Keeping up with the Jones'

With the school year back in full swing, I've been thinking a lot about what types of food I will be sending with my little man when he gets older.  While doing this, I've reflected a lot on the lunches I took to school when I was little.  What types of lunches were "cool" to bring?

The biggest thing I remember is that you could trade things at the lunch table.  This brings up a whole new concern.  How do I send my child with healthy, homemade options and make sure he doesn't trade them?  I came up with a theory, and since my son isn't old enough to really test this out yet, you can test it out with your children and tell me how it goes.

My theory is that I can make all of those "goodies" the other kids are bringing in their lunch boxes, but the ones I make for my little guy will be homemade and made with only real ingredients.  This seems like a daunting task at first, because you're thinking about the time commitment involved or the level of cooking ability.  I suggest starting small and with things you feel comfortable with.  I will share with you the recipes and pictures of some of my creations, and feel free to ask me questions about anything you see.

I also would only send 1-2 goodies in his lunchbox along with fruit, cheese, maybe left over dinner, or lettuce wraps, or something like that.  I follow a blog called www.100daysofrealfood.com, and she takes pictures of the lunches she sends her girls and gives recipes and shows where she gets the containers she uses and things like that.  I don't follow her plan 100%, because she still uses some ingredients I don't use, but that's simply a matter of opinion and how you feel about the product.

Cheeze-its:  I haven't made these yet to try them, so feel free to make them, taste them, and let me know what you think.  I just know they're one of my weaknesses in the processed form.  Cheeze-it recipe

Oreos:  I have made these, and they were OUTSTANDING!  I truly cannot put into words how delicious they were.  You cut these out with biscuit cutters, so they can be as big or small as you like.  Oreo Recipe

Vanilla Wafers:  I also haven't tried these, but feel free to try and taste test!  vanilla wafer recipe

Fruit Roll ups:  I haven't tried these yet either, but I cannot wait to try them.  They only have 2 ingredients: fresh fruit and sugar...how can you beat only 2 ingredients!! fruit roll up recipe

Graham Crackers:  I just made these on Saturday, and they are awesome!  My son loves them, but so does everyone else in the family.  The recipe is also extremely easy.  I am including a picture of the dough cut out, and what they look like once they're cooked.  graham cracker recipe

Happy Eating!!