15 Minutes : Make It : Lunches

image via anotherlunch

Have you heard of Bento lunches? I like the ideas at the deliciously beautiful site, AnotherLunch, though I wonder if some of them would be too light a meal for my sprouting sixth-grader.

I like sending my kids with home lunches for so many reasons, but I have made the compromise of allowing them to buy lunch once a week (pizza day, of course). Amazingly, after years of this pattern they are finally tired of pizza day, and are more interested than ever in trying new combinations. My second-grade daughter is especially happy to help out right now.

I haven't fully embraced the Bento ideas just because our lunch boxes aren't the right shape. However, I have added a cold pack plastic box full of vegetables or fruits; I don't know if it's the box or the fact that the food is chilled, but the kiddos are loving it.

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15 Minutes : Make It : Veggie Cornucopia

I love this appetizer idea from Family Fun for Thanksgiving dinner.

Here's how:
1. Give each child a tortilla cut in half.
2. Roll the tortilla into a cone and secure with a toothpick.

3. Have your child fill the tortilla with veggies from the veggie tray.

4. Serve with dip or dressing.

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15 Minutes : Make It : Vegetables

image via here

My kids are even more interested in eating an assortment of raw vegetables when they are hungry. Since they are extra hungry five minutes before dinner, I try to have some carrots, zucchini, broccoli, etc. ready on the table as an appetizer. My kindergartener is a great helper in arranging the vegetables on a tray and acting as server.

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15 Minutes : Make It : Snack Trays

image via here

Here's a fun way to have healthier snacks available for my family. I know some munchkins who would be happy to both prepare and munch on their culinary creation.

From A Little House By The Big Woods.

More muffin tin snack inspiration at My Happy Little Life.

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15 Minutes : Make It : Apple Taste Test

Image via Flickr

During the fall, you can find a variety of apples at your local grocery store. Buy a selection of apples in different sizes, colors and varieties, and have a taste test. It's perfect for teaching your child about color, size and taste - plus it's a healthy, nutritious snack!

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15 Minutes : Make It : Pumpkin Smoothie

Introducing new tastes and smells is especially fun (and even important) for a small child.
I'm going to give this drink a try.

If you're not a fan of pumpkin or don't think your child is ready for the strong taste omit the pumpkin. ooooh and when it's egg nog season just sprinkle in a little nutmeg.

Pumpkin Smoothie
They called it a shake but skim milk isn't my idea of a shake so I'm changing it to smoothie

4 oz chilled canned pumpkin
1 1/2 cups cold skim milk
8 teaspoons sugar (or sweetner substitute)
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Makes 2 servings
recipe via recipezaar.com
photo via marthastewart.com

Now if you are really wanting a shake just go on and add a few scoops of ice cream. I won't tell!

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