I was delighted to be asked by BlogHer to share this episode of Weelicious Lunch Crunch sponsored by Odwalla Fruit Smoothies For Kids with my readers. Enjoy!

Just so you know, I really love this fabulous idea for a kid-friendly, creative lunch for school. And considering that my kids are pancake-lovers, it’s right up our alley. As for Odwalla, I was happy to support this company since I love their fruit smoothie drinks.
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Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.

The post Lunch Box Ideas from Weelicious and Odwalla appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Going back to school can be bittersweet. For families with school age children, it represents the unofficial end of summer and the return of structure. On a more personal level, it is the end of lazy beach days, casual outings and schedule-free days. But the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and school bags packed with new notebooks is kind of exciting too. This year, I decided to celebrate back to school with a fun party at home and my friends at Hellmann’s helped me out with it.

You may remember that I am a part of the Hellmann’s Real Foodies, which means I am a brand ambassador of sorts for them. In the interest of full disclosure, they provided me with a gift card to pay for this party. So, thank you Hellmann’s!

In preparing for our Back to School Party, the kids and I hit the craft store and picked up supplies to make a few decorations. We also popped into Pier 1 for some special serving pieces and table decorations. The idea was to bring together school and sand (the candles we used were all beach-scented!). Once we had everything we needed, the kids decorated and got everything ready for the party.

I loved this school-meets-elegance centerpiece. The pencils add a nice touch, without being too much, don’t you think?

Planning a Back to School Party

While planning the party, I really wanted to bring together elements of our summer and elements of school. And the menu? I wanted it to celebrate summer with a mix of turned up classic dishes and simple ones. Our menu included a special coleslaw with Hellmann’s, the Homemade Ranch Dressing (also with Hellmann’s) that my family is crazy for, a special shrimp pasta (more on that soon!) and a great dessert table. We also had some appetizers, a killer multigrain bread and more. It was truly a feast.

Best of all, I was able to create a big full meal in about an hour, which meant I wasn’t stressed out at all. That’s a great thing for a party, right?

Ready to plan your party? The important thing is to keep it low-key and fun. There is no need to make this a huge bash. We kept our party to four heading-back-to-school kids and three adults, and it was a blast. A lot of good can come of keeping it really intimate. So when you are planning your party, ask yourself: What do I want to get out of this?

Creating the Hopes, Dreams, Goals Jar

This was my favorite part of the party. One of the big things we did during the party was to each write down a hope, wish or dream for the school year. These were folded and placed into mason jar that I sealed and hid. At the end of the year, we’ll look back on what we wrote and see how we did. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing what everyone wrote … in 10 months (once the school year is over).

Eating Well

Sample Back to School Party Menu

Hellmann’s is so versatile. It’s killer for making homemade coleslaw and Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (both of which hit the table during our party) but also can yield juicy baked poultry and a tender cake. This sample menu is a great way to serve delicious food easily.

• Tangy Cranberry Almond Coleslaw
• Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets
• Sauteed Garlic Shrimp
• Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Chocolate Peppermint Cake in a Jar

More ideas from Hellmann’s

• California Chicken Wraps
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Artichoke-Crusted Tilapia Fillets

Thanks again to Hellmann’s!

GIVEAWAY: Ultimate Back to School Party Pack from Hellmann’s

Want to host your own party? You can! Hellmann’s is generously offering a huge giveaway prize to help you host your own Back to School Party. Sweet, right?

The Fabulous Prize Pack:

• White Scalloped Serving Bowl from Pier 1
• White Scalloped Cake Plate from Pier 1
• Colorful Beaded Salad Server Set from Pier 1
• 8 Estrella Reversible Placemats from Pier 1
• $200 AMEX Gift Card
  
• 2 jars of Hellmann’s REAL Mayonnaise
• 1 jar of Hellmann’s with Olive Oil Dressing

Giveaway ended. Congrats to Charity S. — Commenter #9

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Disclosure (again): I am part of the Hellmann’s Real Foodies team and was provided with a gift card to help with the expenses for this party. Hellmann’s is also providing the giveaway prize. All opinions are my own.

The post Back to School: Hosting a Back to School Party (And a Giveaway!) appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Sometimes, the very idea of making dinner is akin to torture. Between the activities, school, work and life, there are nights where the big dinner decision doesn’t happen until the absolute last minute. It ends up being a very stressful thing, which is never good. Fortunately, there are some great meals that can be whipped up in no time.

The key to last minute cooking is to have staples on hand to whip up fast dinners. For me, that includes plenty of pasta, precooked sausage, precooked and frozen shrimp, a hard Italian cheese like romano, good olive oil, garlic and quick-cooking grains like quinoa. Also, canned beans and tomatoes. As for side dishes, when I am in a hurry I will often turn to raw sides such as tossed salads, bell pepper slices, cubed fruit and tomato salads.

I’ve pulled together a bunch of recipes as resources for when you just don’t know what to make. But before I share those, one of my absolutely favorite fast dinners is simple as can be: an egg over easy with whole grain toast and fruit. For my kids, the egg usually gets scrambled too … but they enjoy it as well. Other than that, grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis and quick pastas are also really great options for when all the schedules seem to be conspiring against you.

How will you answer the dreaded ‘what’s for dinner?’ question? Here are some quick and easy dinner ideas.

20 Ideas for Quick and Easy Dinners

These quick ideas can be made in under a half-hour or so, which makes them perfect for busy nights. And since most need only a few ingredients, it won’t take much to whip them up. Ready?

• Quick Barbecue Cheddar Sausage Sandwiches with Balsamic Onions
• 10-Minute Salsa Chicken
• Quick Chicken Parmesan
• Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
• Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets
• English Muffin Pizzas
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Gnocchi
• Toss Together Chorizo, Feta and Tomato Pasta
• Leek and Bacon Carbonara
• Garlic Soy Stir Fry
• Ham, Swiss, Avocado and Spinach Panini
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Shrimp, Basil and Tomato Pasta with Manchego Cheese
• Penne with Bratwurst and Broccoli
• Chicken, Avocado and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
• Cristina Ferrare’s Clam Sauce
• Pineapple Chicken
• Quick Pork and Peanut Stir-Fry
• Oven Poached Flounder with Garlic and Olive Oil
• Easy Sauteed Catfish
• Baked Tilapia with White Wine and Tomatoes

5 Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Recipes

There’s something truly comforting about knowing you won’t have to make dinner when you get home. That’s where slow cooker recipes come into play. These easy recipes are designed to be made ahead of time and cook low and slow until dinner. It makes things super easy.

• Slow Cooker Beef and Veggie Stew
• Smoky Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
• Slow-Cooker BBQ Joint Beef Brisket Recipe
• Slow Cooker Ratatouille

10 More Slow Cooker Recipes from Around the Web

• Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup on Taste and Tell
• Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken on Pip & Ebby
• Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice on Iowa Girl Eats
• Slow-Cooker Steak and Guinness Pie on Handle the Heat
• Slow Cooker Roast Chicken on Baked Bree
• Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup on Mama Loves Food!
• Slow Cooker Punjabi Eggplant with Potatoes on The Perfect Pantry
• Slow Cooker Bacon and Corn Chowder on Taste and Tell
• Slow Cooker Sweet and Smoky Beef on The Perfect Pantry
• Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Avocado on Kalyn’s Kitchen

Hillshire Farms Giveaway

Premade sausage is a staple of my last-minute dinner survival plan. I always have it on hand and use it for everything from breakfast for dinner to sandwiches. And after recently trying Hillshire Farm Gourmet Creations sausage, I’ve been enjoying the creative flavors. Now, you can too. Hillshire Farm has generously offered three coupons for free sausage for one lucky Sarah’s Cucina Bella reader.

Giveaway closed. Congrats to commenter #5, Krizza.

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Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. However, Hillshire Farm is providing the item for giveaway and also provided me with free product that I used to create a recipe. All opinions are my own.

The post Back to School: What’s for Dinner? appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Our snack cabinet for school and after school. Yes, there are some treats in there along with organic applesauce, banana chips and more. Love these OXO storage containers that I won at Food Blog Forum Orlando.

What is it with kids and snacks? Mine barely get off the bus before they are asking for a snack and wondering what it will be. Since an after school snack was a part of my childhood, I always try to oblige with something tasty (and nutritious!). But my husband always questions this, wondering if the snack is really necessary.

Christen Cooper, MS, RD of Cooper Nutrition Education & Communications says that after school snacks refuel kids for after school activities and homework. “The after school hours are important for accomplishing a few things: resting and recuperating from the school day; performing well at after school sports or activities; staying awake and alert enough to do homework; and, keeping the brain going until bedtime without overdoing the calories,” says Cooper.

And what you serve matters. While I still wish I could indulge in Ring Dings like I did when I was little, I don’t — and my kids don’t either because that’s really not what they need to be healthy. “Focus on foods with a purpose — foods that contain the nutrients that will help kids accomplish these missions. Junk food won’t help accomplish anything,” says Cooper.

4 Tips for a better after-school snack

Want to give your kids the “right” snack? Well, then think nutritious. Cooper shared these tips for picking better snacks.

1. Fill ‘em up without the calories – Cooper recommends giving your kids filling, low-calorie snacks. “This is the perfect time to have broccoli, pepper slices, baby carrots, celery and the like already sliced and in an easy to open container in the fridge. Kids can plate some of the veggies, help themselves to a dollop of hummus or low fat dressing, and snack away,” says Cooper.
2. Or how about a lean protein? – Lean proteins like low-fat yogurt, turkey breast and peanut butter can also be filling. “Teachers College likes to serve student visitors a neat, homemade dip: plain yogurt and peanut butter (1/2 and 1/2) mixed together. Lean protein keeps kids full, again, without piling on fat and calories,” says Cooper.
3. Skip the sweet drinks – Juice? Soda? No way! Instead stick to water. Cooper suggests homemade flavored water, which provides hydration and antioxidants. “Fill a pitcher with plain water. Add an orange peel, slices of lemon, mint, berries and anything else you’d like to flavor your water with. Leave the pitcher overnight to let the water take up the flavors. You can even add a few splashes of juice for some extra color and flavor,” says Cooper.
4. Say “no” to junk – Cookies, chips, chocolate — none of them are okay. “There is no place for these snacks in the after school hours because they don’t help with alertness, brainpower, or energy, and they do tend to “spoil” dinner (because they offer little fiber and many calories),” says Cooper.

What’s your kids’ favorite after-school snack?

The post Back to School: Planning Awesome After-School Snacks appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

It’s come up a few times in recent days. On Facebook, a high school classmate posted about heading back to work as a teacher after maternity leave. In her post, she asked her friends to share good memories of teachers that stood out for them as inspiration. The post was flooded with responses honoring many of our high school teachers. Shortly after, another high school classmate asked me to fill out a Q&A. Among the questions was one about who has influenced me. While my grandmother holds firmly in the top spot, several inspiring English teachers also came to mind.

Even for the most popular among us, high school is a strange time. If we’re lucky, we discover who we are, form ideas about what we want to do and start down paths that will lead in the direction of our future. Hopefully — with the help of our teachers. The best teachers are the ones who can see past the pink tinted hair and attitude to the person inside — and then reach us there, exposing us to new thoughts, ideas and ways of looking at things.

For me, two really stand out.

Mr. Tyner taught me to love classic literature and to look deeper into writing — beyond the surface to see greater themes and messages. As a teacher, he was so encouraging and passionate about his subject — but tough, too. He also taught me to imagine and write stories that had the deeper meanings we read for in literature. He just retired last year, after decades of inspiring students, but I sent him a note awhile back letting him know how much his lessons had inspired and influenced me.

The same year that I had Mr. Tyner, I also had Mrs. Shannon for a couple classes for about half the year. She introduced me to journalism, taught me the principals of a good news story and encouraged me to dig deeper. My short time in her classes led me to my career, and fulfilling my dream of being a working writer. She was such a great champion for her students, and I was lucky to have spent a little time in her classroom.

I can’t thank Mr. Tyner and Mrs. Shannon enough.

Over the past six years, I have worked in education publishing — first as an editor for Weekly Reader and more recently as social media editor for Education World. That led me to spend much time learning about the challenges teachers face — and how educational publishing can help make it easier. The fact is that school budgets rarely cover all the supplies a teacher needs to inspire and engage students. So, often, they use their own money to supplement whatever they are given.

That is dedication.

The teachers I know look beyond their salaries to their roles in their students’ lives. They give their evenings and weekends to grading papers and preparing for their lessons. They know that what happens in their classroom can change kids for the better. Seeing how my classmates from Pawling High remember so many teachers for how they shaped their lives is testament to how intertwined the lessons in school and our lives are. I hope someday my kids can look back on their school years and fondly remember some of their teachers in this same way.

Labor Day is next week. The holiday isn’t just a day off from school or work. It’s a day that historically was meant to honor the creation of the labor movement and the social and economic achievements of American workers. AFL-CIO is honoring Labor Day by this year by recognizing workers for what they do. I was asked via BlogHer to share one person I would like to thank … and I could think of no one better than the teachers that shaped my life and career.

Want to thank someone too? Go to aflcio.org/thankyou to send a thank you card to someone whose work you appreciate.

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Disclosure: I am being compensated for my time in creating this post. However all opinions are my own.

The post Teachers Help Us Shape Our Lives appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

During the last school year, we fell into a terrible habit. Whenever a weeknight was busy, I would pretty much toss my hands in the air and yell “takeout!” Ok, maybe it was more figurative than actual hand flinging and yelling, but ultimately, the result was the same. We spend way too much money ordering food. Takeout was no longer special. Instead, it was more monotonous. Just another thing on another day.

Frankly, if I am going to spend money on food, it better be exciting. As for our budgets, this did nothing to help my husband or I pad our bank accounts. Quite the opposite.

Over the summer, I broke myself of the habit. Even when I didn’t feel like cooking, I pushed on. They say it takes 14 days to form a habit (or is it 21?). But pushing through the hardest days — the ones where I was so exhausted from the gym or worn out from a long day of work — helped me see beyond the takeout menu. Why would I spend money ordering out when I am perfectly capable of making good food at home. Especially considering that good food doesn’t mean time consuming food.

This Quick Barbecue Cheddar Sausage Sandwiches with Balsamic Onions? It’s good food. Sure, you don’t want to eat it every day. But as a once in a while dinner to get on the table fast? It’s perfect.

If you have 20 minutes, then you have time to whip up these speedy sausage sandwiches. They require about 10 minutes of cooking time (note — you want to cook the onions and sausage at the same time). And then assembly (just a few minutes there). As for the rest of the time? Use it to pull together a side dish or two — such as cut up fruit or a quickie salad.

The key to making this super fast is using precooked sausage. While I was at the Blogher ’12 Conference earlier this month, I had the opportunity to sample Hillshire Farm Gourmet Creations sausage, which is a precooked sausage available in several varieties. The Beef & Bacon variety is perfect for this sandwich — but a husky chicken sausage could work as well.

As for the onions? They really don’t need much fussing. Heat the pan and the oil, then add the onions and a little salt. Give it a stir and them let them be, stirring just a few times. They will sweat and soften on their own. And while you are doing that, butterfly the sausages and grill them. Since they are precooked, they are ready in a jiffy.

My kids — especially my sausage addict daughter — declared this sandwich a masterpiece. To round it out, I served it with watermelon chunks and a little green salad.

Quick Barbecue Cheddar Sausage Sandwiches with Quick Balsamic Onions
serves 4

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, quartered and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
salt, to taste
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 package Hillshire Farm Gourmet Creations Beef & Bacon Sausage
4 Portuguese rolls, sliced open
1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese
honey barbecue sauce, to taste

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat on the stove. Add the oil and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the onions and salt. Cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, or until softened and mostly translucent. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for one more minute.

Meanwhile, heat the grill (or a stovetop grill pan). Slice the sausages in half, leaving them partially attached on one side (you are essentially butterflying the sausage). Grill until hot, flipping once — 3-4 minutes per side.

Now, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Place one sausage on each roll and top with 1/4 of the onions, 1/4 of the cheese and barbecue sauce, to taste. Close, slice in half and serve.

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Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. However, Hillshire Farms did provide me with coupons for free sausage that I used to create this recipe. All opinions are my own.

The post Quick Barbecue Cheddar Sausage Sandwiches with Balsamic Onions appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s because it fires up and fuels your noggin. Repeat: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

The question is … are your kids (and you!) eating it? If not, you all should be.

“Breakfast is key for adults and children alike, since it provides the body and brain with energy after the overnight fast. Remember, during the night the body is repairing and healing itself, for kids, growing as well. So a new dose of valuable nutrients gives the brain the energy it needs to get the body back in motion and the brain back to learning,” says Christen Cooper, MS, RD of Cooper Nutrition.

Despite the importance of breakfast, it’s a too-often often skipped meal, Cooper notes. “Recent data indicate that about 5% of children ages 2-5 skip breakfast, as do 14% of children ages 6 to 11. This number jumps during adolescence to 31% (ages 12 and 19), with girls skipping breakfast more often than boys,” says Cooper, referencing a study published in 2000 in the Journal of Adolescent Health. “For children ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 19, breakfast provides 15% to 18% of daily energy, yet it provides from 15% to almost 40% of daily intake for various vitamins and minerals and daily fiber.”

So when kids skip breakfast or eat less than nutritious ones, they head off to school without the necessary fuel to learn.

Your Body and Brain on Breakfast

Let’s talk breakfast foods for a second. What is a healthy breakfast anyway? A healthy breakfast is balanced and hearty enough to keep your kids (and you) going until lunchtime.

Cereals? They aren’t always the best choice unless you are super diligent about checking labels. “Avoid sugary kid-marketed cereals. Fortified or not, these highly processed food-ish items offer little health benefit,” advises Debra Wolf, MS Clinical Nutrition, who practices out of the Naugatuck Valley Women’s Health Specialists in Middlebury, CT. “High fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient in processed food, may be linked to increased plasma triglycerides and insulin resistance. In addition, certain artificial flavors and colors have been implicated in childhood disorders such as ADHD.”

Instead, go for well-rounded breakfasts that include items from several important food groups like fruits, dairy and grains. Which ones?

According to Cooper, the ideal breakfast includes:

• Fruit, a food to encourage, providing soluble fiber (heart healthy), vitamins and minerals
• Whole grains (providing fiber, B vitamins, minerals including folate which prevents neural tube defects). Ready-to-eat (cold or hot) breakfast cereals have been shown to promote nutrient adequacy in kids, since they are fortified and palatable to kids.
• Dairy (providing calcium and protein…Americans do not get enough lowfat and nonfat dairy)
• Lean protein (egg whites, lowfat cheese) Lean protein leads to satiety and in many people, the ability to eat reasonable portions. It also provides materials for growth and repair of body tissues.

5 Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes

Convinced on the importance of breakfast? Good. Now, let’s talk a little about what to make. One great option is to make the main component of your breakfast ahead of time. These breakfast ideas are perfect for that.

• Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bites
• Breakfast Blueberry Cake
• Whole Wheat Applesauce Graham Muffins with Streusel Topping
• Asparagus Swiss Mini Frittatas
• Red Pepper and Scallion Mini Frittatas

6 Quick Breakfast Recipes

Have time to make something fresh? These breakfast ideas are quick and easy — but totally loveable too.

• Whole Grain Toast with Mashed Avocado and An Egg
• Delicate Ham and Cheddar Omelet
• Spinach and Cheddar Egg White Omelet
• Swiss and Roasted Asparagus Omelet
• Toasty Coconut and Caramelized Banana Oatmeal Recipe
• French Toasted Apple Grilled Cheese

15 More Breakfast Ideas from Around the Web

So many great breakfast ideas can be found around the web. These 15 breakfast recipes are perfect for kids and adults alike.

• Avocado Breakfast Toast on Bell’alimento
• Crispy Gooey Trail Mix Bars on Family Fresh Cooking
• Homemade Pop Tarts on Healthy Green Kitchen
• Whole Wheat Vanilla Chocolate Chip Pancakes on Tickled Red
• Whole Wheat Raspberry and Mango Pancakes on Two Peas & Their Pod
• Spinach and Dubliner Cheese Egg Cups on The Little Kitchen
• Spinach Egg Breakfast Cups on Sweetnicks
• Green Chile and Cheese Egg Muffins on Kalyn’s Kitchen
• Freezer Sausage and Egg Burritos on The Sweets Life
• Speedy Huevos Rancheros on The College Culinarian
• Blueberry Smoothie on Bell’alimento
• Green Smoothies on Aggie’s Kitchen
• 1 Minute Blueberry Citrus Shake on Family Fresh Cooking
• Layered Fruit and Yogurt Salad on Eclectic Recipes
• Overnight Blueberry Almond Oats on Two Peas & Their Pod

Athens Foods Giveaway

Giveaway closed. Thanks to Athens Foods!

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Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. However, Athens Foods is providing the item for giveaway and also provided me with free product that I used to create a recipe. All opinions are my own.

The post Back to School: Breakfast for your Brain appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

For the last few years, Will’s school bus came so early that wake up and breakfast was filled with grunts and half-closed eyes. It was brutal. This year is different though, with a later bus and a lot more time to wake, eat and get ready. Still, making quick, easy and fun breakfasts still matters no matter what time the school bus comes. Time is precious in the morning and no one wants to spend it slaving over a complicated weekday morning breakfast.

These Mini Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bites? They take about 20 minutes — total — to make. That’s doable on a school morning. But making them ahead makes them even more convenient as a quick breakfast. Just pop  some in the toaster oven before serving (they only need a few minutes to warm up from the fridge). Want them to be ready even faster? Microwave them for 15-20 seconds. They won’t be as crunchy but they will still have all the delicious bacon, egg and cheese flavor.

The key to making these a great breakfast? These are part of breakfast — not the whole. So serve up 4-5 along with fresh fruit and a glass of OJ.

To make these Mini Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bites, you need four slices of cooked bacon that’s been all crumbled. I keep my bacon in the freezer and cut off a 1/4-inch vertical slice for each slice of bacon I need. Then I cook from frozen. But you could also reserve leftover cooked bacon from another day for these. You also need some sharp cheddar, one egg, a little milk, salt and pepper. And these are baked in the super convenient Athens Mini Fillo Shells. These babies are precooked and super crispy, which adds a nice texture component to this dish.

Assembling these is a process quick and easy. You add the bacon to the shells then the cheese and the whisked egg and milk. Then you bake then up. Mere minutes!

And these aren’t just good as a part of breakfast. You could also bake up a batch or two of these as a quick and easy appetizer too. Then, listen for the “yum!”

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. However, Athen’s Foods provided me with free product to create this recipe at my request. All opinions are my own.

The post Mini Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bites appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Psst! Be sure to read to the bottom for a great giveaway.

In the beginning of the school year, I am always filled with inspired lunch ideas for kids. But somewhere along the way, I start repeating things a little too often and everything goes haywire. Frankly, my kids start to rebel a little if they have too many days of the same sandwich, snack, repeat. The goal of packing school lunches is to keep them amusing and appetizing through creative uses of ingredients they love, and having a list of ideas to refer to helps keep school lunches fresh and interesting all year. (Note to self: reread this list in a month or two.)

But first, let’s talk about the nuts and bolts of packing school lunches. Sure, we might still call them brown bag lunches but these days if you want to be greener, reusable containers and lunchboxes are the way to avoid excess lunch waste. But the benefits of using reusable containers goes beyond the environmental — they also protect food better and can keep it appropriately hot or cold (food safety rocks!). I look for sturdy containers with a good seal that keeps food in and everything else out. They also have to be simple for little hands to open, since lunchtime goes pretty fast these days.

This year I went a little crazy stocking up on reusable containers to ensure we have everything we need for the school year. We have a few days worth of reusable water bottles since we use them for both school and soccer — and my kids have been known to forget one (or four) from time to time. I am a big fan of the metal ones that close easily and don’t leak (A hint from my cousin Sarah: keep a baby bottle brush on hand for easy cleaning! It makes it so easy to keep them clean). I also have a variety of storage containers for sandwiches, snacks and hot foods. Since I pack lunch and snacks every day, this allows for a lot of flexibility in what I pack. The thermos, for instance, is great for soups, pastas, warmed chicken parm (I cut it up at home so they can just dig right in), roasted potatoes and steak and so much more. The sandwich containers can also hold mini pizzas, cheese and crackers, fruit salad and mini kabobs. You get the idea. Just make sure that most are dishwasher safe (thermoses generally aren’t, but they are worth the effort).

The other great thing about using reusable containers? I never go to pack lunch and discover that we’re out of storage bags. Not that I would ever do that, right? Right.

Now, how about some lunch ideas for kids?

8 Flexible Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters

Parents tell me all the time how hard it is to get their picky eaters to eat. I remember when Will started kindergarten, one of his friends had a very short list of things she liked. That made it so hard for her mom, especially since several items were a no-go in our peanut- and tree nut-free school. In the end, she went with what she liked, and tried to pack it creatively. As a parent, only you can know what your child will enjoy eating so I kept these ideas vague. Start with the list of things that your child is willing to eat and try spinning them in a new way so that you can send a fresh and exciting lunch every day.

• Simple sandwiches (such as ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, etc)
• Veggie dippers (sliced veggies such as cucumbers, sweet bell peppers and carrots with a dip like homemade buttermilk ranch)
• Fruit dippers (sliced or whole fruits like strawberries, blueberries, melon and pineapple with a dip like honey lime dipping sauce)
• Love kabobs (fill skewers with foods your child loves such as ham cubes, cheese cubes and pineapple cubes or leftover steak, boiled potatoes and grape tomatoes or an all-fruit kabob)
• Yogurt mix up to go (yogurt with cereal, granola or crushed ginger snaps and finely chopped fruit — packed separately so that your child can mix it up themselves)
• Rice bowls (hot rice topped with leftover veggies and chopped meat, if desired, packed in a thermos. Consider adding a sauce like a little teriyaki, soy sauce, barbecue or Sriracha — if your child likes hot things)
• Pasta salad (start with pasta, add in veggies, cubed meat like salami – if desired – and your child’s favorite dressing)
• DIY Combo lunches (like lunchables, but totally customized to your child)

5 Quick Lunch Ideas for More Adventurous Eaters

My kids eat just about everything, which I love. So strong flavors and a variety of textures are a-ok in our house. Still, they can get bored with lunch sometimes. These five fun ideas are a little different, but also fast and easy so you can whip up something a little different without a big time investment. Hey, who has time for a big time investment in the morning anyway?

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad
• California Turkey Club Wrap
• Jazzed Up Turkey Sandwiches
• Greek Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Tomato Feta Summer Salad

10 Leftovers That Make Great Lunches

Another way to keep lunches interesting is to give leftovers a new life in your child’s school lunch. When you make a great dinner that your kids love, pack up any leftovers and send them for lunch another day.

• Lime Black Bean Salad with Shrimp
• Warm Farro with Roasted Artichoke Hearts, Tomatoes and Leeks
• Roasted Tomato, Basil and Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Creamy Black Bean, Red Pepper and Corn Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
• Toss Together Chorizo, Feta and Tomato Pasta
• Lemon Rosemary White Bean Dip with veggie dippers
• Autumn Vegetable Chili
• Tomato, Peach and Basil Salad
• Asparagus, Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
• Roasted Cauliflower, Sweet Potatoes and Garbanzo Beans Over Rice

Packing Pizza for School Lunch

Oh, kids and pizza. Mine love pizza, but pizza day at school isn’t always a hit. Regardless, you can make any day pizza day with these make-ahead recipes for homemade pizza pockets and mini pizzas. Just whip some up on the weekend and pull some out as needed. You can refrigerate them if you plan to use them all in the next or freeze them and defrost as needed.

Over the summer, Betty Crocker asked me to create a series of pizza-related recipes that would be perfect for school lunches. After testing and retesting, I came up with six recipes that were hits with my kids and my teenage siblings.Best served hot, these pizza pockets can be warmed up at home and transported in a thermos container. Or if a microwave is available, kids can heat them up at school.

• Beef Bacon Barbecue Pizza Pockets
• Steak and Cheese Pizza Pockets
• Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
• Hawaiian Pizza Pockets
• Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Pizza Pockets
• Bacon Barbecue Chicken Pizza Pockets.

For pizza lovers, these mini pizzas are also perfect for the lunchbox. Serve them hot or cold, as desired.

• Two Cheese Garlic Bread Mini Pizzas
• Pizza Bread PB&J Sandwiches
• Pepperoni Mini Pizzas
• Mexican Mini Pizzas
• Mediterranean Mini Pizzas
• Bruschetta Mini Pizzas

20 More Lunch Ideas from Around the Web

Looking for more perfect lunch ideas for kids? Check out these 20 delicious recipes from around the web.

• Asian Lettuce Wraps on Kalyn’s Kitchen
• Thai Basil Turkey Wraps on Steamy Kitchen
• Black Bean & Cilantro Lettuce Wraps with Yellow Squash on Green Lite Bites
• BLT Wraps on Recipe Girl
• Thai Garden Veggie Wraps with Peanut Sauce on Simply Healthy Family
• Thai-Inspired Turkey Mini-Meatball Lettuce Wraps on Kalyn’s Kitchen
• Deviled Ham Salad Sandwiches on Sweetnicks
• Turkey Baguette with Spinach, Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomatoes with Basil Dijon Aioli on Good Life Eats
• Bagel with Creamy Garlic and Vegatable Bagel Spread on Sweetnicks
• Bagel with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread on Pinch My Salt
• Shrimp Salad with Dill and Cucumber on In Good Taste
• Barley Salad with Roasted Summer Vegetables on Eats Well with Others
• Warm Mediterranean Pasta Salad on Good Life Eats
• Honey Mustard Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad on Dine and Dish
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette on In Good Taste
• Baked Potato and Bacon Soup on Recipe Girl
• Tomato Zucchini Soup on Joy the Baker
• Red Lentil Soup with Lemon on Eats Well with Others
• Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini on Handle the Heat
• Roasted Corn and Black Bean Soup on Dine and Dish

Giveaway: OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker

Giveaway closed. Thanks, OXO!

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Disclosure: I wasn’t compensated for creating this post. The giveaway is provided by OXO (product and shipping). I was also provided with the OXO product for a previous post. All opinions are my own.

The post Back to School: Packing School Lunches with Flair appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Summer might have another month to go, but for us it’s sort of over. School starts this week, and that means a return to early mornings, structured days, packing school lunch and snacks and all that comes along with it. I’m going to miss the more relaxed days of summer … but I am also kind of excited too. Working at home is definitely a little easier during the school year.

This particular school year brings some changes too. The kids are headed to a new school. Paige is starting kindergarten. And we’ll be trying to bus it every day (I did a lot of driving over the last few years). With all this change, I have been thinking a lot about school lunches and snacks and easy dinners. Over the next few weeks, things will get pretty busy for us so having a cache of ideas really helps. And I suspect that if you have kids at home, you probably know exactly what I am talking about.

That’s what sparked the idea for Sarah’s Cucina Bella Goes Back to School. This week I will be sharing tips, new recipes and some pretty awesome giveaways so that we can all be ready for all the cooking and eating that comes with school days. Ready?

First up is a really fun twist on tuna salad. This fresh, quick and easy recipe is perfect for a speedy lunch — or packing in the lunch box.  And one of the best parts? It’s pretty wallet-friendly (and healthy!) too.

Canned tuna is a inexpensive protein that can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Though it contains some mercury, it’s generally considered a safe and healthy food. The thing is though? I am not a big fan of tuna sandwiches — not the traditional tuna salad kind. But when prepared just right, I do enjoy tuna (like in Tuna Cakes, for instance). But what about as a quick and easy lunch? Switching up the ingredients, I have a new version of tuna salad that I love.

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad was inspired by my recipe for Greek Chicken Salad. This combines sweet bell peppers with cool cucumbers, salty feta, briny kalamata olives and of course tuna. Then it’s dressed with tangy lemon juice and olive oil. Finish it off with salt and pepper, and you are ready to go. It takes about 10 minutes to make, but you can totally make it in advance, if you prefer.

My kids — especially Will — enjoyed this. For Will, it will be a great lunch box option since it’s easy and filling. He really likesthe stronger flavors like feta and kalamata olives. If your kids do too, then this will probably be a favorite. To pack it up for school, make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container so the juices don’t escape. We like it with whole wheat crackers, but do make sure the crackers are stored safely away from the salad so they stay crispy. You could also serve this with pita bread (or even stuff it inside!).

And, hey, this is totally awesome for Mom’s lunch too.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad
serves 4

1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, finely diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 can white tuna packed in water
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Stir together the bell pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta and tuna. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well.

This can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

The post Mediterranean Tuna Salad appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.