Looking for menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Päiväkoti/Esikoulu menu ideas for Kesä (Summer).
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Päiväkoti/Esikoulu menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
Contents
In the busy rooms of preschools, beyond the pastel-colored walls and amidst the laughter and playful chatters, there lies an aspect often overlooked, yet paramount to a child’s holistic development: meal planning. At this tender age, children are not just absorbing experiences, numbers and alphabets; they are forming habits, preferences, and relationships with food that will significantly impact their lifelong health and well-being. In these formative years, the significance of intentional, nutritious, and diverse meal planning cannot be overstated. By prioritizing this essential element, educators and caregivers are not merely feeding young bodies, but also nourishing young minds, fortifying their future and setting them on a path of wellness, discovery, and a positive relationship with food. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the menu for children during Kesä (Summer) in your Päiväkoti/Esikoulu kitchen in Finland.
1. Kesäkeitto (Summer Soup): A traditional Finnish soup made with fresh seasonal vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower. It is cooked in a vegetable broth and served with a dollop of low-fat sour cream.
2. Marjapuuro (Berry Porridge): A nutritious breakfast option made with locally available berries like blueberries, lingonberries, or strawberries. The porridge is cooked with whole grain oats and served warm with a drizzle of honey.
3. Kalakeitto (Fish Soup): A light and flavorful soup made with locally caught fish like salmon or perch. It is cooked with vegetables such as leeks, carrots, and potatoes, and seasoned with dill. Served with whole grain bread.
4. Vihersalaatti (Green Salad): A refreshing salad made with a mix of seasonal greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
5. Hernekeitto (Pea Soup): A classic Finnish dish made with dried yellow peas, carrots, and onions. It is simmered until the peas are tender and served with a side of rye bread.
6. Mansikkasmoothie (Strawberry Smoothie): A delicious and healthy drink made with fresh strawberries, low-fat yogurt, and a splash of milk. Blended until smooth and served chilled.
7. Perunasalaatti (Potato Salad): A light and creamy salad made with boiled potatoes, fresh dill, and a tangy dressing of low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Mixed with chopped cucumbers and radishes.
8. Mustikkapannukakku (Blueberry Pancake): A Finnish-style pancake made with whole wheat flour and filled with fresh blueberries. Baked until golden and served with a drizzle of maple syrup.
9. Kasvispihvit (Vegetable Patties): Healthy and flavorful vegetable patties made with grated zucchini, carrots, and onions. Mixed with whole grain breadcrumbs and baked until crispy. Served with a side of yogurt dip.
10. Raparperipiirakka (Rhubarb Pie): A seasonal dessert made with locally grown rhubarb. The tart rhubarb is sweetened with a touch of sugar and baked in a buttery crust. Served warm with a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.
11. Kylmäsavulohisalaatti (Cold Smoked Salmon Salad): A light and protein-packed salad made with cold smoked salmon, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. Drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
12. Kesäkurpitsakeitto (Zucchini Soup): A creamy and nutritious soup made with fresh zucchini, onions, and vegetable broth. Blended until smooth and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
13. Puolukkapannukakku (Lingonberry Pancake): A Finnish twist on pancakes, made with lingonberries and whole grain flour. Baked until fluffy and served with a dusting of powdered sugar.
14. Porkkanalaatikko (Carrot Casserole): A comforting casserole made with grated carrots, eggs, and a touch of honey. Baked until golden and served as a side dish with roasted chicken or fish.
15. Omenahyve (Apple Crumble): A delicious dessert made with locally grown apples, cinnamon, and a crumbly oat topping. Baked until bubbly and served warm with a dollop of low-fat yogurt
Click the button above to get our planner that can be used to store menu ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
| Location | Finland |
|---|---|
| Diet | Regular |
