POWER-UP LUNCHES - Back-to-school meals for new-year goals

WELCOME to our first 2026 edition, also known as Twenty Twenty See Me. 

Yep; we are owning the year and putting ourselves at the centre of it. 

Welcome back to reality-and the reality is, we are back to the grind, as if we never left. But we’re coming back energised and ready to smash those goals. 

Whether its new goals or ones we’re continuing, the smashing-goal game is on, and we are reaching for the stars.

Next week, the next reality wave will strike: it’s back to school. 

It’s been 35 days since the kids last went to school and wrapped up the 2025 school year. How has it been, parents? (Giggling)

Schools are opening, kids will be moving to the next grade. 

Children aged 5 to 6 will be starting big school this year. Jou hart, mommy!

Teen moms, where are you? Our little-but not so little-people will be starting high school. 

You don’t have to tell me about it; I am just as anxious! 

And this year’s matric class is ready to claim the Class of 2026 title. 

While most learners will be starting their new grades, some children will unfortunately be repeating a grade, and we are ready, right? 

It’s easier said than done, but repeating a grade does not mean the end of school life. 

Life happens, we learn, and we soldier on. 

How do I forget? Sterkte to the parents with children who still have not been placed at any school, please visit your nearest school and the Western Cape Education Department.

Back to school also means early mornings, breakfast and lunchboxes, and this week I’ll be sharing exciting and versatile lunchbox ideas. 

These are quick and easy to make, will not break the bank and will save you precious time in the mornings. 

There’s something tasty for every little appetite. They may be fussy, but we love them to bits!

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels (see main picture)

Makes: ±20 pinwheels

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

 1 roll ready-made puff pastry, thawed

3-4 tablespoons tomato paste or pizza sauce

1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

4-5 slices ham, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste.

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface.

Spread a thin layer of tomato paste evenly over the pastry.

Scatter over the chopped ham and then sprinkle with grated cheese and mixed herbs.

Season lightly and roll the pastry up tightly from one long side to form a log.

Slice into 2cm rounds and place cut-side up on the prepared tray.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Allow to cool before packing into lunchboxes.

Chicken and Tomato Tortilla Wrap

Prep time: 5-7 minutes

Serves: 2-3 lunchboxes

Ingredients

2 large tortillas

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

Lettuce or baby spinach

Optional: a light smear of mayonnaise or a dash of sweet chilli sauce

Method

Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.

Layer with lettuce or spinach, and then add shredded chicken.

Place thin slices of tomato evenly over the chicken.

Optional: lightly spread mayonnaise or drizzle a bit of sweet chilli sauce.

Roll the tortilla tightly, cut in half, and pack into lunchboxes.

Quick swaps (same recipe, new flavour)

No chicken? Use leftover roast beef, tuna, or polony.

Add veg: Sliced bell peppers, roasted or cherry tomatoes, or lettuce for extra colour and crunch.

Different spread: Swap mayonnaise for hummus, guacamole, or a light drizzle of sweet chilli sauce.

Cheese change: Sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for extra flavour.

Creamy Mealie Meal Porridge Reimagined

Prep time: 5 minutes prep + 10 minutes cooking

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

1 cup mealie meal (fine or medium)

4 cups water

Pinch of salt

1-2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

1-2 tablespoons butter

Optional: milk or condensed milk for extra creaminess

Optional flavour boosters: cinnamon, vanilla essence, grated coconut, or honey

Method (step-by-step, with tips)

Pre-boil your water: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. This prevents lumps.

Make a slurry: Mix ¼ cup of mealie meal with a little cold water until smooth. This helps it blend easily into the boiling water.

Add gradually: Pour the slurry into the boiling water while stirring continuously. Keep your whisk or wooden spoon moving to avoid lumps.

Cook gently: Lower the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often until it thickens.

Add butter for flavour: Stir in the butter and sugar. Add milk, condensed milk, or other flavour boosters if desired.

Serve hot: Top with a swirl of peanut butter, fresh fruit, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.

Cooking tips for perfect porridge

Always pre-mix mealie meal with cold water first - no lumps!

Stir constantly for the first few minutes after adding the slurry.

Lower heat once it thickens to avoid burning.

Taste as you go - sugar, milk, or spices can be adjusted at the end.

2-Minute Microwave Egg in a Mug

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 1-2 minutes

Serves: 1

Ingredients

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk or water

Pinch of salt and black pepper

Optional: 1 slice leftover ham or a few polony cubes

Optional: 1 small tomato, chopped

Optional: small sprinkle of grated cheese (cheddar or any leftover)

Method

Beat the eggs: Crack eggs into a microwave-safe mug. Add milk or water, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Mix in extras: Add ham/polony and tomato if using, plus a tiny bit of cheese if you have it.

Microwave: Cook on high for 45 seconds. Stir gently. Cook another 30-60 seconds until set.

Serve straight from the mug: Hot, fluffy, and ready in less than 2 minutes.

Quick swaps (same recipe, low-cost flavours)

Protein: Leftover ham, polony, viennas, or cooked chicken from a previous meal.

Veg: Tomato, onion, or a few frozen peas - anything already in the fridge.

Cheese (optional): Any leftover cheese you have - just a small sprinkle.

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, or a pinch of paprika if available.