Perfect Lunch Pairings with Tea Time

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Summer is wrapping up, but my little one isn’t returning to school until September. She’s been at home during the day, as well as my hubby, so I’ve actually had to pull out the pots and pans and cook lunch. It’s easy to get stuck in a lunch rut, and I am always on the lookout for quick new lunch ideas. As a mom of multiples, I find today’s perfect lunch pairings versatile for adults, kids, and toddlers. Enjoy a little tea time with Lemon Basil Iced Tea, Tomato Basil Soup, and a Simple Chicken Burger. All my kids (including the triplets) like the soup, and I can serve the chicken burger cut up in pieces to the kids.

I like to chill my tea in the refrigerator for a bit before eating, so I always make it first. It’s also a good idea to make the tea first so that you have something delicious to sip on while you cook. Just sayin’.

Lemon Basil Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 Lipton Natural Energy Tea Bags
• Half a lemon
• A few basil leaves

Boil the water in a small pot. After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and place two Lipton Natural Energy Tea Bags in the water. Steep for five minutes. Remove the tea bags from the water. TIP: Squeeze the tea bags when removing them to get every last drop of Natural Energy goodness! Pour the tea into a large glass. I purchase the Lipton Natural Energy Tea Bags in the tea aisle at Walmart.

Squeeze the juice from half of a small lemon into the water. Add the basil leaves. Place the glass into the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Remove the glass from the refrigerator and take out the basil leaves. Fill a separate glass with ice cubes and top with tea. Enjoy!

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• Knorr Tomato with Chicken Flavor Bouillon Cubes
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup basil leaves
• 3/4 cups milk
• Canned crushed tomatoes (large can- 1 lb. 12 ounces)

So I have to admit, I got a little excited when I saw the Knorr Tomato Bouillon with Chicken Flavor Cubes at Walmart. I’ve only ever noticed beef or vegetable ones at the grocery store. I can see myself using these Tomato Bouillon Cubes for making a tasty tomato broth for many recipes!

If you’re searching for these, know that I didn’t find them in the soup aisle at Walmart. They were located in the rice and pasta aisle.

As for the recipe, prepare 2 of the bouillon cubes as directed on the box. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, dice basil leaves.

Reduce heat to medium and stir in milk, basil, and cream cheese. Stir with a whisk until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, and then serve.

Simple Chicken Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Ground Chicken
• 1/4 cup Hellman’s Mayo with Olive Oil
• Burger Seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs (these may be optional, but chicken burgers are moist and fall apart easily. The bread crumbs will help hold them together if this is an issue.)

Mix the ground chicken, bread crumbs, and Hellman’s Mayo with Olive Oil in a large bowl. Psst…Hellman’s with Olive Oil is my favorite mayo. I don’t use any other kind any more! Find it at Walmart on the condiments aisle.

Add the seasoning as instructed in your particular seasoning choice. Shape the mixture into patties. For one pound, I was able to make 4-5 patties. Now cook them up! A grill is preferable, but you could also cook them in a skillet.

I was able to make this entire meal while watching the kids (they were playing in the adjacent living room), and we had a great family lunch. With just a few perfect lunch pairings, we enjoyed a meal that removed us out of our lunch rut and had soup leftovers for the next day.