HELP - impressive sack lunch for kid

[comabri]

I need to pack a lunch for my preschool-aged son for tomorrow. It's a special day - they usually have lunch served. The problem is that I am known as the "Cooking Mom" in the class, as opposed to the "Crafty Mom", the "Outdoor Mom" or the unfortunate "Disorganized Mom." http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

So I've got to make sure my rep isn't tarnished with a mere pb&j and apple - no matter how respectable a lunch that is for a kid. He likes everything and will eat anything. I'm wondering if there is some kind of impressive food "presentation" I can do - like cutting something in the shape of a heart or making a special straw for his juice???? Kiwi is a neat fruit but will it keep if I peel and slice and ziploc it?

I know this seems silly, but I want him to have the best lunch in the class. Any ideas anyone?

[This message has been edited by comabri (edited 04-03-2001).]

[tovie]

My mom used to core an apple and stuff the center with raisins as a special lunchbox treat.

I don't know about a ziplock, it might get smushed, but a kiwi should keep in a small container.

You could cut the bread for his sandwich into a fancy shape or maybe make a pita or a wrap for something different.

Good luck :-)

[SusanJoy]

I have a pre-schooler too - and she loves special treats in her lunch. I cut her pb&j into circles, then wrap them in different colored saran-wrap with the ends twisted together. She thinks that they look like candies that way. I also wrap her kiwi peeled and sliced but put back together - ends twisted, also like a candy. And I never fail to put in a note telling her that I love her - I think even more than the "fancy" food she's come to expect that note and it means a lot to her.

Happy packing!

Susan

[dncomom]

I pack kiwi for my boys all the time. I just cut it in half and put in a baggie. They eat it right out of the "skin" with a spoon. They scoop it out and it works great!

[mlou]

For sure a creative shape for the sandwich http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif How about home baked cookies, they are always prized items. Maybe some fancily cut veggies if you have garnishing tools, and by all means a twirly-loopy straw http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gifYou didn't get to be the "cooking mom" for nothing so what ever you do will probably be great!

[kentgirl]

A cornucopia sandwich is always impressive. Take a slice of bread, cut off the edges, and flatten it using a rolling pin. Then spread some tuna or chicken salad and roll it in a cone shape, leaving one side open.

Ants on a log - celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins (for the ants).

Banana Bread Sandwich - spread two slices with honey and peanut butter (my kids used to like this one).

Good Luck!

[kentgirl]

One more idea....if the lunches will be refrigerated, you can make some breaded chicken strips and include some BBQ sauce. Kids love chicken strips, and yo probably have a delicious recipe you can make.

[BarbaraL]

My daughter has an insulated lunchbag into which I put a small icepack, so I can give her lunches that need to stay cold. At times in the past, I've given her fried chicken, so she has her own little picnic at school. (Have to admit, it was bought from the deli section of the grocery).
Although probably not an option for a preschooler, my daughter's absolute favorite lunch (she's 13!) is shrimp cocktail! I give her some defrosted, cooked shrimp with my homemade sauce in Tupperware containers. Last time I did this (a week or two ago), the lunchroom teacher noticed and freaked! She couldn't believe a student had shrimp for lunch! I love it because I know my daughter will eat when I give her this!

[Abby]

I have to say, this thread made me smile after reading all of the nastiness that has been posted on this board lately!

[This message has been edited by Abby (edited 04-03-2001).]

[comabri]

These were all great ideas! i can always depend on this board to help me in a pinch.

Here's what I went with...

PB&J Rolls (flattened the bread, coated with pb&j, rolled em up)
Blue potato chips (those really good Terra brand ones)
Kiwi chunks and red seedless grapes
Orange juice box
Red Frozen GoGurt (he loves those things)

So I went with colorful - blue, green, red, purple, orange
I included a little drawing of he and I taking bites out of a huge giant apple with a smiley face and a heart. (I should have been the "Artistic Mom" really.)

This was harder than I thought it would be. I better start practicing. Just one more year til Kindergarten. Thanks for your help.