Whats in Your Lunchbox? Finger-Picking Chicken Balls, Mini Caramel Apples, Mini Bagel Sammies, and Fruit Parfaits with Homemade Granola

When my son started first grade this year and was going to be gone all day, I decided that he was going to take a lunch from home. I wanted to do more than just normal sandwiches and make it fun, so I am going to share a couple of things that he has in his lunch each week. I also pack a lunch for my 16-year old brother, so keep in mind these are all good for any age, even me. First, the chicken balls. How cute are those? They are good cold or warm and you can send some ketchup in a little container for dipping. They were a big hit, as were the mini caramel apples. We made some with butterscotch chips and some with peanut butter chips. Everyone liked the peanut butter variety better. My son was really proud to take those because he helped me make them the night before. Then the mini bagel sammy, kind of fun and totally adaptable to any kind of sandwich toppings and fillings. The fruit and yogurt parfait was loved because of the homemade granola, I even had one myself for breakfast. By the way, I made a batch of that granola which disappeared in less than 24 hours and it was requested I make more. I doubled it the next day and it only lasted 36 hours! On a side note, I did send a cold ear of corn and edamame in their lunches and both were enjoyed. Creativity and Variety are key to not getting bored with Lunch!

Finger-Picking Chicken Balls adapted from Annabel Karmel's Lunch Boxes and Snacks

Makes about 20 chicken balls

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated

2 small, skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

1 onion, chopped

1 Tbls chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 Tbls boiling water

salt and black pepper

flour for coating

1 Tbls canola oil

cooking spray

Using your hands, squeeze out some of the excess liquid from the grated apple. Put the apple, chicken, onion, parsley, thyme, bread crumbs, and chicken bouillon into a food processor. Process until a smooth mixture forms a ball. Season with a little salt and pepper.

With your hands, form the mixture into about 20 balls, roll in flour, and fry in the oil,( I added a little cooking spray as well) for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

Mini Caramel Apples from Family Fun Magazine
4-inch lollipop sticks
Melon baller
Granny Smith apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)
Butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Chopped nuts, nonpareils, sprinkles, shredded coconut (optional)
Small paper candy cups

Step 1 First, cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier). With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple. Each ball should have a section of apple peel. Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of each ball. Pat the apple pieces dry.

Step 2 Melt the chips according to the package directions. Dip and swirl the mini apples in the melted chips, then roll the apples in nuts, sprinkles, nonpareils, or coconut, if desired. Place the mini apples in paper candy cups to set.

Mini Bagel Sammies by Mary Ann

mini bagel

Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese, 1/3 less fat

turkey, ham, or whatever lunchmeat you want

baby spinach leaves

thinly sliced cucumbers

matchstick carrots

thinly sliced tomatoes

alfalfa sprouts

Spread a small amount of cream cheese on both sides of mini bagel. Layer lunchmeat, spinach, cucumber, carrots, and sprouts on top. Place tomatoes in a separate baggie to be added later, so it doesn't make anything mushy. Put bagel half on top and pack!

Fruit Parfaits with Homemade Granola by Mary Ann

6 oz container yogurt, or spoon desired amount of Greek yogurt into plastic container

Homemade Granola (try this Maple-Pecan Peach Granola, it is yummy!)

cut up fruit of your choice, grapes, bananas, berries, whatever packs well

Pack the granola in a plastic container. Put the fruit in separate container or sandwich baggie and assemble parfait when lunch is to be eaten. If using Greek yogurt, you might swirl in a little honey.