School Lunch Hacks ~ They will save your life!
Bored with the regular PB&J, this year I've been diving into the world of school lunches. Who knew there was so many ingenious ideas out there?
Inspiration first sparked when I read the book Lunch Box Blues by J. M. Hirsch.
The author of the book is a genius. This book is the school lunch BIBLE. I've spent hours dissecting each tasty, time-sensitive recipe. There are dinner recipes, along with two different recipes for school lunches that use the leftovers. The point of the book is quick, easy, and delicious.
I've recently been experimenting with different creations, and have found that no matter how carefully laid out my meal plan is for the week, it always gets shaken up. Sometimes I oversleep or just can't create a feast. And that's alright. I'm to share with you some school lunch hacks that are beyond yummy and can be done in pinch. Just remember to not beat yourself up if some days you slap together a basic PB&J and call it done. Your kids will appreciate the effort you put in other days twice as much.
School Lunch Hacks:
1. DIY Flatbread
DIYs are lifesavers for busy mornings. No construction required, just pack the base and the materials, and they'll have a blast putting their own lunch together. For this one, pack flatbread cut into triangles for mini sandwiches. Throw in two or three spreads and a few toppings. We have loved using peanut butter (almond butter, for a little healthier lunch) and some chocolate hazelnut spread (nutella may not be the most nutritious option, but its definitely our top pick) for the base and cut strawberries and pretzels for the toppings. Toppings are a breeze to pack! Fruit (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) and crunchies (pretzels and potato chips) all will pretty much work. Using the basics and a few adventurous ones are a sure crowd-pleaser.
2. Guacamole and Hummus
Break out the tortilla chips for this one! You can buy prepackaged guacamole and hummus containers for your little ones at the grocery store. Toss in chips, carrots sticks, celery, and miscellaneous your kid loves to dip, an it's an easy dish. If little Jane's not a fan of guacamole or hummus, check out the nacho bar below.
3. DIY Nacho Bar
Yet another DIY! Didn't I tell you that they're a lifesaver? Tortilla chips are the base for this, and you can pack cheese, cut cherry tomatoes, black olives, etc. for toppings. Guacamole and prepackaged salsa are a great add-on as well.
4. Wraps
Wraps are another huge time saver that can also be made in advance. My personal favorite is almond butter and cut strawberries with a touch of nutella. Another ideas are pesto, turkey, and veggie wrap.
5. Leftovers
When in doubt, make too much! Buy a good quality thermos and stick the warmed-up leftovers inside. Voila! A hot, filling meal you only had to make once.
There you have it! A few tips to hopefully make your mornings a little easier! I'll keep posting tidbits as I go along exploring new, innovative lunches.
Inspiration first sparked when I read the book Lunch Box Blues by J. M. Hirsch.
The author of the book is a genius. This book is the school lunch BIBLE. I've spent hours dissecting each tasty, time-sensitive recipe. There are dinner recipes, along with two different recipes for school lunches that use the leftovers. The point of the book is quick, easy, and delicious.
I've recently been experimenting with different creations, and have found that no matter how carefully laid out my meal plan is for the week, it always gets shaken up. Sometimes I oversleep or just can't create a feast. And that's alright. I'm to share with you some school lunch hacks that are beyond yummy and can be done in pinch. Just remember to not beat yourself up if some days you slap together a basic PB&J and call it done. Your kids will appreciate the effort you put in other days twice as much.
School Lunch Hacks:
1. DIY Flatbread
DIYs are lifesavers for busy mornings. No construction required, just pack the base and the materials, and they'll have a blast putting their own lunch together. For this one, pack flatbread cut into triangles for mini sandwiches. Throw in two or three spreads and a few toppings. We have loved using peanut butter (almond butter, for a little healthier lunch) and some chocolate hazelnut spread (nutella may not be the most nutritious option, but its definitely our top pick) for the base and cut strawberries and pretzels for the toppings. Toppings are a breeze to pack! Fruit (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) and crunchies (pretzels and potato chips) all will pretty much work. Using the basics and a few adventurous ones are a sure crowd-pleaser.
2. Guacamole and Hummus
Break out the tortilla chips for this one! You can buy prepackaged guacamole and hummus containers for your little ones at the grocery store. Toss in chips, carrots sticks, celery, and miscellaneous your kid loves to dip, an it's an easy dish. If little Jane's not a fan of guacamole or hummus, check out the nacho bar below.
3. DIY Nacho Bar
Yet another DIY! Didn't I tell you that they're a lifesaver? Tortilla chips are the base for this, and you can pack cheese, cut cherry tomatoes, black olives, etc. for toppings. Guacamole and prepackaged salsa are a great add-on as well.
4. Wraps
Wraps are another huge time saver that can also be made in advance. My personal favorite is almond butter and cut strawberries with a touch of nutella. Another ideas are pesto, turkey, and veggie wrap.
5. Leftovers
When in doubt, make too much! Buy a good quality thermos and stick the warmed-up leftovers inside. Voila! A hot, filling meal you only had to make once.
There you have it! A few tips to hopefully make your mornings a little easier! I'll keep posting tidbits as I go along exploring new, innovative lunches.
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