Embarrassing Lunch

We were visiting friends from high school last night and somehow the topic of lunches in elementary school came up. Whenever we went on a field trip they would tell all the children to bring a lunch from home. They would announce that if for some reason you couldn't bring your own lunch, the lunch ladies could make you one.

Troy (who was the only Latin kid) asked his mom one evening to pack him a lunch. The next day on the field trip all the white kids pull out their sandwiches, drinks and treats and he opens his to find tacos and a tamale wrapped in foil. He was SO mortified. He said he never ever told his mom about a field trip again, he just told the lunch ladies he was too poor to bring a lunch. They would pack him a sandwich and a green apple. TOO FUNNY!

On these same field trips my mom used to pack me a bag of homemade granola, a tuna sandwich on homemade wheat bread and some carrot sticks. I was always jealous of other kids who got to open their little wrappers filled with twinkies, hohos, dingdongs, fruit rollups, and capri suns. It was so embarrassing to be eating homemade brown food when everyone else had brightly colored lunchables.

We were just laughing hysterically about how embarrassing our mom's lunches were. Not realizing, of course, that they were packed with love and we were lucky to have moms who cared. But really, when you're 9 and on a bus trip you just think your mom is clueless.

I remember a friend in middle school saying how embarrassed she was that her mom put twinkies in her lunch, she wanted healthier food like mine so people wouldn't think she was getting fat. What I would've given for that twinkie:) So, in 8 or 9 years my own son will be sitting on a bus being embarrassed at what I packed right? Is that how it works? Do any moms get it right?

Let's hear your EMBARRASSING MOM LUNCH story

Flavored Lemonade

My absolute favorite drink ever is lemonade. I love ordering flavored lemonades at restaurants. Strawberry and raspberry are always good, I've tried peach, blackberry and blueberry too. This is an easy way to flavor up ordinary lemonade. Kool-aid comes in every flavor and there are always coupons and deals to be had. I bought 20 packets last time they were on sale at walmart (combined with a coupon) and we've been enjoying them all summer. I like my lemonade to have that zing, but if you want a sweeter version add the sugar. Add frozen strawberries, limes, lemons or just ice cubes. The flavor in the picture is tropical punch- delicious.

Husband Rating: 4 1/2 stars
(his favorite flavor is grape, no joke, try it)


2 cans (12 fl oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate
1 packet (.14 oz.) unsweetened Kool-aid (any flavor)
1 TB sugar (optional)

In a large pitcher stir together lemonade and water called for. When smooth, stir in one packet of Kool-aid until completely dissolved. If desired, stir in sugar. Garnish and serve.

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

It's time to put that disgusting, food splattered apron (yes mom, I'm talking to you) away and upgrade to a . . .

designer
sassy
adorable

new apron designed and made by me!

I make them in sizes from baby doll, little girls, in-between, woman's petite to woman's tall. Just admire until I make purchasing available on my website.

Ritzy Chicken Nuggets

These are amazingly delicious, trust me. The are so flavorful, we seriously ate the whole pan. Next time I make these I'm going to make triple and freeze some. They are golden and crunchy and taste better than fast food nuggets. Yes, the mayo kind of ups the calories here, but compare these to any fast food chicken and you win. Baking instead of frying saves on fat here, but you aren't compromising on the taste. Your children will thank you! P.S. Be on the look out for coupons for Ritz Crackers. I couponed 4 boxes at Albertsons a few months ago, just don't pay full price!

Husband Rating: 5 stars

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
25 Ritz Crackers (crushed)
1/2 cup Mayo
3 TB milk
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning
Dash of black pepper
1/2 tsp. sesame seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 400. Slice chicken into bite-size pieces. In a shallow bowl combine mayo, milk, garlic salt, onion powder, Mrs. Dash and black pepper. In another bowl add crushed Ritz Crackers and sesame seeds. Dip chicken into mayo mixture and then coat with crackers. Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Personal Pita Pizzas

Pizza makes the perfectly easy lunch or dinner, but it's too much of a pain to make hand-made dough every time I'm craving pizza. Store-bought doughs are too big sometimes and everybody wants different toppings. Say hello to the pita pizza! I stuff whole wheat pitas with all sorts of things, but they were great for a rushed pizza dough. If pitas go on sale remember to buy several bags and freeze them. I've baked these pizzas on still-frozen pita bread and it turned out great. Serve it up with a romaine salad and you have a perfectly portioned meal. This recipe is kid friendly, go crazy with the toppings!

Husband Rating: 4 1/2 stars

2 whole wheat pitas
4 TB spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Desired toppings (ideas: pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, green pepper, diced onion, shredded spinach, canadian bacon, ham, jalapenos or green onions)

Preheat oven to 400. Spread spaghetti sauce over each pita. Layer with cheese and desired toppings. Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning. Bake for approximately 7-8 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and pita is toasty. Cut and serve.

Toasted Tuna Sandwiches

Are there recipes that remind you of your mom? This is my "memories of mom" recipe. During elementary school and junior high I would walk home for lunch and at least once a week these delicious sandwiches would be waiting for me. I can remember my mom making stacks of them for her 5 kids to gobble up. I don't know why we smear mustard on top, but it's just part of the tradition! I started making these for my husband and have since converted him to the true way to eat a tuna sandwich. These are good with any kind of bread from whole wheat, to white, to sourdough. This recipe is easy to double, triple or even half. Enjoy!

Husband Rating: 4 stars

2 cans (5 oz.) chunk-light tuna
1 1/2 TB mayo
16 slices bread
Butter
Mustard

Drain and flake tuna. Stir in mayo until moist. Spread tuna on bread and make sandwiches. Spread butter on the outside of both slices of bread. On a warm skillet toast sandwiches until golden, about 2 minutes on each side. Spread mustard on the top of each sandwich and slice diagonally.

Weekly Menu

Monday
Lunch: Italian Chicken Kabobs and Cucumber Pasta Salad
Dinner: Hamburgers, Fritos, Leftover Salad

Tuesday
Lunch: Chicken Sandwiches and Grapes
Dinner: Cheesy Soft Tacos

Wednesday
Lunch: Turkey Sandwiches and Deviled Eggs
Dinner: (something with pork chops?)

Thursday
Lunch: Hot dogs, Fritos, Grapes
Dinner: Enchiladas

Friday: Out of town!
Saturday: Out of town!

Sunday
Reheat last weekends Taquitos