It’s back to school time here in Northeast Tennessee and that means it’s time to start packing those lunches. And it’s not just lunch time you have to plan for, but rushed breakfasts and kids with the after-school munchies. Here’s a few quick and easy ideas to keep those tummies full without giving you a headache.
A ‘Note’ of Encouragement:
School can be tough on kids, even in the best of environments. They feel so much pressure to measure up, fit in, be popular, make good grades…so why not give them a little pick-me-up during their long day? Putting a simple note in their lunch box, backpack or gym bag might turn a hard day into a bright one. Saying, “I love you”, “Good luck on your math test”, “Thanks for taking out the trash yesterday”or “You’ll always be #1 to me!” are ways to build their self esteem and help them see the amazing person they are. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start getting little notes, too!
Breakfast to Go
It can be a challenge to get kids (especially big kids) to start their day off with a healthy bite. One quick solution is to toast a frozen waffle and use it to make a peanut butter sandwich. For ideas you can make in advance, start with a Pancake Taco. Take a pancake, put a small drizzle of syrup inside, and fill with scrambled egg. You can add sausage to the egg like I did if you like. Freeze in a sandwich bag and in the morning, pop the ‘taco’ into the microwave for 30 seconds on high. (Adjust time for your oven.) Easy to eat with the hands on the run. You can also make your own Muffin Egg Sandwich, using scrambled egg/sausage, layered with Canadian bacon and a slice of cheese. Freeze and reheat for about one minute on high in the microwave, turning over half way through. Both of these reheatable treats can be wrapped in a napkin and eaten on the ride to school if need be. And you can make them well in advance, freezing them individually for a fast breakfast any day of the week.
Lunch: It’s a Wrap!
Sandwiches aren’t just PB&J anymore. Kids with more sophisticated tastes might enjoy humus and bell pepper strips in a tortilla wrap, while others might like a Pimento Cheese wrap. (If you make your own pimento spread, you can use light mayo and light cream cheese to cut the fat content.) You can use the same flour tortillas to make quesadillas, or what I’d like call a Pizzadilla. Use mozzarella cheese, a touch of tomato sauce, and pepperoni slices on a tortilla and toast in a toaster oven or bake in a traditional oven, just until cheese is well melted. Fold in half, or put two together and cut once they’ve cooled. Makes a very tasty lunch and can be made a few days in advance. Kids eat cold pizza all the time, so these are flavors even your teens will enjoy.
Sushi Bread
Take a slice of your favorite bread and roll it thin with a rolling pin. Cover with a cream cheese spread and on one end, place strips of your favorite veggies. I chose cucumber and carrot for mine. Roll up from the veggie end all the way, then cut the roll into 3 or 4 pieces depending on how big you want each slice to be. A fun way to get kids to eat their veggies.
After School Snacks
Kids are always hungry when they get home, especially if a Banana Burrito is waiting for them. Take a flour tortilla, spread with peanut butter (I like crunchy for this one), sprinkle on a few mini chocolate chips and place a peeled banana at one end. Wrap it up and cut into slices, on a bias. Of course graham crackers with yogurt or apple sauce is popular, but you can also make this easy peanut butter dip, made with about 1/2 cup peanut better and 3 tablespoons each of nonfat powdered milk and honey.
