Kids in the Kitchen
sponsored by Doorstep Chef “I Can Pack My Own Lunch”
“I can do it myself” is a phrase we hear a lot around
our house. At 10 years old, Kate is absolutely convinced she can do anything the rest of the family can do. So, over the summer, we’ve given her more and more responsibilities so she can practice what she’s preaching. When we began talking about this month’s article, I decided that she is more than ready to handle packing her own lunch for school. I’ve been packing kids’ lunches since the oldest was in preschool (more than 12 years now) so I am more than ready to let her do it herself! You’ll find some easy and yummy lunch ideas below! Plus, Kate demonstrates how to assemble each one on this month’s video. While watching the video, check out our eco-friendly choices for packing up the food. The plastics are BPA-free and come in all shapes and sizes. Try places like The Container Store, Target, Wal-Mart or Bed Bath and Beyond to find similar items. Some online research yielded some startling statistics: the average child uses 4 plastic bags every day to take lunch to school. If that child brought her lunch every day from kindergarten through 8th grade, that would equal about 9,000 plastic bags (per child)! Yikes!
These recipes are great, because they can be made the night before. The ingredients used are just suggestions - you can use anything you like! Now let’s get started….
Veggie Dippers
• Crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell pep- per, zucchini, broccoli, etc. cut into dippable strips
• Pepperoni slices (or lunch meat, turkey sausage, etc.) • Ranch dressing (or whatever is your favorite)
Place an assortment of chopped veggies in a medium- sized container. Squeeze your favorite dressing into a cup with a lid. Keep refrigerated until you pack your lunchbox. If you have one, use an ice pack to keep everything cool until lunchtime!
20 North Texas Kids • August 2011 •
www.NorthTexasKids.com
This is great to make ahead in a larger quantity. Then, all your child has to do when preparing lunch is scoop out a serving!
Even the youngest child can help pack his lunch with these nifty recipes! I hope you’ll empower your child to do these things for themselves (with guidance as needed, of course). I know in our experience, my kids tend to eat more when they’ve made it themselves. Our company, Doorstep Chef, offers some awesome kid-friendly dishes that your little ones can make
Lunch Kabobs
• Cut up favorite fruits, meats and cheeses into 1 ½ -2 inch chunks. Suggestions include: strawberries, pine- apple, cantaloupe, turkey sausage (pre-cooked), ched- dar or mozzarella cheese
Using clean popsicle sticks, slide the chunks onto 3-4 sticks. Place in a container and refrigerate until you pack your lunchbox. Use an ice pack in the lunchbox if you have one.
Super Sub Sandwich
Instead of the same old bread, how about using a sub roll instead? Build your sandwich with your favorite meats, cheeses and vegetables, then pack it in a reusable bag or wrap it in a cloth napkin.
Dessert Trail Mix
Use a variety of sweet, salty, soft, crunchy and chewy foods to make an awesome mix! Suggested ingredients include:
Breakfast cereals, M&M candies, nuts, pretzels, marsh- mallows, raisins or other dried fruit, popcorn
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