Just For Kids

Back at school? Already tired of what’s in your lunch bag? Here’s an idea—pack your own!

With these simple guidelines, you’ll have your parents smiling and you can look forward to a whole school year of lunches that will be the envy of your friends. (Be prepared for some serious swapping, though.)

The trick to packing good lunches?Lots of variety—that way you never get bored and you just might stay healthy too. Here’s what a “parentapproved” lunch bag should have:

1. Something with grain (sandwich or a bun)
2. Some kind of dairy product (milk, cheese, yogurt)
3. Some protein (cheese, meat or tofu)
4. Something to give you an energy boost (that’s where the treats come in!)

When you pack your lunch, remember it’s important to keep some things cold. Here are a couple of tricks.

• Pop a handful of frozen grapes into a little plastic bag or container and then put into your bag. They’ll thaw by lunchtime, but they’ll keep your other food nice and cold.
• Freeze a juice box and then put it into your bag—like the fruit, it will thaw by lunchtime, but the rest of your lunch will be fresh and cold.

Last, be kind on the environment. Use plastic, reusable containers and please unpack the leftovers when you get home. Leftover lunches, crammed into the bottom of your backpack can be VERY gross!

What’s a lunch bag without a treat? Try a Fiddle Diddle—you can make them yourself.

Fiddle Diddle

This no-bake treat is really easy. Here’s what you will need:

• 125 mL (1/2 cup) butter or hard margarine
• 500 mL (2 cups) sugar
• 125 mL (1/2 cup) milk
• 100 mL (6 tbsp) cocoa (the baking kind)
• 750 mL (3 cups) quick cooking rolled oats (not the instant kind)
• 125 mL (1/2 cup) coconut
• 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla
• a pinch of salt

Put the butter or margarine, sugar and milk in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring often, until everything comes to a boil. Remove the pan (using oven mitts) to a hot pad. Add everything else and stir well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool completely.

Note: Always make sure you have an adult’s permission before you start cooking. Remember— wash your hands before and after!

Super Sandwiches

Need a little inspiration making sandwiches? Give these a try.

Baked beans to go: Open a small can of baked beans and drain off the liquid. Butter a couple of slices of your favourite bread (choose whole wheat or whole grain breads to have your parents smiling). Spread the beans over one slice, and top with the other.

PBBS: Add a little inspiration to peanut butter and jam. Include a layer of banana slices between the peanut butter and jam. You’ll be amazed at the flavour!

Make your own sub: Split and butter a submarine bun. Layer it with your favourite cheese slices, cold meat slices, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, salad dressing and mustard. Wrap tightly.