Winter
Breakfast - Breakfast clubs and early-morning provision continue to be a growing part of the role of school catering teams – and may just get bigger after the election. We line up some new product, recipe and service ideas
In the UK, breakfast clubs typically open between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, offering a convenient and nutritious start to the school day. Most breakfast clubs run for 30 minutes to an hour, serving students with quick and healthy meal options before school officially begins. The primary goal of these clubs is to provide nutritious and filling options, ensuring that students are well-fed and ready to start their day.
To meet the demands of breakfast clubs, kitchen efficiency is key. When food needs to be prepared quickly and in large quantities, RATIONAL cooking systems offer the perfect solution. The iVario Pro advanced bratt pan and iCombi Pro combi steamer are advanced kitchen appliances that dramatically boost productivity while ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals.
When time is of the essence, the iVario Pro operates up to four times faster than conventional kitchen appliances, significantly improving kitchen productivity. For instance, large quantities of toast each rack can hold 8 slices that can be ready in just 3 minutes. The iCombi Pro also increases productivity by 50% and shortens cooking times by 10% compared to earlier models, effectively reducing customer waiting times during the busy breakfast rush.
Additionally, porridge can be easily prepared in the iVario Pro, with options for toppings like honey, fruit, or cinnamon. This versatility allows schools to offer a variety of hot and cold breakfast options quickly and efficiently. Aiming for health-conscious offerings, many breakfast clubs provide a range of balanced meals that include whole grains, fruits, and proteins, in line with school meal guidelines.
For bulk breakfast preparation, the iVario Pro excels at making large quantities of pancakes and waffles, all of which can be topped with fresh fruits or other nutritious ingredients. Utilising iZoneControl, operators can divide the pan base into four separate heating zones, each set to a different temperature. This innovative feature allows for the simultaneous cooking of multiple products, streamlining the breakfast service and reducing prep time.
The iCombi Pro is perfect for pastry items, such as croissants, which take around 20 minutes to bake, and mini-Danish pastries, which require 12-15 minutes. The cooking system is also equipped with iProductionManager, an intelligent feature that further enhances kitchen efficiency. This system allows operators to prepare breakfast items simultaneously, ensuring that everything is ready for service without delay. The breakfast shopping cart preset in the iProductionManager stores all the necessary cooking processes for the day’s breakfast menu. Operators can simply drag the corresponding ticket to an available rack slot, and the system automatically begins production, ensuring a consistent and fresh breakfast service every time.
RATIONAL cooking systems also contribute to healthier meal preparation. Compared to traditional cooking methods, RATIONAL systems use up to 95% less fat and reduce calorie content by up to 40%, while retaining more vitamins, minerals, flavour, and colour. This means that breakfast clubs can serve healthier meals with fewer calories, providing students with better nutritional value without compromising taste or quality.
With the support of RATIONAL cooking systems like the iVario Pro and iCombi Pro, school kitchens can prepare large quantities of healthy, balanced meals quickly and efficiently.
These advanced cooking technologies not only streamline kitchen operations but also ensure that breakfast items are cooked with less fat, fewer calories, and enhanced nutritional value, meeting both the demands of busy school mornings and the health needs of students.
