Last year was my first introduction to a true peanut free environment where I was responsible for packing a nut free lunch sack. At first this seemed like it was going to be a daunting task and one which produced a lunch sack of the same old boring things each day. I was surprised at how creative I could get with a sandwich. I was also pleasantly surprised at the labeling system on our foods these days. Lots of items are nut free and those that are not are clearly labeled.
I received a great notice from my daughter's school which lists SAFE PEANUT FREE SNACKS:
Sliced Fruits, Sliced Veggies, Raisins, Dried Fruit, Individual Applesauces - )I am a big fan of the pouches!), Fruit Cups, String Cheese, Jell-O Cups, Yogurt - (freeze yogurt squeezers to throw in the lunch bag...it's thawed by lunchtime.), Kraft Handi-Snacks, Smartfood, Triscuits, Pirate's Booty, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Rold Gold Pretzels, Cheerios, Sunshine Cheezits, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Bars, Teddy Grahams, Kellogg's Graham Crackers, and Club or Town Crackers
Always check the labels, many manufacturers can change ingredients lists without notice.
Snacks - CHECK. Now on to the main event. How many jelly sandwiches can one child eat? I still have jelly sandwiches on the menu but like to change it up a bit. Instead of the boring square sandwich use a cookie cutter to change the shape. Tomorrow my daughter will be having grape jelly "flowers". A turkey cheese sandwich is also a great staple...although sometimes I am known to skip the bread and do a turkey cheese roll-up or two. Recently a friend of mine introduced me to a great lunch sack item...it is the Thermos Funtainer. This little contraption can keep food hot for up to 5 hours and food cold for up to 7. It is great for soups, mac n cheese, pasta or any leftovers from the night before. Just reheat the food item in the morning and store in the funtainer. Your child will be able to enjoy a hot satisfying lunch! The possibilities are endless...
Stay tuned to See Mom Cook on Facebook for more ideas and feel free to add any tips and tricks you have gathered along the way on our Wall.
