Regarding the query about kids lunches, I've found that pasta and
tomato sauce can't go wrong, at least with our son. He doesn't care
for the fancy stuff when it comes to the sauce. I've found that
making it taste as close to Chef Boyardees as possible is a sure fire
winner. I mix a few tablespoons of non-dairy parmesan (I can't recall
the brand name) with a large can of tomato puree, heat and then store
in the fridge. Every day, I send a different shaped pasta (bow ties,
elbow twists, ruffles "o's" ) along with the sauce, for his lunches.
A wide mouth thermos is also something we couldn't do with out (if
you're sending lunches to school with your little one). You fill it
with very hot water and let it sit for five minutes. Then add the
pasta (heated on the stove or in the micro wave). We do this almost
every school morning and when he does have some food left over (which
is rare), it's still warm at 6:00 in the evening! On some days, we
give him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a soy (or rice) cheese
sandwich on whole wheat with soy "mayonnaise". We also send a few
snacks such as muffins, pretzel sticks or nuggets, plums and bananas
and home made granola. Apple juice in a thermos is also a safe bet.
Hope this helps.
Brenda
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