Bagging lunch really can be fun, healthy and delicious!  Here are some unique kid-friendly lunch ideas that will taste as good as their lunch bags looks.  I'll be adding more to my recipe collection as I find them.  If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share please share it with me!!  Either post it in feedback form or email me at info@cocoozy.com. Bon Appetit!

1) Banana Dog

Why it's good
  • Why moms love it – quick, easy and healthy meal loaded with protein and Vitamin E
  • Why kids love it – a sweet twist on a hot-dog that will have everyone drooling
Ingredients
  • 1 whole wheat hot dog bun
  • 1 tbsp. of peanut butter (or cream cheese)
  • 1 tbsp. of jam or honey
  • 1 banana, whole
  • optional toppings - raisins, shredded coconut, chopped nuts
Instructions
  • Slice open a hot dog bun and spread one side with peanut butter or cream cheese. Spread the other side with jam or honey. Wrap and place in your child's lunch bag. Pack a banana (in the peel) and a small container of optional toppings (e.g. coconut)
  • When ready to eat, your child (or his/her teacher) can peel the banana and place it in the bun, sprinkle on the toppings
  • Tastes best with cold milk

 

2) I Heart Turkey

Why it's good
  • Why moms love it – made with lean, healthy turkey, calcium-loaded cheese and antioxidant-packed cranberries
  • Why kids love it –  Shaped sandwiches are fun to show off and even more fun to eat! Plus the taste is mildly sweet, savory and comforting.
Ingredients
  • 2 slices of whole wheat bread
  • 1 tbsp. of cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
  • 2 thin slices of turkey (deli or roasted)
  • 2 thin slices of mild cheese (mozzarella or provolone)
Instructions
  • Spread thin layer of cranberry sauce on each piece of bread
  • Layer slices of turkey and cheese
  • Use sandwich or cookie cutter to cut into fun shapes (e.g. a heart)

 

3) Cinnamon Sticks

Why it's good
  • Why moms love it - packed with whole grain and protein without much sugar or salt
  • Why kids love it - amazing cinnamon taste and no fork required
Ingredients
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp. pureed sweet potatoes or squash
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • pinch of cinnamon and salt
  • 2 thick slices of whole grain bread
Instructions
  • Beat eggs and milk with a fork, then add pureed squash or sweet potatoes
  • Dip bread into egg mixture and let soak for a minute
  • Fry bread in a buttered pan to golden brown
  • Dust with cinnamon and sugar, let cool and slice into sticks

 

 

* My Lunch Resources. Check them out for more yummy ideas:

http://recipes.kaboose.com/banana-dog-in-a-bun.html
http://www.parenting.com/recipes-gallery/Recipes/10-Fresh-Lunchbox-Ideas/
http://www.naturalmomsrecipes.com/