15 October 2009

[lunchbox: Ideas #1]

WOW!!! I got a ton of responses yesterday, between comments, emails and FB. So - I'll be going ahead with the CONTEST. Here's a couple of hints ... it's going to START on MONDAY. And you'll be HUNTING around for five days. Each day will have an "answer". On the final day, you'll give me all five answers. The first one, with all five correct answers, will send me an email (I'll be posting that info on day four) ... and voila - we'll have a WINNER!

Sound like fun? Hope so!!

Ok - enough of that for now. Here's today's question: do you struggle with lunchbox ideas?? I sure do. And that was one thing I was worried about with Mattias heading off to kindergarten 2-3 full days a week.

For me, nothing says "I love you" more than a well prepared meal. So - I'm starting to come up with a repertoire for lunches, and I thought I'd post some ideas each week to inspire you beyond the sandwich. *grin*.

First off - I bought a great little book called "Lunch Boxes and Snacks". It has over 120 healthy recipes - from delicious sandwiches and salads, to hot soups and sweet treats. At least, that's what it says on the cover *grin*.

Here's today's idea: thermos noodles

"Mummy's Ramen Noodles" (makes 2 portions)

6oz fine Chinese-style egg noodles
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup canned/frozen corn
2/3 cup shredded chicken
1 scallion, thinly slices (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch

Directions: Cook the noodles according to the package (or use precooked noodles). Drain and set aside. Put the broth, soy sauce, peas, corn and chicken in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in scallion (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tsp cold water and add to the contents in the pan. Cook, stirring for 1 minute - or until liquid thickens slightly. Add the noodles and reheat briefly - stirring. Transfer to bowl to serve, or prepare into thermoses.

Truth is, you could put any variety of veggies or meat in this ...
Enjoy!! And have a great one!

3 comments:

Shawna said...

I'll see if I can keep up with your fancy schmancy contest ;)

I forwarded you my fave lunch box recipe...and we made rice crispy squares for Jacob, what a HIT they were!

AlisonVeritas said...

another lunch time favorite of ours (aria's) is whole wheat pancakes(that I make a zillion and freeze) sandwiches with peanut butter or almond butter and bananas!

Canadian Kristin said...

The noodles sound like a sure hit... I will probably split one serving between two kids as our kids get a very very very short lunch break! Thanks for the suggestion!