Do you lunch?

Lunch time usually consists of Josie and I just throwing a sandwich and some carrots on a plate.  It is incredibly boring and has no variety.  I was thinking of ways to throw in some spice...and was coming in lacking.  Here are Josie's lunch suggestions:

Macaroni and Cheese
Speghetti
Salad & Ice Cream  (read yesterday's post)
Egg Sandwich
PB & J Sandwich
Go out to Eat ----This is my favorite!


Since I have no brain of my own, here are some ideas I googled....

This looks so fun and crazy, I think the Hoods will have to try it!

Banana Dog
Ingredients

1 hot dog bun (whole wheat, if possible)
1 tbsp. (15 mL) peanut butter (or cream cheese)
1 tbsp. (15 mL) strawberry or other jam (or honey, if preferred)
1 whole banana
raisins, shredded coconut or chopped peanuts

Cooking Instructions

Spread one inner surface of a split hot dog bun with peanut butter or cream cheese. Spread the other side with jam or honey. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in your child's lunch bag. Also, pack a whole banana (in the peel) and a small container of toppings, such as raisins, coconut, peanuts or whatever else you can think of.

At lunchtime, your child can peel the banana and place it in the bun, sprinkle on the toppings and eat.

This one takes time, but sounds great!

Polenta Squares

These easy-to-make, easy-to-eat yellow polenta squares will add a bit of color and a blast of fun to any lunch. Make them for dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch. Makes 8 servings

Prep/cook time: about 35 minutes

Ingredients:
4 cups water or stock
1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal or grits
1 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Bring the water to a boil, and add the salt and butter or oil.
Slowly add the cornmeal, stirring constantly with a wire whisk.
When the mixture starts to boil, turn the heat to low.
Stir every few minutes until the grain has swelled and the mixture has thickened (about 30 minutes).
Turn off the heat.
Pour the polenta into a baking dish and smooth the surface with a large spoon or spatula. (The polenta should be ¾- to 1-inch deep.)
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Cut into squares and serve.


Cucumber Chains

Cut a cucumber into 2-inch long cylinders.
Remove the core with a paring knife.
Slice it into ¼-inch rings.
Make a slit in every other ring.
Link the rings together to form a chain.

This one sounds really great!  Though not great for a lunch packed before school!
Fruit Triangle Treats

Our kids love eating these fruit wedges as a breakfast treat and as a lunch treat the following day. Try it with other types of fruit, such as, peaches or blueberries, or sprinkle with granola, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Preheat the oven to 375° F.

Ingredients:
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼ inch slices.
1 tablespoon walnut or other high-quality oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
½ cup milk or soy milk
½ cup whole-wheat flour
Pour the walnut oil into a 10-inch pie pan and spread to cover bottom.
Pour the lemon juice, honey, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon over the apples and mix.
In a medium-size bowl beat the eggs well.
Add the milk or soy milk.
Combine the whole-wheat flour and the cinnamon.
Add the whole-wheat mixture to the egg mixture and stir to form a batter.
Pour the batter into the oiled pie pan.
Place the apple slices on top of the batter, covering the surface. (The apples will sink into the batter.)
Bake at 375° F for 30 minutes or until the batter is firm and the apples are cooked.



What do you eat for lunch?  Add your favorite recipes or your kids favorite lunch box meal!