food innovations, as well as from cookery books and food trends spotted on social media.
Our Food and Menu Chef Katherine Bridge, together with the help from our Food and Menu Co-Ordinator, Lee Hodgson, are passionate ‘Foodies’ and are always on the lookout for inspiring meal ideas for our school menus. Rarely seen without at least 3 cookbooks in hand, Katherine’s commitment to developing delicious, healthy meals for pupils to enjoy never wavers.
Our Food Team also look at our existing menu ‘favourites’, reviewing either how they can enhance flavour profiles or serving these favourite dishes with different side dishes. Once our Food Team have developed both new and evolved recipes, these are shared with our in-house Nutritionists who ensure that each and every dish is healthy, nutritious and meet the School Food Standards.
Some might say this is when the fun really begins, as the dishes are then recipe tested and then trialed with students for a ‘thumbs up’!
When looking at the new Summer/Autumn menu, you’ll discover some of our dishes, which include:
Herb Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti Marinara - Available on our Primary School Menu
A chicken breast portion topped with tomatoes and sage and onion crumb, served with spaghetti in a homemade tomato sauce. The idea for this came from Chicken Milanese, a breaded chicken breast which is usually fried. We wanted to produce a similar dish that was healthier and baked rather than fried. The herb crust retains the crunch from the breadcrumb and the tomato sauce served with spaghetti helps to retain the Italian inspiration.
Mince Slice (Ve) - Available on our Primary School Menu
Vegan mince with sweet onions and carrots in a rich gravy served in crispy puff pastry case. We would challenge you to tell the difference between this dish and a traditional Mince and Onion Pie! This version is better for you and better for the environment.
Peach & Apple Burrito with Ice Cream (50% Fruit) – Available on both Primary and Secondary School Menus
Naturally sweet fruit mixed with a touch of cinnamon wrapped in a baked tortilla served warm with ice cream. Inspired by the trend for Food Fusion, we took the traditional British fruit pie and merged it with the Mexican style Burrito. We think this is a healthy and delicious version of a well-known fast-food outlet!
Moroccan Tagine (Ve) – Available on both Primary and Secondary School Menus
Colourful roasted vegetables with chickpeas in a rich Moroccan inspired tomato sauce with cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, served with couscous. A tagine is a North African stew prepared by slow cooking in a shallow earthenware cooking dish with a tall, conical lid, also called a tagine. We don’t use a fancy pot but imitate the delicious flavours using authentic spices.
Chicken Curry – Available on both Primary and Secondary School Menus
Pieces of moist chicken in a mild, aromatic tomato-based curry sauce. A new version of the ever-popular chicken curry. This was an outstanding success with the students who taste tested the dish for us. Full of flavour without too much heat.
Homemade Sausage Roll (Ve) – Available on both Primary and Secondary School Menus
Traditional flavours of sage and onion in a delicious and nutritious bean-based filling wrapped in golden puff pastry. Not just for vegan and vegetarians, this flavoursome dish has proved popular with all our students and staff alike.
Turkey Roast with Sage & Onion Stuffing & Gravy - Available on our Primary School Menu
A delicious Red Tractor Turkey Roast portion perfect served with all the trimmings for a roast dinner. Soft meat, easy to eat for anyone that may have a wobbly tooth! Delicious on its own, but even better with stuffing, roast potatoes, and gravy.
Apple & Blueberry Danish (50% Fruit) – Available on both Primary and Secondary School Menus
Apple and blueberries in a pastry spiral topped with a crunchy streusel topping. This is a colourful dessert, delicious served warm or cold, packed with fruit.
We encourage our pupils to try these new dishes and we look forward to hearing the feedback!