Warmer weather treats for the lunch box

In response to the last comment, I think it's time to talk about springtime ideas for the lunch box...even if it snowed just yesterday at my house!

Here are a few favorites, from Feeding the Kids, for warmer weather lunch box treats:

• Lunchbox Smoothie Ice Cream is variation #4 on the Super Smoothie Recipe, page 187
• Pack-n-Go Berry Dessert is always a hit, page 202 (I was going to pack this for my kids this morning. But I when I unpacked the groceries yesterday, I put the yogurt in the freezer! Oops.)
• Milk Cubes, page 202 are great. Try them vanilla flavored!
• Also, chunks of watermelon or cantaloupe packed with a spoon are very refreshing.

While I'm on this topic, what about breakfast? When the weather gets really hot and summer vacation looms invitingly, breakfast can seem less appealing on school mornings. Icy cold breakfast concoctions are a good way to add some fun to the meal. So, here are a few ways to wow your kids on hot mornings:

• A Super Smoothie, page 187, is quick and delicious. (And you can use leftovers for the "ice cream" as mentioned above.)
• Sorbet, page 219, is my own children's (and the neighborhood kid's) all time favorite any time of the day.
• Banana Milkshakes, page 222, makes a great breakfast drink.
• And, finally, never forget the option of letting your kids eat frozen berries right out of the bag. Just save time to wash up before you let them leave the house.

I am not going to post each of these recipes...because I am too lazy to type them in. However, they are all in the book! Feeding the Kids is available on Amazon, at most bookstores (ask if you don't see it) and at many libraries (again, ask for help locating it). Happy eating!