First, let's make it very clear that I am not ashamed that I am a total Doctor Who Geek... and I love this lunch box! It is to be released for sale in October 2011... click the picture for details. LOL Moving forward....
During school... both, when I homeschooled and now that three out of four are in public school, I have kept fresh fruit in a bowl on the table and in the refrigerator. I also keep things such as carrots and celery cut up and ready to pack.
If I have to cut apples up for packing I will soak them in lemon water and then strain and pack them and add just a touch of the lemon water for transport and it keeps apples and pears nicely until lunchtime.
If my children take apples they often want peanut butter or some kind of dipping sauce.
A Nice Little Cream Cheese Fluffy Fruit Dip
8 ounces cream cheese
a Tbsp honey
whipping cream to lighten
a bit of cinnamon,
nutmeg
and/or cardamom if you like
or you can add a touch of vanilla extract
Whip it all together and use for dipping fruit of all kinds - berries, melons, apples, etc...
I will sometimes cut up cheese cubes or slices to go with the fruit, too. My children are big cheese and fruit consumers. LOL Try a variety of cheeses. I cut them about the size of dice. Six cubes is a serving. I cut cheddar, monterrey jack, colby/jack, pepper/jack and mozzarella for them. It is often cheaper to buy the big block at Sam's or Costco and cut it yourself. It doesn't take that much more time and there are no fillers in the block cheeses like there are in the prepackaged precut stuff.
Costco has great fruit in spring and right through late summer and early fall. I can find things like plums, strawberries, blueberries, melons, celery, carrots, pears, apples, peaches, grapes and broccoli. These are great snacking items and so easy to wash, prepare and pack.
If crackers are your thing... there are some really cool gourmet style crackers offered for sale at Costco and Sam's but maybe you can find them on your grocery aisle in smaller amounts. I, honestly, love the big box with my big family and the variety is great... not to mention the different shapes for my younger ones. Very fun food!
I truly believe that raw foods are a great source of nutrition and I encourage my children to eat lots. We do not drink juice or send those juice boxes when they can have water and fresh fruits. They get a juice at breakfast a few times a week and they really do not need more. Juice can often be empty calories and have sugar and corn syrup added. We don't really need all of that so we skip it. I have been known, however, to send an almond or rice milk with them for a special treat for after they drink their water. They sell them in little travel boxes now that can stay at room temperature.
My children are meat eaters but there are certain vegetarian items they really enjoy.
They are fans of hummus and I have used a variety of different beans with much success. The favorite is still the garbanzo bean hummus but black bean hummus is a close second.
My Black Bean Hummus
goes something like this...
1 can or 12-14 ounces cooked black beans rinsed and strained
1-2 cloves garlic
lime juice to taste
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 Tbsp Tahini
a handful of Cilantro
Throw it all in a food processor and blend thoroughly
Olive Oil - drizzle until smooth consistency to finish.
Serve with crackers or on tortilla or Naan bread
You might check out this great link for
Bento Boxes or create your own versions with little Rubbermaid or other plasticware from places like Walmart, Walgreens, local grocery stores, Dollar Tree or other dollar stores or discount places. You might even find used stuff in good condition at thrift stores such as Goodwill or Savers in your area. Just stay away from obvious microwave damage and staining or questionable use marks. I have also invested in a small collection of glass containers with lids for refrigerator storage. Anchor Hocking has some nice stuff as do Corningware and Pyrex.
If lunch is fun and in fun little containers and lunch boxes then, I know, I would feel special about my lunch. I know my own children do, too. Add a hand sewn napkin (choose a cotton cloth with a fun pattern that they will love and individualize for each child) and a cool or funky set of plastic utensils and you have a very fun and friendly lunch experience from the minute they open their lunch each day. Just a small way to tell them "I love you!" ....and a very appreciated one even if they don't always say it out loud. LOL
To finish off a meal you could also put something a little special in every now and again... I recommend
Monster Cookies. They are a fave around here. :)
More ideas coming... stay tuned!
