Taste test: Toasted Cheese with Trees

A few weeks ago, Winter Hill Community Innovation School fourth grade students had the opportunity to taste test a modification of a popular menu item during their lunch period. Leslie Schmille, Framingham State University Dietetic Intern, invited students to sample Toasted Cheese with Trees, a grilled cheese sandwich with roasted broccoli.

Grilled cheese with roasted broccoli

Thirty-five students participated in the taste test as well as several staff members. Overall, the sandwich was well received by students with 77% voting that they ‘liked’ the sandwich. Several students enthusiastically replied “Yes!” when asked if they would like to see the sandwich on the school lunch menu. Students stated they love the taste of broccoli and cheese together.

Adding broccoli to the sandwich provides additional key nutrients for students, such as vitamin A and C as well as fiber. It also is a benefit to the department because it creates a complete menu item for a reimbursable school lunch meal, a win-win!

Content and images provided by Leslie Schmille, Framingham State University Dietetic Intern

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