We know you've enjoyed last month's recipes and are hungry for more... so here are two more brown bag lunch and snack options you and your kids will love. If you've missed last month's recipes, click here!
1. Turkey Sliders, Celery Sticks with Hummus, and Fruit
Sliders:
Place 1-2 slices of fresh turkey on a mini whole wheat bun. Top with either a slice of low-fat cheese and tomato slices or cucumber slices and 1 tbsp of pre-made guacamole, such as Wholly Guacamole. Give 1 slider to children ages 4 to 7, 2 sliders for ages 8 to 13, and 3 sliders for children 14 years or older
Snack 1:
Hummus is a nutritious and tasty dip that comes in a variety of flavors from plain to garlic to red pepper. It is high in iron and vitamin C and it fits perfectly in the celery sticks, making a fun and nourishing snack. Use medium to large celery stalks cut in thirds (wash thoroughly!) and fill each celery stick with as much hummus as you can fit!
Snack 2:
Adding any whole fruit to lunch will not only provide a multitude of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals but also add a boost of fiber to your meal to help keep the hunger at bay. Some great examples are small apples, pears, grapes or any type or mixture of berries (approx. ½ cup of grapes or berries for anyone 6 years or older).
2. Crunchy Nut Butter & Banana Wraps with Fruit & Cheese Kabobs
Wraps:
Not only does this wrap have fresh fruit and heart healthy nut butter, but it has a nice crunch too! If you or your child has nut allergies or attends a nut free school, soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives to the nut butter. All you need is an 8-inch whole wheat tortilla, 2 tbs. of any nut butter or nut butter alternative, ¼ cup of any flavor granola, a small banana, and a drizzle of honey and/or a dash of cinnamon (optional). Spread the nut butter on the tortilla. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey, if using. Slice the banana and lay the slices on the tortilla wrap. Top with granola and roll up! Serve half of the wrap for children up to age 5 and the whole wrap for adults and children 6 years and older.
Kabobs:
These are another great snack where your kid(s) can help with the preparation and get creative! We suggest using lollipop sticks as the skewers, which can be found at your local supermarket or craft store. Cut cheese (such as part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat cheddar, Monterey jack, etc.) into ½ inch cubes. Use a variety of fruits (grapes, blueberries, raspberries, melons, apple slices, mango, pineapple, etc) to make it more fun, colorful, and of course tasty! Simply alternate fruits and cheeses on the lollipop stick to make the kebab. Use 2 to 3 cubes of cheese for children up to age 5, 3 to 4 for elementary school children, and 5 to 6 cubes for those older than age 10. Fill the rest of the lollipop stick with fruit! You can either let your child(ren) choose the sequence of fruit and cheese or make it a fun surprise!
