Tuesday, February 19, 2013

40 Meatless Meals: Lunches for Lent

If you don't plan a little, it's easy to be caught off guard at lunchtime.  These kid-friendly suggestions from a friend are quick and easy to keep on hand.


Sandwiches and sandwich-like:

  • Peanut butter (or sunflower butter or almond butter) banana roll-ups. Spread peanut butter on a tortilla and roll a banana up inside.
  • Banana dogs. Put a banana in a hot dog bun. Add pbj as "condiments."
  • Bagel and cream cheese. Put the cream cheese on the side to avoid sogginess. 
  • Sandwich Skewers. Cheese, bread pieces and veggies on a skewer. Serve with dip. For a mini version use toothpicks for skewers. 
  • Tuna salad (can be fun in a pita or a lettuce wrap)
  • Egg salad (ditto)
  • Cheddar apple sandwiches on baguette
  • Veggie wraps with a cream cheese spread (roasted garlic and cheddar, garden veggie or herb cream cheese spread and your choice of veggies)
  • Cold veggie pizza (roll out crescent dough in a sheet, bake and cool. Spread with ranch dressing and top with cold, chopped veggies and shredded cheddar or colby cheese)
  • Pita with hummus or baba ganoush

Snack options: (Combine several and you have yourself a meal)

  • Fruit and cheese skewers 
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Celery with peanut butter and raisins or cream cheese and black olives
  • Whole grain crackers
  • String cheese
  • Yogurt (Greek yogurt has more protein)
  • Build it yourself yogurt parfaits with yogurt, fruit and granola in separate containers
  • Fruit and walnut salad with yogurt for dipping (think McDonald's, but homemade)
  • Cheeses of the World (we did this once for about a month, trying different cheeses from different countries. It keeps the cheese + bread combo fresh.) So many options! Brie, Gouda, Manchego, Paneer, Queso Fresco.... the list goes on)
  • Breads of the world. Rye krisp, naan, pita, pumpernickel, caraway rye, tortillas, baguette...
  • Veggies and dip
  • Soft pretzels
  • Muffins 
  • Apple slices with peanut butter
  • Dried fruits
  • Trail mix
Thanks to Stephanie for the fun ideas!  (You'll also want to check out her family's Lenten devotion, under "Real" in this post.)

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