What are some simple lunch box recipes?

Here are some simple lunch box recipes:

Pineapple Kabobs
Makes 4 mini-kabobs.

• 4 fresh pineapple chunks (1/2-inch pieces)
• 2 ounces Colby Jack marble cheese cubes (½ inch pieces)
• 2 ounces deli ham (1/4 inch slice, cut into 1-inch squares
• Toothpicks

Directions: Using toothpicks, assemble the mini-kabobs on a toothpick in the following manner: 1 ham square, 1 pineapple chunk, 1 ham square, and a cheese cube.

Veggie version: Substitute teriyaki-flavored baked tofu for the ham/cheese. Baked tofu can easily be sliced into small cubes and is very tasty with the pineapple.

Kiwi Wraps or Rolls
These wraps can be served as a traditional wrap sandwich or slice it into pieces (like a sushi roll) for bite sized treats.

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or sunflower butter
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese
• 1/2 kiwi
• Tortilla -- whole wheat or plain (squared)

Instructions: Remove the skin from the kiwi and slice it into thin rounds. Spread peanut butter over half the wrap and cream cheese on the other half of the wrap. Arrange the kiwi slices evenly over the cream cheese. Beginning on the cream cheese end, gently roll up the tortilla forming a log shape. The peanut butter will act as the glue to keep it together. Serve.

Here a couple of my kid-friendly lunch ideas:

Mexican Monday:

Baked whole grain tortilla chips
Fresh salsa
Cheddar cheese, reduced fat, wedges
Clementine
Low-fat milk

Thanksgiving Tuesday:

Home style turkey breast*
Cranberry sauce
Light mayonnaise
Lettuce
Whole wheat roll
Craisins
Low-fat milk
(Cook a turkey breast for dinner on
Sunday. The extra makes for lunches
that taste like Thanksgiving leftovers.)

For lunch ideas for the rest of the week, please visit my Backpack Lunches for Kids at:

http://people.bu.edu/SALGE/Backpack%20Lunches%20For%20Kids.pdf