Cherry No.9®

Juicy Beefsteak®

Luscious Seedless Long English®

Nutrition

Produce

Scrumptious Mini® Cucumber

Sensational Sara®

Sinfully Sweet Campari®

Snacking

Sweet Bells®

Delicious & Nutritious: Speedy Snacks Kids Love made with Village Farms Greenhouse Grown® Tomatoes, Peppers, & Cucumbers.

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After a long day at school, kids often come home hungry and in need of a tasty, nutritious snack. Incorporating fresh, greenhouse-grown produce can turn simple snacks into delicious and healthy treats. Most Kids have full schedules and need quick nutritional fuel for after school activities. Village Farms’ tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are perfect for this task. Their crisp, sweet flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Here are four easy-to-make recipes that kids will love, and you’ll appreciate their simplicity and nutritional value. And all have an average prep time of 15 minutes or less!



Satisfying Tomato and Cucumber Sandwich – serving size 1

Nothing says Summer like a Fresh tomato and cucumber sandwich. But just because summer is coming to an end does not mean you can’t enjoy the Garden Fresh Flavor® all year long.  With Village Farms greenhouse grown varieties you have summer on a plate all year long.  This easy to prepare sandwich is a great snack packed with nutrients such as Vitamin A & C, plus Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and Protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown Luscious Seedless® Long English cucumber
  • 1 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown tomato try Delectable TOV®, Juicy Beefsteak®, Sensational Sara®, Exquisite Heirloom® or Sinfully Sweet Campari® tomatoes.  Each of these varieties are excellent slicers for sandwiches.
  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 2 tablespoons hummus
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Veggies: Wash the cucumber and tomato. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds (about 8 slices) and the whole tomato into slightly thicker slices.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a thin layer of hummus on each slice of bread. If using, sprinkle fresh dill over the hummus.
  3. Layer the Veggies: Place cucumber slices on one of the bread slices and tomato slices on the other one. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Combine and Serve: Top each slices veggie sides down to make one sandwich. Cut into quarters or fun shapes with cookie cutters for added appeal.


Healthy Stuffed Bell Pepper – serving size 2

This Healthy Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe is perfect for quick and nutritious after-school snacking for kids. The colorful Village Farms® Sweet Bell® peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and fiber. Stuffing them with protein-rich cottage cheese provides a satisfying and healthy bite, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional grated cheese adds a burst of flavor that kids will love. Easy to prepare and ready to chill in the refrigerator, this snack offers a fun, delicious, and wholesome option that fits seamlessly into busy afternoons.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown Sweet Bell® peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon grated cheese cheddar or parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pepper: Wash the Sweet Bell pepper and slice them in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes.
  2. Stuff the Pepper: Spoon cottage into each pepper half. For added flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated cheese if desired.
  3. Chill and Serve: Arrange the stuffed pepper half on a platter and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Fun Tomato and Cucumber Skewers – serving size 1

These Mini Veggie Skewers are the ultimate after-school snack, combining fun and nutrition in every bite. Picture crisp Village Farms® Scrumptious Mini® cucumbers and burstingly, (yes, burstingly!), sweet cherry tomatoes, all threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a zesty olive oil-balsamic glaze. The addition of creamy mozzarella or burrata cheese balls takes these skewers from simple to sensational. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, perfect for keeping kids engaged and excited about healthy eating. Whether served cold or grilled for a warm option, these skewers make snacking both easy and irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown Scrumptious Mini® cucumbers
  • 1 cup (about 10 tomatoes) Village Farms® greenhouse-grown Heavenly Villagio Marzano®, Cherry no. 9® or Lip Smackn’ Grape® tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella or burrata cheese balls
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Wooden skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Veggies: Wash the cucumber and tomatoes. Slice the cucumber into bite-sized rounds.
  2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating between the two.
  3. Dress the Skewers: In a small bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Brush or drizzle the mixture over the skewers. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve: Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving. These skewers can be served as is or lightly grilled for a warm option.

Zesty Pepper and Tomato Salsa with Tortilla Chips – serving size 1

This vibrant and zesty Fresh Veggie Salsa is an exciting after-school snack that kids will love. Featuring Village Farms® Sweet Bell® peppers and juicy Sensational Sara® or Sinfully Sweet Campari® tomatoes, this salsa bursts with flavor and freshness. The crisp bell pepper and tangy red onion add crunch, while a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro bring it all together with a delightful kick. Served with tortilla chips for dipping, this salsa not only satisfies snack cravings but also introduces kids to a tasty way to enjoy their veggies. It’s a fun, colorful, and healthy option that makes after-school snacking both enjoyable and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown Sweet Bell® bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 3 or 4 Village Farms® greenhouse-grown tomato Sensational Sara®(use 3) or Sinfully Sweet  Campari® (use 4) tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Veggies: Wash and dice the bell pepper and tomato. Peel and finely chop the red onion.
  2. Mix the Salsa: In a bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, tomato, and red onion. Add lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve: Serve the salsa with tortilla chips on the side. This refreshing salsa is perfect for dipping and can also be used as a topping for other dishes.

Creative and Healthy Eating Possibilities Abound!

With Village Farms’ greenhouse-grown tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, these after-school snacks are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. These recipes are designed to be simple enough for kids to help prepare, making snack time both fun and nutritious. Enjoy these fresh and easy snacks that will keep your kids satisfied and happy after a busy day!

Dinner

Juicy Beefsteak®

Lunch

Sweet Bells®

Gemista (Stuffed Tomatoes & Peppers)

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Gemista (Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers)
Yields: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 4 juicy beefsteak® tomatoes
  • 4 sweet bells® peppers
  • 2 large russet potatoes
  • Herby Rice Filling
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup rice
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or water
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups fresh soft herbs (I used parley, dill, mint), finely chopped
  • 100g feta cheese, crumbled
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • Tomato puree
  • 1 juicy beefsteak® tomato, chopped
  • ½ cup vegetable stock or water
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400˚F.
  2. Slice the tops off the tomatoes (making a note of which top belongs to each vegetable, as this will look neater when you bake them) and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and seeds, reserving any juice.
  3. Finely chop the flesh and add it back to the seeds and juice; set aside. Remove seeds and membrane from the bell peppers, rinse inside and drain.
  4. Heat a large skillet until hot, and then add ¼ cup olive oil and the onion. Reduce the heat to medium low and sauté the onions for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden.
  5. Add the garlic and rice to the pan and stir for 4-5 minutes, until the rice is well coated in the oil and starting to turn translucent. Add the chopped tomato flesh, stock/water, sugar, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Simmer, covered, for another 5-7 minutes until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid but still has a bite (the rice will continue to cook in the oven). When it’s ready, you want the filling to be juicy and not dry at all. If too much moisture has evaporated, add another few splashes of stock or water to loosen up the rice.
  7. Meanwhile, make the puree by adding the tomatoes, stock, salt, garlic and oregano to a blender or food processor; whizz until smooth.
  8. When the rice is ready, fill your tomatoes and peppers with the rice mixture. Fill it about three-quarters full, to allow the rice to expand further. Cover with their corresponding tops and place them into a tray that fits them snugly.
  9. Peel and slice the potatoes into wedges. Season the potatoes with sea salt and black pepper and place the potatoes in and around the tomatoes and peppers (this helps to keep them upright while in the oven).
  10. Carefully pour the tomato puree over everything, followed by ¾ cup of olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 45 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.
  11. Gemista can be enjoyed hot, or at room temperature, and are even better the next day.

Recipes and blog were created by Hetty McKinnon

Read – Finding Comfort in Family and Food

Dinner

Juicy Beefsteak®

Lunch

Beefsteak Tomato Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Lemon Tahini

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Beefsteak Tomato Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Lemon Tahini
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Yields: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 500g chickpeas (2 cans), drained
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 4 juicy beefsteaks® tomatoes
  • handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • Lemon tahini
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • juice of ½ lemon
  • sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400˚F.
  2. Place the chickpeas on a sheet pan and scatter with the cumin, coriander, paprika and garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper, and toss to coat the chickpeas well. Place in the hot oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning the pan halfway and shaking it to disperse the chickpeas, until golden and crispy.
  3. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes and place them, overlapping slightly, onto a large serving plate or platter.
  4. Place the tahini into a bowl and add the water. The tahini may seize and get thick, but this is normal, just keep whisking until it becomes smooth again. If it is too thick, simply add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you get the consistency of cream. Add the garlic, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Taste and, if needed, adjust with more lemon, salt or pepper.
  5. To serve, top the sliced tomatoes with the crispy chickpeas and drizzle over the lemon tahini. Season the salad with a finishing touch of salt and pepper, along with some olive oil. Top with parsley and enjoy.

Recipes and blog were created by Hetty McKinnon

Read – Finding Comfort in Family and Food

Appetizers

Juicy Beefsteak®

Lunch

beefsteak tomato, avocado, & onion carpaccio

Beefsteak Tomatoes
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beefsteak tomato, avocado, & onion carpaccio
Yields: 6 salads
 
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Village Farms juicy beefsteak® tomatoes
  • 1 cup Bacon, finely diced
  • ½ cup Red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Shallots, finely diced
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch
  • 2 cups Canola oil (for deep frying)
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Coarse sea salt, to taste
  • 3 Ripe avocados
  • ½ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • Juice of 2 limes
Instructions
  1. Bake diced bacon in a 375°F oven until crisp and golden; reserve.
  2. Heat canola oil in a deep pot in preparation to deep-fry the parsley and the shallots.
  3. Heat oil until it bubbles when you drop in a parsley leaf.
  4. Fry the parsley in a couple of small batches until crisp.
  5. Transfer to a paper towel–covered plate when done and reserve.
  6. Toss the shallots in cornstarch, taking care to shake off the excess. Fry until golden brown; transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Reserve.
  7. Purée ripe avocados in a blender with garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
  8. Salt and pepper to taste, and reserve.
  9. Slice the beefsteak tomatoes into thin disks and arrange on plates “carpaccio”-style (laid out flat).
  10. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the avocado purée over the tomatoes.
  11. Top the purée with the crisp bacon, raw onions, and fried shallots evenly. Finish by gently placing the fried parsley leaves standing up throughout the carpet of garnish as a finishing touch.
  12. Finish seasoning with sea salt and cracked pepper.