Recipe: Tuna Melt Sandwich

Since it was pretty much an overcast day, we decided that today's lesson will be devoted to home economics / food prep / cooking :) That's the beauty of homeschooling, especially for this particular age...we can be flexible as we want to be, play as much as we want while incorporating lessons - life lessons in the every day living :)

Lucky that my daughter was really interested to help out in the kitchen. Well, it makes it so much easier when she has her own kiddie-sized apron, her "own" tools (borrowed from mommy)..you get the idea! 

We started by making sure our hands and tools were clean. Of course to a 2-year old, this needs to be emphasized all the time while preparing, cooking and serving. She was very attentive the first 15-20 minutes when I was explaining what the tools/utensils are for, what ingredients we will use and who we will be making these sandwiches for. 

Glad she was still on standby mode by the time I finished chopping the celery and onions - she was still able to mix everything together..yay! :) After which she proceeded to do her own "cooking project". 

Things hopefully she learned/absorbed/taken an interest in today:

• Cleanliness - before, during, after..of ourselves, our counter, our food
• Proper handling of utensils - demonstrated and explained how to open cans, use knife and that she has to ask us for assistance in the meantime
• Measurement - that we can control for taste and nutritional value if we measure our ingredients. She was in charge of adding and mixing in the mayonnaise
• Healthy food choices - that we can make healthy and yummy snacks...and not always look to opening a pack of eggnogs!
• General awareness - I don't know how this should be classified but basically I hope this activity makes her a little more knowledgeable about kitchen / pantry items. That a tomato is called a kamatis, etc.
• Fun fact - I was about to explain what the green leafy stalk was until she yelled, "Mommy, that's the celery crunch ni Jesse Bear"...hmmm good job on our BFIAR Before Five in a Row readings *thumbs up!*

Okay so I guess some of you came here for the recipe. I won't say it's the best but it was really delicious!! :) I was originally looking at around 3 different recipes online but when it came to it, we just improvised as we went along hehe :)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cans of (6 oz) Tuna in Brine - we like to use Century Tuna
• 1 jar (470 ml) Lady's Choice Mayonnaise
• 2 celery stalks chopped finely (or more depending on your preference)
• 1/2 onion chopped finely (or more depending on your preference)
• 2 hard boiled eggs chopped finely
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Loaf of bread
• Cheese slices - we used Quez-o, but you can use the Quickmelt variant
• Butter
• Optional: tomato slices, cucumber or lettuce

PROCEDURE

To make the sandwich spread

• Drain the tuna, set aside
• Add the mayonaise, chopped celery, chopped onion, eggs. Mix thoroughly
• Season with salt & pepper to taste
• Put in a jar / canister and refrigerate before use

To assemble the sandwich

• Spread a thin layer of butter on slices of bread and toast for 5-7 minutes
• Heat a skillet on low fire, scoop tuna spread ala patty and top with cheese. Let it "toast or cook" for a few minutes or until the cheese melts
• Get the bread slices from the oven and top with the "tuna spread patty" and finish with the other slice of bread
• P.S. You can add tomato slices, cucumber or even lettuce as desired

There you have it! I hope you enjoy your Tuna Melt Sandwich! Tasty, delish and really easy to make! :)