It’s that time of year when you are packing the school lunches again. At first it seems like fun, but before you know it you are hearing those dreaded words “I’m having that again?” What can you do (short of making them pack their own lunch or buy school lunch) when you are short on time and/or money? We’re going to share couple of tips and tricks to make your kids lunch the best on the block!
Sandwiches:
Cut your sandwich into fun shapes with a cookie cutter. If your child is a fan of peanut butter and jelly but you want to add a little bit of surprise, try cuttign the sandiwch into fun shapes with a cookie cutter. This also works for that child who hates the crusts!
Make a sandwich in something other than bread. Pitas or mini waffles (sandwiched with cream cheese and strawberries) make for a different protein packed lunch. Alternatively, place the sandwich fillings in a tortilla and then cut off bit sized rolls. You can also make sandwiches on mini bagels.
Different ideas for lunch:
Breakfast for Lunch!
Pack a bowl and a small container of cereal. Either pack a thermos of milk or have your child purchase milk at school. Include a small orange or banana.
Veggie tacos - deconstructed
If your child is a fan of tacos, you can put all the ingredients in a container and send them to school. Totiralla chips, beans, cheese and a container of salsa make these tacos quick and easy.
Cold spaghetti with a favorite dressing
Turn last night’s pasta into today’s easy pasta salad. Add italian dressing, some cut up vegetables and black olives to the pasta and voila!
Soft pretzels
Make some soft pretzels and add a small container of dipping sauce. Find your favorite- hummus, mustard or marinara.
Turkey and cheese crescent rolls.
Use deli turkey, cheese and crescent rolls to make these for lunch or breakfast. Switch out the meats and cheese to create your own combination.
Snacks:
Trail mix- this one is easy. Add crackers, chocolate chips, marshmallows, cereal, pretzels etc. to create a mix.
Strawberry popcorn- a little salty and sweet
Cookbooks for kids:
We have a large selection of cookbooks for kids. Here are a few of the most popular ones that might peak your child’s interest.
The recipe-a-day kids cookbook : 365 fun, easy treats / Food Network Magazine.
"Flip through this book and you'll find a great idea for every day of the year, starting today. What's your birthday? Anyone who picks up this book will turn straight to that date to see which treat falls on their special day! Will it be a daisy cupcake made with snipped marshmallows? Miniature chicken and waffles? Homemade chocolate lollipops? A giant pretzel? Of course, all the big holidays are represented, too--like flag tarts for the Fourth of July or spooky treats for Halloween. And we never miss an excuse to celebrate historic events: You can make star cookies on the day Pluto was discovered. The easy recipes were all created with beginner cooks in mind (some use prepared ingredients!), and each one has been tested in Food Network Kitchen, so it's sure to come out perfect every time."--Amazon.com.
Cook it! : the Dr. Seuss cookbook for kid chefs / by Daniel Gercke
Fifty recipes inspired by the works of Dr. Seuss--for children and grown-ups to cook TOGETHER! Have you ever wanted to quench your thirst--like a Yink--with a Pink Ink Drink? Or to carve a Roast Beast--like the Grinch--at a holiday meal? Have you always wanted to say "Yes, thank you, I WOULD like to try Green Eggs and Ham"? Then this is the book for you! From "Pups in Cups" to "Star-Belly Peaches" to "Warm Whisked Wocket Waffles," the simple, wholesome recipes in this unique cookbook are almost as much fun to read as they are to make! Created specifically for children to use with adults, the text is partially written in rhyme and illustrated throughout with cheerful Seussian-inspired photographs by acclaimed photographer Christopher Testani, and classic artwork from 21 different books by Dr. Seuss. Sturdy lay-flat binding makes it easy to use in the kitchen!
The Delish kids (super-awesome, crazy-fun, best-ever) cookbook : 100+ amazing recipes
This best-ever kids cookbook from Delish is filled with recipes that make cooking so much fun. Throughout young chefs will learn basic skills, like how to make the gooey grilled cheese (the secret: use a waffle iron!) and upgrade your favorite store-bought foods (Chicken Nuggets! Woohoo!). Chapters include recipes for breakfast (Banana Split Oatmeal!), snacks (Cool Ranch Chickpeas!), lunches and dinners (Chorizo Tacos, Hot Dog Cubanos, and Best-Ever Fettuccine Alfredo{u2026} do we need to say more?!), and party eats. Plus, two whole chapters include restaurant copycat recipes and desserts and snacks inspired by beloved pop culture characters.
