As a working parent of a five year daughter in kindergarten, I find it challenging to send my daughter to school with a healthy lunch that she will actually enjoy. It is so easy to get caught up in the typical lunch that contains a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of chips and a container of pudding. Here are some great ideas that my daughter looks forward to in her lunch. Parents Magazine recently asked me to include some of these recipes in their September 'Back to School' issue - You can see these recipes and some other great ideas at the Parents.com website:
http://www.parents.com/recipes/tips/celebritychefs/pack-your-lunch-like-a-celebrity-chef/?page=33
SMOKED TURKEY AND PROVOLONE SLIDERS
Slider Bun, Whole Wheat 1 each
Smoked Turkey Breast, Sliced 1/8” 1 ½ oz
Provolone, Sliced 1/8” 1 slice
Roma Tomatoes, Sliced 1/8” 2 slices
Ranch Dressing, Low-Fat 2 tsp
Open bun and place sliced turkey on bottom of bun. Top with provolone and place stacked bun/turkey/provolone into microwave for 10 seconds (this is to be done at home when packing the lunch just to soften the cheese to help it adhere to the turkey). Place dressing on cut side of top of bun. Place tomatoes and top of bun over provolone. Place in container to be packed for lunch.
PIZZA PASTA SALAD
Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, Cooked and Chilled ½ cup
Tomato Sauce 2 oz
Black Olives, Chopped ¼” 1 Tbsp
Pepperoni, Quartered 2 slices
Low Fat Mozzarella, Shredded 1 Tbsp
Toss all ingredients together and place in container to be packed for lunch. Some mozzarella may be sprinkled over the top of the pasta salad if desired.
CREAMY FRUIT MEDLEY
Fresh Strawberries, Quartered 1/8 cup
Blueberries 1/8 cup Red Apples, Diced 1/2 Inch 1/8 cup
Low Fat Yogurt, Cherry 2 Tbsp
Pecans, Chopped 1/4” 1 tsp
Toss all ingredients (except pecans) together and place in container to be packed for lunch. Top with chopped pecans.
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