Towards the end of a term I always find that my kid's lunch boxes are looking increasingly samey. Yesterday my daughter told me that she is getting bored with carrot sticks and ham sandwiches and suggested I tried cucumber sticks and tuna sandwich instead. Something has to be done as I normally take great pride in my lunch packing ability. (hmmm) But when it is leading up to Christmas and the to do list now spanning over two pages this is perhaps not the right time to get experimental in the kitchen. So here follows a list of some quick fixes that can liven up your children’s lunch boxes with very little effort and extra time from your part.

 
Fruit Dip: Make a healthy fruit dip with plain yoghurt, honey and cinnamon

Change the bread: Swap the sliced bread or bread rolls for sourdough bread, tortillas or bagels

Sandwich on a stick: Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat and slide the cubes onto a blunt-edged skewer with other foods your child likes, such as a cocktail tomatoes, a piece of lettuce, a pickle or an olive.

Make a seedy mix: Mix seeds, crunchy whole grain cereals and dried fruits such as raisins, apricots and prunes.

Fruit Sprinkle: Sprinkle cinnamon on fruit slices (this one takes 2 seconds)

Sushi Sandwiches: Make your sandwiches with ingredients that can be easily rolled, e.g ham and soft cheese. Then flatten the sandwich and roll tightly. Slice the roll into half-inch thick pieces and if your child is big enough why not pack some chopsticks?

Make a Kid’s Ploughmans: Pack some cut up bread, meats or vegetarian options, tomatoes and perhaps some pickles, chutney and apple slices. If possible use your leftover meats from last night’s dinner; chicken, ham or meatballs...  

Turn leftovers into a tasty salad: Mix some vegetables, cold meats and leftover pasta, potatoes, quinoa, rice or couscous – add dressing, oils or pesto and done!

Lunchbox Notes: Write a message to your child on a post-it note or find some free ones online that you can download and print.  

Enjoy, have fun and please let us know how you got on.

Bon Appetit!