If you’re a parent like me, you’re likely preparing to send your little ones back to school this week. There is so much to do to get ready; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We have enough things to stress out about and lunch shouldn’t be one of them! To make your life a little simpler, I’m going to share a few easy and delicious lunchbox ideas that are also peanut-free.
Lunchbox #1, is a Jammy Quesadilla. Personally, I like to spread ghee on both of the tortillas, then I add shredded cheese. I prefer ghee over of butter because, when melted, it releases a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Spread the Love® Marionberry Artisan Jam. Sliced cucumbers make for a refreshing and healthy side. Cut in half, scoop the seeds (for a longer shelf-life) and cut into quarters. For an occasional sweet treat, I add Bitsy's Smart Cookies that are made with simple and organic ingredients like beets, orange and unsweetened chocolate.
Lunchbox #2 features a turkey, goat cheese, Spread The Love® Raspberry Artisan Jam and arugula roll-up. I used a gluten-free tortilla wrap and spread goat cheese on it, added the turkey and arugula before rolling. It’s paired with green grapes and it’s always a good idea to cut them in half to avoid choking. For dessert, we made almond butter and jam, no-bake protein balls. The super easy recipe for this is on the bottom of the page.
Lunchbox #3 idea is a “build-your-own-fancy-yogurt.” I used Siggi’s because our girls love the consistency. Bonus - Siggi’s is high in protein (12g) and low in sugar (only 8g compared to others that have 15g) but packed with flavor! We added some of our favorite toppings like raspberries, pecans and granola. For a side, I packed carrot sticks alongside an almond butter dip because I love it when the girls eat their veggies even when I'm not watching. This dip is super creamy already since we grind our Spread The Love® Unsalted Almond Butter not just once, but twice for the best texture.
Lunchbox #4 is super simple, but an all-time favorite. I give you…the almond butter and banana sandwich made with our 1-ingredient Spread The Love® Unsalted Almond Butter. I cut off the crusts for my picky eaters and cut it into fun shapes, like triangles. For some extra protein, a hard boiled egg is the perfect addition and the vegetable of the day are snap peas (because that’s what I had in my fridge and the girls love them).
I’ll be making these recipes again and again for our two preschool-aged daughters that I know they will love and finish. I hope your babes do too!
PS - If you have some lunchbox ideas you'd like to share, please comment on here or email me at val@spreadthelovefoods.com. I love hearing from you!
* Almond Butter and Jam Protein Ball Recipe
- 1/2 cup Spread The Love® Unsalted Almond Butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dates
- 1 1/4 cup oats
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Spread The Love® Raspberry Artisan Jam
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To a large mixing bowl, add almond butter, dates, oats, chia seeds, and jam. Mix until well combined. If too dry/crumbly, add more peanut butter. If too sticky or wet, add a little bit more oats.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. Then scoop out 1 Tbsp amounts and roll into balls. The "dough" should yield about 12-15 balls.
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Enjoy immediately and store well-sealed leftovers in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.
Keep spreading the love,
Val
