Happy Labor Day Weekend! For us, we're one week into school, and back to it on Tuesday, but for many of you, the fun is just starting on Tuesday! I've said over and over that I'm going to be posting more lunch ideas and recipes over the next couple of weeks to help you get ready for school, so here you go!
I've talked to a number of people, especially new Kindergarten parents, who really have no clue about what to pack their little ones for lunch. I mean, how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can one kid eat? And if someone in the class has allergies, that's out too! (Mine won't even eat PB&J, so that's out the window before we begin!)
A really good alternative if you do have pb & j lovers and you can't take those, is almond butter. I really prefer it, and though it's not QUITE the same, you'd be surprised sometimes at what your children will try if you just send it without making a big deal out of it. We use the ones you grind yourself fresh at the store, but if you want something that mimics that creaminess of peanut butter more, definitely buy one in a jar.
So what is our lunch menu for this week?
Tuesday- Sliced cucumbers and grape tomatoes
Turkey rollups, wrapped around 1/4 of a cheese stick
Wheat crackers
Sliced apples
Wednesday- Grape tomatoes (we love these)
Grilled chicken chunks with barbecue sauce for dipping
Corn muffin
Grapes
Thursday- Wrap sandwich w/ grilled chicken (cooked same time as Weds's chicken), lettuce, tomato, a sprinkle of shredded "Mexican blend" cheese, and a bit of mustard.
PopChips (our new fave sandwich accompaniment)
Orange wedges
Rice Crispy treat (once a week sweet)
Friday- "Hot Lunch" in our insulated container:
Turkey meatballs with marinara and mini penne
Tossed salad with lettuce, tomato and cucumber (dressing on the side so it doesn't get soggy! We use just a homemade red wine vinaigrette.)
Slice of wheat baguette
Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend, and back to school week!!