Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: brazen20au on January 19, 2010, 09:25:37 pm

Title: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 19, 2010, 09:25:37 pm
as per request, lunch box ideas - go for it!!!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: meganjane on January 20, 2010, 01:42:13 am
The lunch boxes that I prepare are a lot different to the ones most of you prepare! I make lunches for three hungry men when we're seeding, harvesting, hay baling or whatever.
They have two rounds of sandwiches or a wrap, plus meat and salad, slices, cakes or biscuits, something else savoury to nibble on like cheese and bickies or chicken wings and fruit.
It takes me over an hour to make them in the morning! Luckily, I don't have to make them before they go as they sometimes leave at 5am when it's hot!

Fortunately, there's only the two blokes to feed at the moment and they're cleaning out dams, so coming home for lunch.

I remember when making my children's lunches, they loved to have 'chicken roll ups', which was chicken and salad in a wrap.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: riv_mum on January 20, 2010, 03:20:50 am
the zuccini and noodle slice on the front of this months super food ideas is good. Everyone said it was nice and noone likes zuccini!
Can eat it hot or cold. Have converted - will post soon
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on January 20, 2010, 06:13:23 am
I still make DD's lunch even though she is 'all grown up'. It's basically just salad, fruit, and yoghurt. will have to put my thinking cap on and see what I can find that is suitable for lunches.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: achookwoman on January 21, 2010, 11:22:19 am
Although I don't do lunches anymore , we do picnics.   The little rolls cooked in muffin tins, centers removed and filled with whatever a child, ( big or small) might like,   This child likes  ---   ham, tomato and avocado mixed with a little EDC mayo.   The big "child '  likes curried egg .   But the centers can be filled with sweet things--dates, walnut and apple,  lemon butter and banana,  nuts ,sultanas and cream cheese.   For children,  taking lunch to school ,  we would have to take note of what conditions the food is exposed to, also no nuts.   Cold spaghetti and baked beans are popular.  If a cold pack is used then chicken and grated carrot in mayo would be Ok.  The variety of choices is endless as is the size if the little rolls.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on January 21, 2010, 11:26:11 am
My GD never really liked sandwiches so I suggested to her mother that she should get a fairy cutter and see if that would entice her to eat one for lunch at kindy.  It worked.  Bit of waste but at least she ate something.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on January 21, 2010, 11:57:59 am
It's well worth it Judy. Children don't really have that much time to eat at lunch time and if they sit there eating the entire time they miss out on the socialising that goes on. There is nothing sadder than seeing a child still eating lunch when it is time to go in. They often say 'Mum said I have to eat all this' and then they have enough for an adult.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 21, 2010, 12:03:36 pm
my kids only ever want sandwiches for lunch. last year i wrote up this huge list of ideas and it was just sandwiches day in day out lol boring but at least easy ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on January 21, 2010, 12:17:11 pm
Lucky you Karen.  Kids can be so darn fussy.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Jabba on January 21, 2010, 12:47:53 pm
Fried rice.
Wedge of frittata - made using leftovers, left-over risotto is especially good, or using fresh ingredients.
Dinner left-overs.
Pieces of meat - schnitzel is always a winner, as are chicken drumsticks.
Plain veg - cherry tomatoes, carrot/cucumber sticks; plain pasta; some cubed cheese; crackers.
Hoummos (great with the plain veg) or other dip.
Mini pizzas.
Boiled egg.
Veg pasty.

Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: foodiepep on January 22, 2010, 09:35:29 am
They're all good suggestions Jabba!  Apart from the cherry tomatoes my fussy 6 yo should eat them all. 

I also cut left over tortillas into bite sized pieces spray with a little olive oil and season with either onion powder or parmesan and bake them as a healthy cracker to go with the dip. 

Looking forward to making my own tortillas when my TM is delivered.  (It was dispatched today) (http://images.teamsugar.com/modules/smileys/examples/DancingCucumber.gif)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: achookwoman on January 22, 2010, 09:56:45 am
Foodiepep, I'll bet you are excited.   Let us know what you cook.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 22, 2010, 09:59:18 am
here was my planned list  :D
http://brazen20au.blogspot.com/2009/02/lunchbox-ideas.html
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on January 22, 2010, 10:17:18 am
It's well worth it Judy. Children don't really have that much time to eat at lunch time and if they sit there eating the entire time they miss out on the socialising that goes on. There is nothing sadder than seeing a child still eating lunch when it is time to go in. They often say 'Mum said I have to eat all this' and then they have enough for an adult.

It's even worse when they don't even get to EAT their lunch because their teacher keeps them in to finish their maths (which they couldn't understand and didn't get much help with!)!!!  (That happened to my 2nd grade daughter, who is very thin and gets all sleepy and 'low blood sugar' if she doesn't eat often... we're very happy to be homeschooling now!)

So, obviously we don't have to worry about lunch boxes since we homeschool, but when we go out for the day to do the shopping, etc, I often take things so they don't beg for junk...  here's some of our favourites:

- fruit (if they're picky, slice up a few different ones and mix together in a container with a squeeze of lemon juice) - their favourite is sliced apple sprinkled with cinnamon - no need for sugar, nice just like that.
- quartered & cored apples with a blob of homemade nut butter in the middle.
- home made tortillas with refried beans & cheese, or avocado, salad, tuna, whatever we've got.
- sweet and salty nuts (a mixture of nuts drizzled with honey or agave syrup then sprinkled with sea salt, and toasted for 10 - 15 mins on a tray in mod oven)
- treat balls (a few handfuls of raw almonds, same amount of dates, couple of large tablespoons cacao powder, ground up in TMX sp 9, until it sticks together - add some more dates or sultanas if needs more moisture.  Can also add dried apricots, choc chips, raw cashews, seeds, etc)
- snack sticks (http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com/2009/01/snack-sticks.html)
- nut butter (the one in the veg cookbook with seeds in it) & fruit spread sandwiches on homemade spelt bread.
- stuffed olives/little whole pickles
- boiled eggs
- homemade cookies/cake/slices (plenty of recipes on my blog - favourite cookies are the choc chip almond butter ones: http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com/2009/11/almond-butter-choc-chip-cookies.html)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on January 22, 2010, 11:30:56 pm
Never had kids to make lunchboxes - but certainly think I would prefer to home school my kids if I had any.

Sounds like it is a lot healthier and better for your kids Quirky Jo.

Welcome foodiepep - hope you find interesting things on our forum too.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 23, 2010, 01:06:10 am
can't do any of the nut recipes for school either!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on January 23, 2010, 03:09:23 am

It's even worse when they don't even get to EAT their lunch because their teacher keeps them in to finish their maths (which they couldn't understand and didn't get much help with!)!!!  (That happened to my 2nd grade daughter, who is very thin and gets all sleepy and 'low blood sugar' if she doesn't eat often... we're very happy to be homeschooling now!)

That is really bad and most probably illegal. I don't blame you for home schooling her. Especially when she is so young.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Michp on January 23, 2010, 09:37:18 am
Quote
can't do any of the nut recipes for school either!
We cant do nuts or eggs! One of the girls in DS's class is anaphalactic to both. Theres also one allergic to dairy but we only have to avoid that for shared food. No eggs can be a bit limiting we manage but it rules out the simple things like pancakes, biscuits containing egg etc.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 23, 2010, 10:35:45 am
egg free pancakes are pretty easy, i think i have a few egg free biccie recipes on my blog too. try googling for vegan recipes!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on January 23, 2010, 11:42:55 am
Michp I have a lovely loaf that has no eggs or nuts in. It's very easy to make.So easy that you don't even need the TMX. Let me know if you want the recipe. It's pretty healthy too.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Michp on January 23, 2010, 12:07:39 pm
Quote
egg free pancakes are pretty easy,
Yep tried those and thought that they were pretty good but my fuss pots didnt like them, they werent "proper pancakes"
Quote
think i have a few egg free biccie recipes on my blog too. try googling for vegan recipes
Thanks B This is our third year having to come up with lunchbox options with these limitations so have been slowly collecting options. Always open to new ideas though.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 23, 2010, 12:20:10 pm
yeah i know, it is tricky. ihave a friend who won't eat eggs and i always have a total brain block tryign to think of things i can make even though i do have a few recipes (but i usually go through several dozen eggs every week or two so i am a very egg based cook usually lol)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: faffa_70 on January 24, 2010, 02:12:45 am
mine love cheesy mite scrolls
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Very Happy Jan on January 24, 2010, 02:15:31 pm
Posted a Dairy & Nut free muesli slice today and it should fit this thread perfectly.

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2841.0
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on January 25, 2010, 02:50:51 am
This is a typical lunch box for my 2 (age 8 & 11):
morning tea: TMX custard (choc, lemon, vanilla, choc/Orange) with cake or fruit on top. Or yogurt
1-2 Whole piece of fruit (eg apple,orange, nectarine etc)
Lunch: A Scroll or mini pizza or foccacia bread or sandwiches or even left over dinner from night before.
750ml Stainles steel drinking bottle that can be kept at their desk all day and refilled. They have a treat of a small glass bottle filled with juice or fresh milk (from our cow with choc syrup out of TMX)on Friday's when all the other kids are getting hopped up on the revolting slush puppies.
There is no way they would eat more than this if they are home and am amazed  when I see how full other kids lunchboxes are with packets of this and packets of that. Yes - I'm one of those 'mean mothers'  - I had one and I'm glad.  ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on January 25, 2010, 03:30:42 am
Nay-Nay, you're a wonderful mother!!!  I'll bet all the other kids are jealous when they look in your kids' lunch box!  My mum always home-made everything, and it was all so yummy - my friends always wanted to see what I had, and always asked what I had for breakfast!  (The only thing I was embarrassed about was the peanut butter on apple - they thought that was too weird!)  ;D
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on January 25, 2010, 05:26:16 am
i found at the start of the year ryan ate heaps but by term 2 he was just too busy playing to eat much - and if i put the wrong thing in (like when his dad forgets which lunchbox is whose after 4 years of the same colours  :-))) he would rather starve than eat it LOL
i'm anticipating the same with emelia this year... (in preschool they all sit down nicely to eat but less control in kindy ;))
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: obbie on January 27, 2010, 05:06:49 am
our school is nut free aswell.

i make muffins, sweet and savory ones, yogurts, vegemite scrolls, cakes, slices, home made lcm bars.
i intend to make more things this afternoon in my thermomix for lunch boxes.
now with 2 kids at kindy and school, we need idea.

thanks.
Robyn :)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on January 27, 2010, 12:29:04 pm
Kids are having left over "bron's garlic rice" as a cold rice salad with a few peas and corn tossed through tommorrow - YUMMMM!  ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on January 28, 2010, 09:00:14 am
I'm going to add a recipe for a Sun Bran Loaf into cakes.  It has no eggs and no nuts and is really delicious and healthy. It may be helpful for playlunch in 'no nut' schools.  It is so easy it really doesn't need the TMX.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on January 29, 2010, 01:07:45 pm
Thanks for all these ideas.  Have just gone through and picked out what I think my DD's will eat.  So have to start cooking and freezing what I can tomorrow.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on January 30, 2010, 01:10:30 am
This landed in my Inbox - might have some ideas http://www.taste.com.au/newsletter/20100127.html (http://www.taste.com.au/newsletter/20100127.html)

Lots of back to school stuff to convert.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on January 30, 2010, 03:45:35 am
We often make these pancakes for lunch and have the left-overs for afternoon tea.  They are still quite nice a little later (especially with jam), so may be ok for lunches in pancake or pikelet size. The kids think they are having a treat and Mums happy because they are made with brown rice.  :)

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1733.0
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: TheCrone on January 30, 2010, 03:54:04 am
MichP  here's my vegan chocolate cake

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cup cold water

In  bowl mix the dry ingredients 5 seconds speed 5.

add  the wet ingredients. Mix them both 20 seconds speed 6.  Pour into greased cake pan and bake 180 degrees 40 minutes (depends on oven, check when it smells like a cooked choc cake)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on January 30, 2010, 05:52:36 am
There are a few mentions of scrolls in this thread.  But I can't find any (converted) recipes.  I thought they must have been in the lunch box cookbook, but not there.

Does anyone have a recipe they can share?
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on January 30, 2010, 07:23:21 am
Is Cyndi O's scrolls on here somewhere? I will look but what I usually do is make the brioche dough for sweet scrolls - whatever filling - nuts, dried fruit, white icing, syrup. And normal bread dough for savoury scrolls - Pizza topping kind of stuff. Friday the kids had pizza scrolls. All I did was roll out a strip and put some home made ketchup, diced capsicum, olives, salami, rolled them up put extra topping that fell out on top with parley and cheese. Leave for 15mins for dough 2nd rise and cook for about 20min. This can all be done and packed before they leave in the morning. I just break off enough dough's for 2 from my loaf I'm making. I find if you make a whole batch your better off freezing them cause they go stale after a day. Hope that makes sense and helps out a little.  ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on January 30, 2010, 07:44:13 am
Here's Cyndi's Scrolls - very yummy but do have nuts - could maybe substitute for dried fruit - cranberries??
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2090.15    ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on January 30, 2010, 07:53:45 am
There are a few mentions of scrolls in this thread.  But I can't find any (converted) recipes.  I thought they must have been in the lunch box cookbook, but not there.

Does anyone have a recipe they can share?

For the cheese/vegemite scrolls I just make up the pizza dough from the EDC (leaving it to rise etc) and spread it with a thin layer of vegemite and top with grated cheese.  Then just roll it up and cut into scrolls.  Bake in a mod oven for 10-15 mins.  Very yummy!!!

I also use leftover garlic and herb dip and grated cheese in the same way.  Cheesy garlic scrolls.  Mmmmm!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on January 30, 2010, 09:18:31 am
Thanks guys.  That helps heaps! :-* :-*  I found a recipe in one of my non-thermo books that I'm trying, so will see how that goes.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on January 30, 2010, 09:35:32 am
Also found these Cathy - for next time.
 BASIL MULTI GRAIN PIZZA SCROLLS
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=661.0
Custard and Almond Scrolls
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2191.0
Antipasto Scrolls
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=595.0
Fetta and Spinach Scrolls
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2192.msg22737#msg22737
I love the spinach and feta combo and also like adding Spanish onion to it.  ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on January 30, 2010, 12:03:00 pm
You guys have got to have a look at this blog: http://lunchboxlimbo.blogspot.com/
It's so cool!  She takes a photo of her kid's lunch each day and posts it - all organic, healthy food, and amazing variety!
Amazing!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on January 30, 2010, 12:12:43 pm
Wow.  She has made an art out of making her children's lunches. What great ideas she has!!!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on January 31, 2010, 11:57:10 pm
No excuses for just vegemite sandwiches on plastic bread - except that is all some kids want  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on February 01, 2010, 12:07:55 am
No excuses for just vegemite sandwiches on plastic bread - except that is all some kids want  :o :o :o
  Don't forget the plastic cheese, or maybe cheese stringers!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on February 01, 2010, 03:33:12 am
My son was desperate for one of those cheese sticks that peel back like hair.  He saw a little girl at Playgroup with one.  I try so hard to make his playgroup snacks appealing (racing-car stickers on his ziplock bags and containers etc) but it is hard to compete with hairy cheese men!  He has more hope of flying to the moon in a rocket than me buying him one of those though!!!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on February 01, 2010, 05:08:37 am
So far I haven't had that problem.  But I'm sure it will happen and my girls will want "normal" lunch one day.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on February 01, 2010, 05:14:45 am
My DD 8 is glad to have a friend at school that has a 'mean mother' that bakes their own bread - they consol each other at lunch time.  :D
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: TheCrone on February 01, 2010, 06:34:29 am
Picked my DD up from her first day of preprimary and got the

"My friend had a bag of chips, how come I got chocolate custard?"  :(
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on February 01, 2010, 08:22:42 am
Picked my DD up from her first day of preprimary and got the

"My friend had a bag of chips, how come I got chocolate custard?"  :(
That's hilarious!  When did chocolate custard become "mean".  I did see a recipe somewhere for "chips" that I thought I'd try.  I'l let you know when I find it.  Think I'll have a go at "chips and dip" as my dd looooves dip.  She won't know it's a healthy one.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on February 01, 2010, 09:04:59 am
Found the recipes - has anyone tried "Crunchy Rice Crackers" or "Corn Chips" from the lunch box cookbook?  And the "melted cheese dip"?
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on February 01, 2010, 09:19:28 am
I have been meaning to, wanting to - No, not yet.  :-))
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on February 01, 2010, 09:52:29 am
Found the recipes - has anyone tried "Crunchy Rice Crackers" or "Corn Chips" from the lunch box cookbook?  And the "melted cheese dip"?

Yes I have made them both Cathy.  My friends rave about the rice cracker recipe but I personally find them a bit flavourless.  Roll them out really thinly if you do make them or otherwise they will nearly break your teeth.  I like the corn chips.  They are a bit of a hastle to make, but the flavour is very nice.  I would give them both a go at least once.  :)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on February 01, 2010, 09:58:22 am
I like the corn chips recipe - kids liked that one and it would be nice with dip.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: baf65 on February 01, 2010, 10:25:23 am
i also like the corn chips..just dont overcook them, check on them every few minutes!
i'd make some more but have lent my book out !
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on February 01, 2010, 10:55:27 am
What about these in lunch box? Corn & cannelini bean patties... http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com/2010/02/corn-bean-patties.html
My kids like them with tomato sauce.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: alioop on February 01, 2010, 12:42:06 pm
I've made the corn chips a couple of times too - they are really nice like the others have said, just be sure to roll them as thin as possible and they come out really crunchy.  It is a lot of rolling, but I think last time I made them I used about 4-5 bickie trays, so it makes quite a few once you have cut them all up.  Only trouble is my lot gobble them up too fast  ;D oh, and I have added a bit more spice to my mix to give them a stronger flavour - still yum.  Also, I think last time I made them I might have blitzed the polenta a bit to get a finer texture.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Very Happy Jan on February 01, 2010, 02:02:41 pm
Today I sent DS1 off to school with cheesymite scrolls & DS2 with Cheese & olive buns. These were both made with Isi's Portuguese  rolls  recipe & were both declared they fantastic. Yay a win  :D :D Thanks again Isi.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on February 01, 2010, 02:29:50 pm
Thanks for all the replies.  Looks like it's definitely worth a try.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Catisa on February 04, 2010, 06:42:47 am
I make little tarts in  cupcake trays, which have whatever I have in the fridge, I use sundried tomatos, chargrilled capsicums, ham, just whatever is floating around. I use a egg base with cream and cheese then add the extras. these are good hot or cold. I generally have to make a few batches and when hubby is at work because  he test tries a whole tray lol then wants to take them for part of his lunch the next day.

my kids like taking in celery with either peanut butter or cream cheese
kiwiw fruit
I buy small take away containers (sick of kids loosing expensive 1's) and make a mellon fruit salad, with rockmellon, water mellon and honey dew
different flavoured custards
cold zucchini slice
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: baf65 on February 04, 2010, 07:35:46 am
ohhh if only my Thermomix could help me with kids lunches!!!  My DS is a creature of habit and no matter how hard I try he wont take anything but ham and cheese sanwhiches, a yoghurt in a tube, some fruit and sometimes a jelly!   
However I do use TM to make him hard boiled eggs!!
I can only hope that by the time he is a teenager he will be up for trying new things! 
I can only listen to others lunchbox stories with envy!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: foodiepep on February 04, 2010, 08:04:47 am
How old is he Buf?

I have 3 boys and the middle one I have been at a loss over the years (started in pre-school) to actually get him to eat at lunch time.  He always said he didn't have enough time.  Funny though how the sandwich never even got tasted.  Well he is 11 now and has been eating lunch everyday for a year now.  This year he is even asking for 2 sandwiches.  I'm rather relieved about this!  I have stressed for years.  I must say though that he always ate a HUGE amount for breakfast.  (up to 9 weetbix )

Point is...don't worry eventually he'll come around.  At least he is eating.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on February 04, 2010, 09:11:06 am
i don't mind my kids only wanting sandwiches - at least it is easy lOL
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: achookwoman on February 04, 2010, 12:09:15 pm
Mums do stress out.   Grandson,   when aged 3 to 4 would not eat any thing that had brown on it.   No toast, no chocolate etc.  Now 6 , last Monday he ate 1 green bean.  He asked his mum what day it was.  So now he says he will eat 1 green been each  Monday.   He is tall and thin but quite healthy,  so what can you do but wait.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: baf65 on February 04, 2010, 12:34:25 pm
he is 5
at least he likes pasta!!  i can mix all sorts of things in with that without him noticing!
 he nearly gagged the other day when i tried to get him to taste a cherry tomato!

hes getting better but its a been a long haul and i still have to make different meals for us and the kids every night
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: alioop on February 06, 2010, 05:52:43 am
I know how you all feel - have a fussy eater 6 yr old!  Also, as a speechie, we work with kids all the time with feeding issues that stem from mild sensory issues (hyper or hypo sensitivity) and this can be there from birth and lead to reufsal of certain textures as it makes them gag or in some cases choke on a regular basis when first trying solids (or even when breast/bottle feeding) - that can quickly turn to kids refusing food due to the look or taste of the food (as they recall it making them gag or choke and can be very scary experience).  As the child gets older, it can cause lots of problems with food battles etc and make parents day-to-day life a misery, and turn into a power struggle for everyone :(. 
I think my DS may have have this sort of thing to a mild degree (didn't like soft, squishy foods eg. bananas,mashed potato, quiche or pasta with a sauce on), so we have tried not to get too worked up about it and continue to serve him what everyone else eats, with small portions of the non-liked food.  We go by a "try it and see" policy with no pressure and if he tries it and doesn't like it, that's ok.  As he gets older and the sensitivity issues diminish, he hopefully will try and then eat many things he wouldn't as a child.  Of course, kids can have senitivity probs to different degrees, and this tack may just not work with some kids!  :(.  It's a complex one and many many parents have the same difficulties with food for their kids..
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Tebasile on February 06, 2010, 07:16:46 am
My children leave at 8:00am and come home at 4:30pm. This is their typical lunchbox. Fruit, veggies, hoummus, dipping oil. Fridays is pizza day. The like to bring their own pizza, sometimes soup or pasta what I prepare in the morning.

Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: ozzy-dj on February 06, 2010, 08:38:00 am
Not just for the lunch box.  I always have some roast meat left after 2 or 3 variations on the original. (sliced with gravy, cold sliced with salad) The last bit is sometimes a bit dry too so. Into the TMX, 1/2 onion in quarters wizz. the meat cut into 2-3cm cube, a dollup of mayonaise (home made of course) a dollup of tomato sauce or catchup, maybe a bit of garlic or a small pepper. Wizz the TMX check to see if it is the texture and tase you want then put it in a sealable container for great sandwitches.  I had a big batch once so I spread the mix on go-between freezer paper wrapped the stack and froze. used like meat slices to create sandwiches that stay cool for awhile.

dj
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on February 06, 2010, 09:12:42 am
That looks appetising Tebasile.

Great idea for the sandwiches, home made luncheon meat, Ozzy-dj.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: bron on March 06, 2010, 12:10:59 am
Spanish Omelete, nice and easy, and keeps well and tastes better cold!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on March 07, 2010, 06:14:38 am
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81648690@N00/
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: meganjane on March 08, 2010, 04:57:49 am
How do people find time to photograph kids lunches, let alone making them every day! It amuses me that there's whole websites devoted to it. :-))
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on March 08, 2010, 06:46:25 am
I know!  That is one of the things I found most stressful about getting my kids off to school before I started homeschooling - I was always running late getting lunches done, and the bus would be waiting as we ran up the driveway...  Can't imagine taking photos of them!!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Tebasile on March 08, 2010, 04:35:38 pm
Just get up early enough and you are less stressed  ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on March 08, 2010, 11:55:03 pm
LOL!  :D I agree you feel a little less stressed but it doesn't seem to matter how early we get up they are always running for the bus!!  :-))
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on March 09, 2010, 06:56:56 am
Oh boy - wish my mum had made those sorts of things.   :( :(  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: meganjane on March 11, 2010, 12:21:23 pm
Actually, my Mum did! And I was born in 1957! :o She was well ahead of her time. But, I didn't want a lunchbox like that, I wanted sandwiches and normal stuff.... :-))
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: versaceyoyo on March 21, 2010, 11:23:34 am
If you are seeking inspiration for luches, checkout this fascinating blog about Japanese Bento - http://www.justbento.com/ (http://www.justbento.com/)

Like so many other things, the Japanese have made lunch making to an art form!  However, the ideas on that blog are simple, quick and mostly very healthy.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: quirkycooking on March 21, 2010, 11:49:32 am
Wow, love the ideas on that site, versace!  Must try the 'chicken ham' in the TMX! hmmm...
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: versaceyoyo on March 21, 2010, 11:56:35 am
yeah I'm not sure that would work quirky... but I have made the chicken ham as described and I have to say, it was intriguing, and very more-ish!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on March 21, 2010, 12:24:01 pm
Thermomixer has the following recipe steamed in the varoma dish - I reckon you could do the chicken ham using this method.

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=879.0 (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=879.0)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on March 22, 2010, 07:35:57 am
They sure sound good - think the marinading is a great idea.  Would be interesting to try it.

Just love those bento boxes  -yum.  Don't think my mother would ever have done anything like that :(
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: brazen20au on March 22, 2010, 10:39:03 am
my ds has now gone off vegemite cheesybite sandwiches which leaves a choice of lettuce, tomato and cucumber sandwiches *sigh* huge choice huh.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: earth mumma on March 23, 2010, 12:01:15 pm
Hi all.
A great book to read if you have fussy kids is "Feeding fussy kids" by Julie Maree Wood with Anotonia Kidman. ;D  She has great suggestions and recipes (loads of which are easy to convert in TM). We've made the iron booster balls and "chocoate" truffles as lunch box treats. I can post these if any one is interested in my TM version.  Also my kids are not huge sandwich fans so often go with vegetable muffins, dips and crackers, thermos food (love this in winter - soups, basil pesto through pasta and in summer I put the thermos in the freezer over night and they go with fruit salad). Another favourite which is quick and easy to prepare are egg pies, which is just sliced bread with the crusts cut off - buttered on both sides and pushed into a muffin tin.  In a bowl I mix 3 eggs and some grated cheese, some pepper and perhaps some chopped herbs (if I have them on hand).  I pour this into the bread casings in the muffin tin and cook at 180 for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the bread are browned/not burned and the egg mix is set.  The outside of the bread goes lovely and crunchy and the egg/cheese mix is tasty too.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Chelsea (Thermie Groupie) on March 24, 2010, 11:14:19 am
I would love those lunch box recipes when you have a moment.  They sound great.  Do you do the vegetable muffins in the TMX too?  That would be a nice recipe to have posted too.  ;D
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on March 24, 2010, 01:08:40 pm
Great idea earth mumma.  I love those bread pies.  Used to have them filled with a savoury mince at the country dances about 40 a few years ago.  Solare had a recipe on here with the same idea and radicchio, cheese, sausage
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on March 24, 2010, 09:30:46 pm
Hi all.
A great book to read if you have fussy kids is "Feeding fussy kids" by Julie Maree Wood with Anotonia Kidman. ;D  She has great suggestions and recipes (loads of which are easy to convert in TM). We've made the iron booster balls and "chocoate" truffles as lunch box treats. I can post these if any one is interested in my TM version. 
I love this book - but still haven't made much of a dent in it - probably because I hired 10 books from the library, and bought 10 books from Bookfest, and continue to try things from here.....I'd get overwhelmed if cooking wasn't so much fun.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Catisa on March 30, 2010, 02:12:21 am
Just a thought for the mums that struggle to get their child to eat lunch.

I am only offering my experience, maybe it might work for you too.

My DD at 7yr would not eat her pre-bought snacks (smith chips etc) or her fruit or lunch. Everyday was like this, she even told me that she was worried about getting fat (she is tiny), but talk around her peers started this off. I  spoke to the teacher, got Nana to talk to her, tried everything I could think of, nothing worked. UNTIL I asked her if she made her own lunch would she eat it, her answer was yes. So for the past 3 yrs DD makes her lunch and DS (yr 1).

DD wouldn't make anything different to what I gave her, except control. At one point she was only taking plain bread because she was in a hurry. After an embarrassing note from the teacher, regarding my apparent neglect. Once explained, the teacher monitored her when she ate, and gave 100% support.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: photocat on June 18, 2010, 03:20:14 am
Found the recipes - has anyone tried "Crunchy Rice Crackers" or "Corn Chips" from the lunch box cookbook?  And the "melted cheese dip"?

Can someone please point me in the direction of the rice cracker recipe mentioned here?  :)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on June 18, 2010, 03:53:39 am
Pg 15 of the Lunchbox & After School Ideas recipe leaflet photocat, will pm it to you.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on June 18, 2010, 03:54:07 am
Found the recipes - has anyone tried "Crunchy Rice Crackers" or "Corn Chips" from the lunch box cookbook?  And the "melted cheese dip"?

Can someone please point me in the direction of the rice cracker recipe mentioned here?  :)
They are from the lunch box cookbook.  I still haven't got around to trying them.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: photocat on June 18, 2010, 07:59:52 am
Thanks ladies.

The leaflet and book, are they part of the TM range of books?
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cathy79 on June 18, 2010, 09:13:41 am
Thanks ladies.

The leaflet and book, are they part of the TM range of books?
Judy and are are referring to the same leaflet/book.  Yes, it's part of the book range, it's a little paper booklet.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: berringamababe on July 19, 2010, 10:09:48 am
I make a lunchbox for myself, husband and teenager.

I bought my hubby a 12v (plugs into the cig lighter of his vehicle) portable oven from Dick Smith ($30)
I make him sausage rolls,
quiche(but I call it bacon and egg pie. lol) and pack him leftovers and puts it in his little oven and heats it up on job sites fantastic.

Teenager has soup during winter in a big thermos with home made bread, homemade muesli or fruit/nut bars and fruit. 
And I get what is left over to zap in the microwave.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on July 19, 2010, 01:26:41 pm
Hi berringamababe (what a mouthful :D) welcome to the forum with your first posting. Sounds like you have lunchtime away from home all sorted, great moneysaver.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on July 20, 2010, 03:10:35 am
Hi and welcome to the forum berringamababe. Good thoughts on the lunch box ideas.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Thermomixer on July 26, 2010, 04:19:13 am
Welcome to the forum  - great ideas.  Didn't know that the car ovens existed.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: pinkscrapbooker on September 04, 2010, 03:50:47 am
Loving the sound of the portable oven, how hot does it get?
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: KerrynN on November 09, 2010, 07:01:51 am
Found the recipes - has anyone tried "Crunchy Rice Crackers" or "Corn Chips" from the lunch box cookbook?  And the "melted cheese dip"?

Hi all,

I recently tried the rice crackers and as someone else said, you really do need to roll them out thin - the book says not too thin and this is what caught me out, as I was not adventerous enough. So, we have a box of tasty but very, very crunchy rice crackers. (They went well with the chicken liver pate). I will try them again though, and roll them much thinner. They didn't rise or anything so I think this is a good guideline as to the thickness (or should I say thinness) to roll them. I really like the idea of knowing exactly what has gone into them (and everything else now that I have *the power* to make it myself). I did have a friend comment that he didn't know people could make their own savoury biscuits.  ???

Also made some pizza scrolls this morning for my eldest's lunch box. He has been home for 3 hours and hasn't complained about them so far, so I guess that was a winner... they were a bit sweet for me, but some grown up toppings (rather than just ham and cheese) might have made all the difference.

Cheers,
Kerryn
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on November 09, 2010, 10:37:12 am
Good onya for tryin it out - I'm sure your family is better off for it. ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: CreamPuff63 on November 10, 2010, 01:35:29 am
I've just ordered a set of these lunchboxes (http://www.easylunchboxes.com/index.htm) with the cooler bag. I like the thought of cutting down on cling wrap, and having the cooler bag to keep meats and treats cool in the warmer weather. Might make taking lunches a quick and easy/cheaper alternative to buying something.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Nay-nay on November 10, 2010, 02:26:26 am
Because I don't really like plastic - I bought these lunchskins a few months ago - they've been great!  ;)  http://www.funk-e-lunch.com.au/Lunchskins.html
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: CreamPuff63 on November 10, 2010, 03:28:55 am
I don't like it either and I feel guilty every time I ball up plastic and throw it away. I saw this review (http://www.soundfeelings.com/free/lunch_box_reviews.htm) on lunchboxes when I was looking around. I like the brightness of those skins though, and think that kids would like them alot as well.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on November 10, 2010, 04:33:40 am
They both look useful. I bought a couple of 'klip-it' ones similar to those CP63 bought when we started going on runs with the car. The sandwiches or similar fit in the top and the rest in the 2 compartments in the bottom and then it fold together.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Tenina on November 11, 2010, 07:59:06 am
Hey kidlets...the lunchbox booklet is growing up and going to high school next year to become a real book. If you have amazing kid friendly, low sugar, low fat and lunchbox friendly recipes you would like included, please email them to me by the end of this month. (November 2010)

Thanks and looking forward to seeing your contributions! ;) ;)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: berringamababe on November 16, 2010, 11:02:52 am
My DH said that the car oven reheats things to be reallly hot, he uses it to heat up leftovers and pies or sausage rolls.
We bought it at dicksmiths for $39.  Great Christmas present.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: pinkscrapbooker on November 18, 2010, 08:14:01 pm
Love the laptop lunchbox for my daughter as she is a nibbler. They aren't cheap to buy in Australia, but have just had a US friend bring me some more. BPA free, and very flexible combinations. Like the sound of the portable oven, might have to investigate one for the kombi
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: cookie1 on November 19, 2010, 01:13:12 am
We take ours away with us in the caravan. That is actually the purpose it was originally bought for.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: pandateddy on November 20, 2010, 07:32:50 am
My kids are at high school now and they don't take lunch to school. They don't buy it either. The newest thing is that they don't eat it at all ! They keep telling me that no one at school eats lunch there anymore because its not cool. Its pretty sad that the high schools are not doing anything to encourage the kids to eat lunch.
However, I do know that the books from "Chef Laurent" have some great lunch ideas. He runs a school canteen and they use a thermomix to make a lot of the items they sell in the canteen.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on November 20, 2010, 08:38:10 am
That's the first I have heard that pandateddy although I guess I don't know any high school kids at this phase of my life. How can growing children not want to eat  ??? ???  OK I can understand them not wanting to take a packed lunch but I would have thought buying it was not so uncool.  How's their appetite for the evening meal?
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: CreamPuff63 on November 20, 2010, 01:47:26 pm
once you taste good food how can you not enjoy eating it? kids! my son would never eat breakfast preferiing to eat it at school and buy his lunch. I gave up harping on - he had heard all the lectures - cost me an absolute fortune and then he turns around and starts eating breakfast and lunch when I kept my mouth buttoned up. Sometimes I think you need to tell them whats good for them, but then you have to leave it up to them to make the right decision and think its their own doing. Then again I don't know cos they are all different.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: pinkscrapbooker on November 21, 2010, 04:16:36 am
Sounds like sage advice cream puff. We had some success with a velcro chart that all owed the children to choose a set number of foods from each food group. Used the pictures that non verbal kids use to communicate, they were allowed unlimited vege cards, lots of fruit/meat/dairy serves and only two portions of treat food. Having now read sweet poison, lots more food would have to go in that group, and i would be less strict about salty chips etc. It's all about balance with kids isn't it!
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Zan on December 23, 2010, 11:25:50 am
I've just blogged the last 2 weeks of the girls school lunch boxes (took a record in case I got to the new year with no ideas on what to make them, lol, as I'm always looking for inspiration - they just don't do sandwiches etc.)
Fairly indicative of their usual lunches, though with xmas chocolates, lol.
Just the lunches not morning teas or fruit.
http://thermomixmeals.blogspot.com/ (there are three posts)
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: sue_h on December 23, 2010, 09:51:42 pm
Thanks everyone for some great ideas. DH and I usually take left overs and fruit. Kids have 4 small compartments in their lunch box that I fill with whatever is on offer,
fruit,
vege's and dip
wraps,
sushi,
zucchini slice
cheese
grated apple/carrot salad

and if we have biscuits/cakes then something from there as well.

I'm going to love lunches next year with the TM. It makes cooking a breeze and a joy to create new interesting snacks. I'll be calling on some of the recipes and sites suggested above.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on February 10, 2011, 12:37:34 am
Check out Chelsea's blog for some ideas for lunchboxes  http://fulllittletummies.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: Yvette on February 10, 2011, 06:36:26 am
My sons high school doesn't have a canteen they have a cooked lunch everyday so I don't have to worry about sending food.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: nazar on August 25, 2011, 08:54:09 am
wow  what amazing ideas that you ladies  have , thanks to everyone who has posted them . :)

l never heard of bento lunches or had seen there lunchboxes before
but l had thought that there must be a better idea than the lunchboxes l buy from bigw that break after a few months  which annoys me  as l live 2 hours drive from big w
 l will be getting the bento ones through the link you sent
thank you  with these ideas and you ladies not so far away { on the internet ]  that lunches never need to be boring again
 

Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: judydawn on August 25, 2011, 08:59:02 am
I have to agree nazar, this forum has a never ending supply of great information.  Glad you are having a read of different topics and picking up some good ideas.
Title: Re: Challenge #4 - Lunch box Challenge, all welcome!
Post by: astarra on February 19, 2012, 10:46:35 pm
OK I know this is an old topic, but probably one alot of people could find VERY handy... I just wish I had have seen it years ago!! I've been making a packed lunch for DH 5 days/week for nearly 7 years now, last year eldest DD started Kinder so she had 3 packed lunches/week, this year in Prep needs 5/week...! Am loving the ideas on here, and just wanted to thank everyone who has posted them!! Hope others find it handy too, especially at the start of another school year. :D