Becoming a School Lunchbox Whizzard

With the first school term almost halfway done, I think I have become a pro at planning lunch box ideas for my Daughter.

First couple of days in big school, which feels like yesterday, I believe I have come along way from over thinking school lunches.  I have evolved into one of those mom’s that when it comes to planning my weekly shopping list, I plan her lunches in such a way that it allows me 10 minutes extra in bed in the morning to drink my coffee in peace while adding the value of healthy choices in her school lunch. Let us not forget budget approved.

I like to bake but KwaZulu Natal tropical weather is a force to be reckoned with and you will most definitely not find me in the kitchen baking anything during the hot summer months. It is during these times that my creative flair pops up and I become a keen “Googler” for those no bake health bars that won’t cause my dishes to pile up and I can wing it with whatever ingredients I have in the pantry cupboard. Also taking into consideration that these recipes should carry the 11yr old’s stamp of approval.

Planning your shopping and meals, is the winning formula, for any busy mom. It takes the stress out of your daily routine of having to get something ready last minute and honestly takes the load off your shoulders.

During the winter months I don’t mind getting stuck in with baking. Muffins are quick and easy and they freeze well if you store them correctly. Defrosting is quick as I just grab a muffin out the freezer and let it defrost overnight in the fridge.

Banana bread is another one of our favorite. It’s a quick way to quickly make use of over ripe bananas. I love to play with variety of other fruits as well for instance adding in some grated apple. Banana bread is fool proof and you can play around to your hearts content. If you have a basic recipe that you have confidence in baking then go wild! Add oats or some berries in your batch. You will never have any wasted fruit that cant be used.

One recipe I found was this super easy and most delicious health bar that is honestly something I make frequently. Its quick to make and can be kept for good couple of weeks in an airtight container. They don’t stay in the container for couple of weeks they are that good….

So get your pen and paper ready to write down this keeper.

No bake Weetbix Bars

1 cup Dates, pitted

2 tbsp Honey

4 tbsp Cocoa

40 g Dark chocolate

1/2 cup Desiccated coconut

1/2 cup Sunflower seeds

2 tbsp Water

5 Weetbix (75g (weetabix or wheat biscuits))

Add everything besides the 40g dark chocolate and blend well together until the mixture can be pressed down firmly with a spoon in a lined square pan that is big enough that will allow for at least a 1 cm thick slab.

Melt the dark chocolate and spread over the mixture. I like to cut it at this stage and then add it in the fridge cutting it again after it has set properly. Just makes life a bit easier later on in the game. Or if you want to make this a group project roll the batch in balls and drizzle some chocolate over.

And you know what else I just love about this recipe? If you don’t like dates or you are fresh out of them you can substitute it with raisins, cranberries or dried apricots. If you find the same with sunflower seeds you can play around with any other nut or seeds that is freely available. I love recipes that allow you to play around with the ingredients to make something that you can enjoy.

Share your lunch box hack of the year. I have so many to share I can keep you busy all day.