Lunch Ideas - Going Beyond the Sandwich

Some kids may get tired of sandwiches day after day. Hot Lunches the school makes do not always cut it nutritionally or come close to a warm, home-cooked meal. The thermos insulates the food keeping it warm so they can still have some of their favorite foods from home in their lunch. And, don't forget about "Hot Re-Runs"! With all the leftovers from last night's dinner, lunch couldn't get any easier.

What's in your Thermos?

The trick to using your thermos for hot foods is to "pre-heat" by putting hot water in the thermos and sealing it for 10-15 minutes prior to putting food in. Now you are ready and here are some ideas:

Tortellini and pesto sauce
Spaghetti
Pasta Fagioli (Great recipe, can be found here)
Mac 'N' Cheese
Hot oatmeal
Lasagna
Chili
Potstickers
Stir-Fry
Chicken nuggets with dip (dip contained in a Kids Konserve Mini)
Rice 'N Beans
Risotto with Chicken
Baked beans & little dogs
Warm chicken salad
Pasta & hot dogs (My son's favorite recipe is Old West Weiner Dish)
Wontons with dip (dip contained in Kids Konserve Mini)
Udon Noodles
Taco meat or beans with chips on the side
Minced meat tofu stew
Sloppy Joes (my picky eater loves this recipe, go figure! Recipe)
Hot Cocoa (what a treat!)

And don't forget, the thermos can be used to keep things cool ("pre-cool" by putting your thermos in the refrigerator).

Yogurt and fresh fruit
Tuna salad
Fruit smoothies (Recipes)
Waldorf Salad