No, I am not going to rant about the school lunch program again. Today, this is closer to my heart, and home. What is on the lunch menu for your homeschooled children?
Our school year starts pretty soon, and that means organizing and preparing breakfast, plus lunch, for school. We start our days at the table, and since trying to keep all the children going in the same direction, is a little like herding cats, I appreciate having my meals well thought out ahead of time. Since I like to be present for the discussion that will inevitably ensue at the table, having the food ready is essential. Here are some of my favorite ideas and recipes:
Muffins-double the batch and keep them in the freezer
Brown rice-to add to leftover meat/egg for hearty wraps
Yogurt/cut up fruit salad or keep them separate for dipping
Toad In A Hole – fancy term for cutting a hole out of bread and frying that up with an egg in the hole. Kids love them!
Lunches are actually a little easier, since I plan on having leftovers when I am making dinner. I let the kids run around and burn off steam, while I put things on the table. That way, they are calm and I have a moment to get everything together without little people underfoot.
Bento is my go-to choice for lunch. I do some fancy things like Onigiri and octopus turkey smokies, but for the most part, I follow the spirit of Bento, and put together lots of little bits for everyone. If you have older children, they might like all the little things on a tray for them to select, instead.
I do try to stay away from a fat sandwich for lunch. The carb overload makes us sleepy, and I find it makes the kids crave sweets right after, too. To avoid this, pile that sandwich stuff onto 1 slice of wholegrain bread, or skip the bread and call it a snack plate. Lunchtime often includes me reading something out loud, and my 4 boys do better, when they have finger food or busy-food to eat. This works for us!
If you like lists, I did make a two week meal list and some tips for frugal shopping here. Those meals are cooler weather ideas, but hopefully that means next month.
What are some of your favorite breakfast and lunch ideas? I am in the market for something new. Have a great day!
Thank you for these ideas. Ive been working on this year’s menu and would like to shake things up a bit. My herd of cats also thank you! 😉
I have a secret for the kids during our first week, too. They are going to be dissecting owl pellets that a friend sent to us.
Hopefully this will be a big kick off to the year. Honestly, they are tired of summer, and asking to get started so we might jump in a little bit early.
Thanks for the comment. I LOVED your garden pictures!
Amy J
That sounds like a fun surprise!
They should be thrilled, although I am not sure I should have brought it up on a post about lunch ideas? LOL
Amy
Haha Didnt even phase me 🙂
Breakfast? Well, we have cereal and skim milk, fruit and oatmeal, eggs and toast, or Greek yogurt and granola. And for lunch? Leftovers mostly! Or I’ll whip up a veggie and pasta salad with ham, turkey and cheese (which lasts for several days) or soup and sandwiches when it gets cold again. Oh, I read to the kids too! LOL It seems like it’s the only time I can get us all together to listen to a story!