Monday, Monday…
January 10, 2011
This might be a little off topic but it’s something that’s been on my mind…oh, let’s say 5 times a week. Don’t worry, it’s not that trivial. It’s kindergarten snack. What the heck do you pack your kids to eat at school? My standards are somewhat high. I’d like to feed my kids fairly healthy snacks and lunches with minimal, preferably no packaging, no preservatives and here’s the real kicker…they have to like it and eat it. I often ask my girls who they sat beside at snack time to probe for ideas and the snacks my kids are drawn to are the packaged ones. Grrrrr… Now, don’t get me wrong, I do buy them, just not that often. So, I guess it’s all about the packaging.
I think it was my mom who used to take her lunch to school in an old tin bucket which made me think vintage tins would make great lunch vessels. And there are plenty of tins to choose from, big or small, for all your food storage needs. You can often find them with hinged lids which will ensure it comes home at the end of the day. I came across the Goodbyn and loved all the compartments under one lid, even a water bottle gets tucked in there. This tall lunch bag from uhreusable is durable, reusable and cute. And there are many more shapes, sizes and fabrics to choose from. And last but not least, the classic lunch box for those with children who like to ensure that their sandwiches will not be squished at lunchtime.
1. vintage tin 2. Goodbyn 3. lunch bag 4. lunch box
Now that we’ve covered lunch time first impressions, let’s move on to what’s inside. Don’t you love these Babybel cheese guys and gals?!? Aren’t they the cutest? I love the bento box lunches that have been popping up on the internet and in magazines for awhile now. The idea is great although I’m not sure I’d be able to keep it up 5 days a week. Maybe for Fridays or special occasions. It might be worth all the effort though, if it helped your little one eat their veggies. Even if you just went with the cutout sandwich and a fruit kabob, I’m sure they’d be thrilled. If bruised apples aren’t popular with your kids, then you need an apple cozy. Who knew there were such things as apple cozies? And to top it all off, a little note to let them know that they are on your mind all day long.
1. cheese peeps 2. bento lunch 3. apple cozy 4. lunch notes
Other ideas that go over well with my girls are whole wheat tortilla rollups. The filling options are endless. I think they love them because there are no crusts to deal with and they are easy to hold. Favourites are cream cheese and jam, cream cheese and cucumber, cream cheese and pepper, peanut butter and jam (at home only – our school is nut-free) , tuna salad and lettuce, egg salad and lettuce, cream cheese with deli meat and lettuce and the list goes on. I only have to worry about one snack right now so often I will send something I’ve baked, like a cookie, muffin, banana bread, pumpkin loaf or crackers and cheese with a piece of fruit or cut veggies with dip.
Janis, over at Pinecone Camp, just might inspire you to start baking for your family. All her “Baked” recipes leave me drooling and I’ve tried a few including her Cheese & Chili Cornbread and Crumpets with Blackberry Butter. Yum. I particularly loved the following recipe, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Squares. I thought the pumpkin made it a little healthier, not to mention absolutely delicious.
So what are your lunch making secrets? Do share.
