The A+ Lunch

 What makes a good school lunch. More what makes a lunch that won't be traded for cupcakes and chips?it takes input from both sides - Mom's and kids. Together they can create something nutritious and non-tradeable.

Children's author and regular contributor  Kevin  Noble Maillard wrote this informative piece in yesterday's New York Times Wednesday Food section. Schools have already started or will start soon after Labor Day The headache is what to feed kids, especially little ones. High schoolers have their own ideas and can make their own lunches. The real dilemma is  what to feed the kindergarten through third grade crowd? The first idea Mr. Maillard suggests is making a list or more specifically a cheat sheet. He follows his grandmother's rhyme -" Vegetable fruit,main and crunch.Add a treat for a healthy lunch". This eliminates morning guess work but it creates a deep and reliable bench of options. Don;t be afraid to create fusion. Think celery bits and cheddar bunny., meatballs and crackers. for something different. Another must do is organize your kitchen like a chef.have everything in a mise en place scheme says Caroline Flynn a chef now in fort Lauderdale but once worked at the famed ABC Kitchen in New York. Desiinate a part of your kitchen for non perishable food items.

The number one must is enlist the kids as sous-chefs. Have them pack the lunch or prepare the sandwiches. You could also pack the night's dinner as their lunch too however make sure it;s something they like. That meat loaf sandwich could easily be traded for a LUnchable pack or just candy. Another idea is listening to your kids and take them weekend shopping with you. Have them be familiar with different veggies and fruits. If they see produce they like - buy it. Mr. Noble also recommends freezing lunch too. if your little one prefers rice or grain then cook these and freeze them in muffin tins lined with plastic wrap. Freeze, remove and restore in a sealed bag or container according to Lindsay Livingston a Westerville Ohio dietitian.reheat individual molds for ninety seconds full power, adding a tablespoon of water per serving.Also add a token of love which makes every lunch special and sure to put a smile on the young students'face.Looks to Asian obento culture for ideas and inspiration. Create sausage octopi or origiri rice balls in the shape of pandas. Sometimes just a note or a Hershey's kiss will do the job too.

Happiness is a good school lunch.It makes for smiles and a full stomach. This is a perfect combination for little scholars.