Eating
Allison McDaniel, contributing editor

Lunchbox

It’s that time of the year again...I can hear the loud rejoicing of parents across the country and the collective grumbling of kids who have to wake up before the sun. If you’re one of the parents who lovingly pack your children’s lunch the night before, I’m sure you’ve exhausted just about every sandwich combination and usually default to something involving peanut butter and jelly or cold cuts and cheese.

Fatigue and boredom usually kill any ounce of creativity you had at the end of the day, but there remains some fun ideas that your kids will love, and you won’t feel guilty for making.

Sandwiches

Take ordinary ingredients and pair them in an unusual way. Next time you make a peanut butter sandwich, slice banana or strawberry on top and drizzle with a little honey. For added creativity, break out the cookie cutters. A regular sandwich is much more interesting to eat when it’s in the shape of a circle, star or whatever fun shapes you have.

Slice turkey breast, Muenster cheese, and top with dill pickle slices and toast for a tangy turkey melt. Pair with a chipotle mayonnaise for extra kick.

Need something new? Layer sliced Italian turkey sausage on a warm tortilla, oven roasted potatoes, and sautéed onion. Dress with your kids favorite condiment and wrap with wax paper for an Italian hotdog wrap.

If your kids are partial to those prepackaged cold cut lunches, make your own! Cut pre-sliced deli meat and a variety of cheeses into small squares and pack in Tupperware with crackers. Make mini dessert sandwiches by spreading a mixture of chocolate hazelnut spread and pureed raspberries between whole wheat crackers and wrap in colorful cellophane.

Snacks: Fruits and Veggies

For an interesting way to serve fruit, cube pineapple, apple, grapes and pears and slide them onto wooden skewers. Serve alongside a small Tupperware of vanilla Greek yogurt for dipping.

To sneak veggies into the lunch bag, make a fruit veggie smoothie. Gather the following:

The fruit will mask the taste of the greens, and your kids will get a serving of veggies without knowing it. (Also good for a quick breakfast with a slice of toast).

Make a homemade popcorn trail mix! Pop regular microwave popcorn and toss with yogurt covered raisins, peanuts, mini pretzels and chopped apricots. Melt some milk chocolate chips and drizzle on top for a (not too) sweet way for your child to end their lunch.

By taking familiar ingredients and pairing them in new ways, you can make a healthy and tasty snack that will make your children the envy of the lunch table. Happy eating!