The Healthy Lunchbox

Friday Fish and Chips

2008-05-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

The protein in this lunch comes from frozen fish sticks. I should have made my own version but I was busy bailing out my washing machine with a small cup. . . long story. Anyway, these sticks are made by Natural Sea, processed food, but not entirely hideous. They are made with cod fillets, organic whole wheat flour and canola oil and numerous other things - -all things I can pronounce, and more importantly, recognize. Also, Natural Sea "supports sustainable fishing practices" hmmmm, a bit more sketchy. Exactly what does that mean? Like, ideally, in a perfect world, we SUPPORT sustainable fishing practices, but, at this time, due to labor costs, and our desire for a high profit margin we buy fish that has been caught and killed by any method, anywhere and at anytime. We sure do give a big thumbs up to those who are doing the right thing. . . . why must I be so cynical?

Natural Sea Fish Sticks; Full Belly Farm organic snap peas and carrots; organic apricot from the Farmer's Market; and Eden Brown Rice Chips.

waste generated: none

Smiling Pizza

2008-05-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Leftover pizza from a local restaurant with sundried tomato pieces and basil leaves (from Full Belly Farm); organic cucumber and avocado salad (both from the Farmer's Market and sprinkled with a touch of lemon juice, salt and chopped organic basil); organic Santa Barbara Kalamata olives; Oat and Wheat Bran Swirls (see May 22nd. entry for more info.).

waste generated: none :)

Apricot Turkey Sandwich and Spicy Carrot Soup

2008-05-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

After a week of 100+ degree days then a quick turn to cooler weather, soup was definately in order, especially soup of the slightly warm and spicy variety.

Diestal Turkey sandwich on homemade organic wholewheat bread with apricot mayonnaise (Full Belly Farm dried apricots, soaked in hot water, and then sliced thin and mixed with a touch of canola oil, carmelized onion pieces, dijon mustard and canola mayonnaise) and organic red leaf lettuce (Full Belly Farm); spicy vegan carrot soup (organic carrots and onion from Full Belly farm with cumin, curry, coriander and fresh ribbons of basil stirred in after pureeing).

waste generated: none :)

Fresh and Local No. 4

2008-05-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Stone fruits are in season and they seem to be incredibly juice right now. I had to incorporate some into today's lunch:

Organic avocado (good enough to be eaten with a spoon), apricot, half a peach, strawberries; organic raw almonds; and Spring Hill Cheese Co. tangy curd.

waste generated: square of parchment

Unpig in a Blanket

2008-05-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

I think this lunch was somehow inspired by Tuesday's schoolyard barbeque. If Cheetos or some less offensive facsimile, like Pirate's Booty, appear here this week it may be time for an intervention.

Unpig in a blanket (Smart Dog - vegan - wrapped with Organic Valley Provolone cheese - not so vegan); organic snap peas from Full Belly Farm CSA; organic strawberries and orange segments from the Farmer's Market; and Trader Joe's oat and wheat bran swirl (tiny, delicious and addictive little cookies masquerading as cereal); soymilk in a Sigg bottle (not shown).

waste generated: none :)

O-KONOMI-YAKI: Japanese Pancakes

2008-05-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

The recipe for these pancakes came from the Tassajara Bread Book. The last sentence simply stating "May also be eaten cold on the beach." Beach fare. What could be better for a lunchbox?

O-KOMONI-YAKI (organic wholewheat pastry flour, egg, evaporated milk with a mixture of organic chopped vegetables mostly from my Full Belly CSA including leeks, napa cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and celery) with tahini wasabi soy dip; chard "chips" (organic chard from a friend's garden tossed in olive oil and salt and baked until crispy (a tip from mollyjade - -thank you!!); organic navel orange segments.

waste generated: none :)

Reprieve From the Wholesome Lunch

2008-05-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my son's school's version of "Field Day" including, of course, the requisite barbeque. Accordingly, I did not pack a lunch, and since I was working at the beverage tables, all three of my children ate the barbeque fare. This is what they collectively ate (FYI: green salad, pasta salad, bananas and oranges were also available, but not chosen by my children):

3 hotdogs on white buns, some with ketchup, some without

2 bags of Cheetos

1 bag of Doritos

several grapes

chunks of watermelon

5 popsicles

More Gatorade and Lemonade than I care to talk about

BLUE SLIME (see photo)

The blue slime in my daughter's hand is what I was scraping out of the bottom of the gatorade dispensers at the end of the day. Abby was helping me clean out the containers by scooping out the blue sugar sludge and depositing it directly in her mouth. My youngest kept herself busy by sucking the powdered lemonade leftovers off the ice cubes (ice cubes that had been dumped from the dispensers into the grass). Some people were horrified by this apparently aberrant behavior. I determined that sometimes you have to just let it go. . . lose the battle, win the war.

waste generated: too depressing. However, I did provide a relentless tirade to all who came to the beverage table explaining the benefits of using your own container vs. the plastic and paper cups provided. I would like to believe I made an impact on at least one otherwise clueless student. Of course, it is more likely that those I preached to were hiding boogers in my Sigg bottle when I wasn't looking.

Homemade Bagel

2008-05-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have to thank my best friend Suzi and her husband for trying out this bagel recipe first, and making the whole bagel making process less intimidating. If you have kids that like to cook and are too impatient for bread making, give bagels a try.

Homemade organic whole wheat (well, not exactly, the recipe called for 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour to 3-4 cups bread flour) cinnamon raisin bagels with peanut butter tahini spread (the addition of tahini doubles the amount of iron in the spread); organic pink lady apple (dipped in diluted lemon juice to keep it from turning brown); Diestal honey baked turkey pieces skewered with chunks of Spring Hill Farms Organic Old World Portuguese Cheese.

waste generated: square of parchment; 3 toothpicks

Strawberry Jam

2008-05-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week we went strawberry picking at Pacific Star Farms (an organic farm in Woodland, CA) and used the sweet fresh berries to make and can jam for the winter. Naturally, we had to open one jar to make sure that it was good:

Peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich on Alvarado Street Organic California Protein bread; spiral cut organic Pink Lady apple; trail mix (pretzel sticks, raisins and carob chips); Organic Valley chocolate milk.

The sandwich was wrapped in the wrap-n-mat shown, another wrap was used for the apple (I thought I could sneak it in with the sandwich, but that didn't work out very well).

waste generated: milk box and straw

Aidan's New take on the Coveted Lunchable

2008-05-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Our Full Belly Farm CSA Box arrived today and was met with so much enthusiasm by my children that my eyes were brimmed with tears of joy. Aidan spied the carrots as I hauled the box to the car and within moments they were all screaming for one. Pretty soon I was slinging carrots into the backseat with such vigor I'm lucky no one lost an eye. At home, they all clamored around the box, digging their hands into the paper bags looking for strawberries or any other goody that might have been hiding in there. What they did find was sugar snap peas, and the whole bag was dragged by my youngest to the back patio where it was consumed in less than 10 minutes (I saved the ones pictured here by stealthily rolling them up into the bottom of my shirt). For them, it was a snack. For me, it was cathartic.

This lunch was put together at the direction of Aidan (except for the radishes, although he agreed they gave the box balance - not in those words exactly. . .)

Organic sugar snap peas, radishes, and carrots from Full Belly Farm; Brook Cherries from Joe Goletti and Sons Farm; white flour tortillas and pre-shredded "mexican style"cheese (yes, I shuddered a bit as I typed that - this is why I usually do all the grocery shopping at our house);Santa Barbara Kalamata olives; 2 oatmeal cookies (packaged in a cloth napkin and tucked away in the zippered compartment in the carrying case for this lunchbox).

Grilled Artichoke and Sausage Sandwich

2008-05-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Grilled organic Artichoke (from Full Belly Farm CSA box) with dipping sauce (canola mayo., lemon juice, flaxseed oil, minced red onion); grilled Diestal cranberry apple turkey sausage on white bread (storebought); homemade organic wholewheat banana carrot muffin; Sigg bottle filled with soymilk (not shown). Both the sandwich and the muffin were wrapped in the bandana. The artichoke container has a lid.

waste generated: one plastic pirate "sword"

Fresh and Local No. 3

2008-05-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Honey tangerine; brook cherries from Joe Gotelli and Sons Farm (brook cherries are a bit more crisp and tart than bing or sweet cherries); organic Old World Portugese cheese from Spring Hill Cheese Co. ; red and yellow bell pepper slices from "the cucumber lady" - - someday I'll have a conversation with the ubiquitious cucumber lady (known as such because she always has the earliest and best cucumbers at the market) and find out her real name; organic red leaf lettuce from a new vendor I'm just checking out; and organic raw almonds from Full Belly Farm. White cloth napkin placed under food for presentation and to give it some stability during transport.

waste generated: none :)

Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche

2008-05-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Organic asparagus and mushroom quiche with Spring Hill Cheese Co. pepperjack cheese and whole wheat crust; organic spinach; organic turnip flowers (I think these are white tokyo turnips and they are sweet enough to eat as is and unpeeled - -of course, my kids prefer them in cute shapes); papaya cubes. Asparagus, spinach, turnips, and onion (in the quiche) all from this week's Full Belly CSA box.

waste generated: piece of parchment paper

Peanut Butter Smile

2008-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Open faced peanut butter sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread with organic strawberries, papaya and red lettuce "hair"; pretzels; and organic carrot and cucumber sticks and two sacrificial radishes (I am pretty sure they will not be eaten, but you can't blame a girl for trying. . )

Radishes, strawberries and lettuce from Full Belly Farm CSA Box.

waste generated: two toothpicks used to keep the sandwich from sticking to the top of the lunch box (placing it on a folded cloth napkin also helps to keep it from sliding)

Siete De Mayo

2008-05-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have no idea how I skipped over Cinco De Mayo without as much as a pinto bean in Aidan's lunch. In an effort to make amends I've made Empanadas, which is probably worse than doing nothing since it is my understanding that although there is much debate about the exact origin of empanadas (Chile? Spain? the Moor's), NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE claims they originated in Mexico. But here they are, in all their glory gracing my Siete De Mayo lunchbox creation:

Chicken Empanadas (Shredded Rosie Organic Chicken, Organic Valley pepperjack cheese and sourcream, cilantro, red onion, cumin, and garlic) with Mango Salsa (mangoes, cucumbers, lime juice, cilantro, and red onion); Organic mixed greens with cucumber and radish; and Mexican Wedding Cake Cookie (made deliciously by a friend).

waste generated: rectangle of parchment paper

Sesame Rice Noodles

2008-05-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sesame rice noodles (rice noodles with tahini sauce, shredded carrots and snap peas); organic pickling cucumber from the Farmer's Market, organic grape tomatoes (that have seen better days); vegan snack mix (pretzel, raisins and vegan carob chips).

waste generated: none :)

Fresh and Local No. 2

2008-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

I may have to make this a weekly Monday event. The Farmer's Market is so great this time of year, it is impossible to not come home laden with inspiration and fresh produce.

Sacramento County organic sweet peas with Organic Valley sour cream to dip; cherries; strawberries; pistachios; and homemade whole wheat graham crackers.

waste generated: none :)

Grandparent's Day Picnic

2008-05-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Each year my son's school has a Grandparents Day, when Grandparents come to the school to see the classroom, watch performances by the kids and share a picnic lunch. My husband's parents are attending this year's event and this is the picnic I prepared for them:

Basil Asiago Chicken Salad over mixed greens (the chicken is organic, free range and the greens are from Full Belly Farm); organic strawberries with lemon cream (we ate all of the quark and it isn't available at my local co-op, so I made some lemon cream with lemon yogurt, sour cream and meyer lemon - -the result was decent, but it is no lemon quark!); organic Santa Barbara kalamata olives; ciabbata bread with olive oil and balsamic dip; Santa Cruz sparkling lemonade and Pellegrino sparkling water; (grape tomatoes and jersey jack cheddar chunks not pictured, but tossed in as a second thought for Aidan who probably will not like the very garlicky chicken salad). All packed in frigoverre glass containers (small tupperware container for the lemon cream) and placed in a softsided cooler that I picked up never used at a yardsale several years ago. The frigoverre is a bit heavy to pack, but it travels very well and is hearty enough to withstand a bit of traveling. The bread was wrapped in the napkin shown.

waste generated: Too much! Plastic water bottle; 2 aluminum cans; 4 paper napkins (not shown above, but packed because I ran out of space to pack my cloth napkins, which are much bulkier than the paper)

Cereal for Lunch

2008-05-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nature's Path Heritage Oat Flakes; organic strawberries form the Farmer's Market; organic raw almonds (Full Belly Farm); organic oats; organic SILK unsweetened soymilk in a Sigg bottle (not pictured).

waste generated: none:)

Pasta Salad

2008-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Yikes, another mediocre photo. My apologies to those who care.

Corkscrew Pasta salad with sundried tomatoes (Full Belly Farm), provolone and garlic (quite possibly too much garlic as I also had this for lunch and the harsh scent is emanating from my pores like alcohol after a night of wild partying - - - please no clever commenting on the partying analogy, I realize that is not part of my reality); two organic pickling cucumbers from the Farmer's Market; and two oatmeal cookies. Cookies and cucumbers were wrapped in an IAMS dog scarf that I received free at a fair. The large triangular shape is perfect for wrapping multiple food items that should not touch.

waste generated: none :)

Local and Fresh

2008-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I know that local is a relative term, especially when I live in California and the coastline is an expansive 840 miles long. However, the food shown here is all from less than 200 miles away, which is local enough for me.

Monterrey strawberries, cherries from Linden (near Stockton, CA), half a cucumber from somewhere in the Valley, Lemon Quark (to spread on berries) and Jersey Cheddar from Spring Hill Cheese Co. in Petaluma. All found at the Farmer's Market and all chosen by my very enthusiastic taste testers, Aidan and Abby. If you have children of your own, or some you can borrow, bring them to the Farmer's Market with you. Seems that when I come with children in tow I am greeted with extra samples and smiles. . .and, in turn I usually buy more. A win win for everyone.

waste generated: none:)

Sunny Day Sandwich

2008-04-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Homemade whole wheat hamburger bun with boiled and sliced Organic Valley, cage free, vegetarian fed etc. etc. eggs (note the vibrant yellow yolks, makes me almost believe all the hype on the package); small packet of salt; organic cucumbers from the Farmer's Market; organic Kiwi (also from the Farmer's Market); and tiny sweet organic grape tomatoes (eh hem, from Mexico - - I just couldn't wait . . . . and they looked so pretty, like little jewels).

waste generated: piece of parchment, paper salt packet (left over from a take out meal)

Red Russian Kale for Kids

2008-04-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

The only way I can get my kids to try something this scary looking is to put something enticing in the vicinity, say a cupcake, then, make them close their eyes and give them a bite (I hope it is obvious that I am not pretending the ugly food is the cupcake, the cupcake is - against the advice of possibly ALL child psychologists - the reward).

This may not work for you, much like how wrapping things in bacon does not work for me, but, if you are at a loss, and can't get your kids to try new (or hideous) things, give it a go, you just may get lucky.

Organic Red Russian Kale (from Full Belly Farm) sauteed with leeks, peanut butter and a disproportionate amount of crushed pineapple (hence the "for kids" part); spanish unsalted peanuts; couscous; and an organic kiwi.

waste generated: none :)

Baked French Toast

2008-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Baked french toast strips made using homemade oatmeal bread with maple and agave syrup dip; organic raw almonds; organic strawberries.

This was served as last night's dinner (chopped almonds served on top of the french toast and sliced strawberries on the side) along with organic asparagus spears (from Full Belly Farm) wrapped in small strips of bacon. The asparagus did not make it into lunch because my children hate it, even when wrapped in a fabulous piece of crispy bacon.

waste generated: one square of parchment paper

Lunch for a Busy Pirate

2008-04-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Organic whole wheat, oat raisin pumpkin bread slices (I threw in a third slice at the last minute because the lunch looked a bit skimpy); pirate sword skewers of organic smoked jack (from Spring Hill Farm) with chunks of organic pear (dipped in watered down lemon juice to keep from browning); organic plain Silk soymilk in the SIGG bottle.

waste generated: 4 plastic pirate sword skewers (sort of. . I have a feeling they'll be floating around here as toys/weapons for awhile)

Pesto Pasta and Ranch Hand Salad

2008-04-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto and pinenuts (pesto made with frozen basil olive oil cubes from early fall); ranch hand salad of organic mixed greens, radishes and carrot matchsticks with homemade buttermilk dressing on the side (a version of this salad was eaten last night, but was not adored by the kids and included more radishes cut into matchsticks and tossed with carrotsticks and dressing like a slaw then mounded on top of mixed greens).

Glass bowl has a plastic cover and I'm sending it as an experiment (surrounded by the handkerchief and in a padded lunchbox because it isn't nearly as hardy as the frigoverre glass containers)

For Full Belly Farm CSA subscribers, the slaw version salad was served with creamy turnip and potato soup (slice turnips from box along with one yukon gold or red potato into thin moons and heat in a large dutch oven with a splash of olive oil and a couple of handfuls of sliced leeks until just soft, add stock - -veg. or chicken. to cover and simmer for about 20 mins. - process with hand blender until smooth and creamy, adding additional stock if needed) garnished with stirfried and processed turnip greens stirred in (like a vitamin filled green ribbon) just before serving.

waste generated: none :)

Lemon Quark

2008-04-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet tried Quark, you are missing out an a truly fabulous eating experience. Quark is delectable. So delectable that the only reason there is any left for this lunch is because I hid it in my super secret hiding fridge. To translate - - in my house, any food that is not in the front row and precisely at eye level remains unseen, and effectively, hidden. This is great when I want to hide something, like, for instance, a giant birthday cake. This is not so great, when I realize that more containers of milk have been opened in one day than a family of five can drink in a week.

I digress.

Back to the Quark. The quark in this lunch is Lemon Quark from Spring Hill Cheese Co. in Petaluma, Ca. It is a German style cream cheese and the Spring Hill website states that it is made with Meyer lemon zest and a TOUCH OF sugar. Just a touch. I don't believe it. It just tastes too good, like lemon cheesecake meets sweetened ricotta. I could eat it by the spoonful, and I do, I just pop a strawberry into my mouth after in the hopes of alleviating the guilt.

Organic strawberries stuffed with Lemon Quark (both from the Farmer's Market and stored in lidded laptop lunch container); Crunchy, salt-free, organic almond butter on Mi-Del whole wheat graham crackers (wrapped in a wrap-n-mat, shown underneath); organic banana (from god knows where); Sigg bottle filled with Silk soymilk.

waste generated: none :)

New England Barbeque

2008-04-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

New England Potato salad with organic yukon gold potatoes, snap peas, lemon juice, canola mayo, flaxseed oil and a touch of stoneground mustard (in stainless steel thermos); grilled Rosie organic chicken breast chunks on toothpick skewers with Annie's organic barbeque sauce for dipping (in frigoverre glass container and laptop lunch small dip container); Organic Valley string cheese.

waste generated: 3 wooden toothpicks; wrapper from string cheese

Spring Chicken Lettuce Wraps

2008-04-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Chicken salad made with organic Rosie chicken grilled with a rub of italian seasoning, garlic, salt and lemon juice, diced and mixed with sliced organic radishes, cucumbers, and avocado with homemade mustard poppyseed vinaigrette; sliced organic cucumbers; organic lettuce leaves (for filling with chicken salad and eating out of hand) and a homemade whole wheat flour brownie (the whole wheat flour is the only healthy thing about this brownie. Radishes and lettuce from Full Belly Farm CSA, remaining veggies from the Farmer's Market.

waste generated: none :)

Whole Wheat Bagels with Cream Cheese

2008-04-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Whole wheat mini bagels with Organic Valley cream cheese and sliced strawberries from the Framer's Market; celery (conventional, my kids and husband reject the organic variety saying it is too stringy and hard to chew) and pistachios.

waste generated: small piece of parchment

Asparagus Frittata and Spinach Strawberry Salad

2008-04-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

So this is what was suppose to go in Friday's lunchbox. As of Thursday at 4:45pm, this meal was prepped - - the asparagus was washed and chopped into 1/2 inch dice, the smoked jack and raw cheddar were grated, spinach washed and dressing made and waiting in the fridge. Then, my husband walked in the door and said "Hey, aren't you suppose to be working at the snack shack in 5 minutes?" (my son is in T-ball and we are all required to take on a snack shack shift once a season). So, my delicious meal was left lingering in the fridge - no dinner, no leftovers for lunch - while I slathered bright orange cheese on industrial tortilla chips, slapped canned chili on Costco bulk hotdogs, slung skittles and fundip across a metal counter and lectured small children on the wastefulness of using a plastic spoon to eat a snowcone. A reluctant but captive audience, I refused to hand over the cone until they'd heard me out. My husband and I enjoyed the Frittata the next evening, along with a bottle of chardonnay. Yum.

Organic veggies all from Full Belly Farm CSA box. Organic cheese from Spring Hill Farm and Organic Valley, strawberries from the Farmer's Market.

Orzo with Flax Seed Oil

2008-04-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Orzo pasta with flaxseed (for Omega 3's,6's and 9's), olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt; smoked jack cheese from Spring Hill Farm; and a halved organic kiwi fruit.

Delights from the Farmer's Market

2008-04-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning, after promises of pastries and cheese samples, I dragged my two oldest children away from their cartoons and to the Farmer's Market. As suspected, and in spite of their early morning complaints, they loved it. This lunch was inspired by that visit.

First of the year organic sweet-as-sugar strawberries with last of the season organic kiwi fruit; pickling cucumbers (to be eaten out of hand like an apple); Spring Hill smoked jack cheese (sliced and then re-assembled into a wedge); Napa Valley mustard flavored pretzels.

waste generated: none :)

Fish and Chips

2008-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Pan fried halibut in cornmeal crust with a wedge of lemon; potato chips; tangy coleslaw (organic shredded cabbage and carrots from Full Belly CSA box with canola mayonnaise, white vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt and pepper); organic fuji apple from the Farmer's Market.

waste generated: none :)

Pizza with Fresh Oregano

2008-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Homemade organic whole wheat crust pizza with organic tomato pulp and Full Belly Farm oregano, fresh organic mozzarella, Full Belly Farm carrot sticks and strawberries from the Farmer's market.

The Farmer's Market is heavenly right now filled with plump strawberries, juicy, heavy kiwi, and loads of fresh asparagus. This is why I love California.

waste generated: 1 square of parchment paper

EASTER BREAK

2008-04-07T09:44:00.001-07:00

Yes, this post would have been better placed two weeks ago, but Easter break came quickly and along with it came guests, vacation, and life to keep me too busy to post.

Lunch the day before break included these tie dyed, hardboiled, cage free organic easter eggs and a thermos filled with Orange Mash (organic potatoes, rutabaga, and carrots, boiled and pureed to a mashed potato consistency with a touch of live oil and salt).

waste generated: none :)

Brilliant Yellow Noodles with Kale

2008-03-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

Fettuccini noodles cooked in tumeric enhanced water with organic kale in a savory broth (vegetable broth, leeks, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar - kale and leeks from Fully Belly CSA); organic Fuji apple; Annies whole wheat cheddar bunnies and shredded spicy monterrey jack cheese.

Small glass frigoverre container, stainless thermos brand thermos.

waste generated: none

Strawberry Fields Forever

2008-03-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Leftover St. Paddy's day bread reinvented with organic salt free peanut butter and sliced organic strawberries (first of the year, and not as tasty as they appear) - both in the sandwich and in the container; chocolate soy milk.

waste generated: drinkbox; toothpick

Luck of the Irish

2008-03-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

This lunch is to St. Paddy's day what a Christmas Tree is to Christmas, all show and no substance. I decided to pass on the corned beef and cabbage after envisioning what might become of such traditional fare in the hands of an impulsive 6 year old with a decent throwing arm, wielding a fork and surrounded by his encouraging and exuberant peers.

Homemade green organic whole wheat clover bread (let's pretend those shiny glittery bits are some kind of sparkly green seed . . . ); organic kiwi fruit wedges; organic celery filled with peanut butter.

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment paper

Chicken Pecan Salad and Carrot Twins

2008-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

When I opened my CSA box this week and found this pair of interwined carrots peeking out I smiled. Two days later they still make me smile. They are so unique and beautiful that I wonder if I should send them off to be eaten or if I should display them in my kitchen to be admired. This is one of the things that I love about organic farming. The methods allow vegetables and fruit to just be. Sometimes that means that they are not smooth and unblemished, often it means that they are not uniformly shaped, but always, underneath either an oddly unattractive (think celery root) or an extraordinary exterior (think intertwined carrots) something delicious and uniquely beautiful dwells because nature has been allowed to do its thing.

Chicken salad (shredded leftover Rocky Jr. organic chicken, mayo and dijon with pecans, dried cranberries and diced celery) sandwich on Alvarado Street sprouted whole wheat bread with mixed lettuce; organic carrots; organic kiwi fruit. Carrots, lettuce, and celery from Full Belly Farm.

waste generated: two novelty toothpicks

Spaghetti. . . .

2008-03-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

O's?

Anelletti pasta with MuirGlenn pizza sauce and Organic Valley shredded mozzarella; homemade whole wheat bread; broccoli and avocado salad with almonds and lemon, olive oil and dijon vinaigrette; organic organic segments.

Oranges sent in the lidded container from Aidan's laptop lunchbox, broccoli avocado salad in a small glass frigovere container, and bread wrapped in a small cloth napkin.

Broccoli and oranges from Full Belly CSA box.

waste generated: none :)

Pesto Olive Pasta Salad

2008-03-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto (chopped basil mixed with olive oil, garlic and pinenuts, processed and frozen from early Fall, defrosted and mixed with a touch more olive oil, pecorino cheese and a touch of seasalt) and kalamata olives; organic red leaf lettuce; organic beets (Full Belly), baked in foil, then quartered and marinated in mustard and vinegar; Organic Valley cheesestick homemade whole wheat brownies.

If this were my lunch I'd pile the pasta salad and beets on top of the red leaf lettuce, tear the cheesestick into chunks and toss it in and eat it as a giant salad. But, this is not my lunch and it is more likely that there will be absolutely no mixing of food, and the beets will simply be ridiculed.

waste generated: one plastic cheesestick wrapper

Friday's Evil Fish Fry

2008-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

I almost didn't include this lunch because it makes me feel like a fraud. The fish - -Striper - -was purchased impulsively at Trader Joe's and I didn't realize until I got home that it was imported from a fish farm in Vietnam, where I am guessing that it's antibiotic filled discharge is polluting a once lovely body of water. My apologies for contributing to the natural resource exploitation of other countries. To add to the deception, my son is convinced that this fish is chicken.

Organic brown and wild rice topped with almond crusted farm raised Striper ; coleslaw with soy dressing (organic red cabbage and carrots from Full Belly, crushed peanuts and a dressing of soy, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil and brown sugar); Fully Belly organic broccoli, steamed; Blue Heron Farm orange segments and chunks of mango (previously frozen).

waste generated: none :)

Salami

2008-03-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

So I bought the salami for the pizzable lunch and now I'm stuck with an entire package that I really don't want anyone to eat. . .however, waste not, want not. . .I don't know what that means except that my desire not to waste is stronger than my nutrition ideals.

Salami Sandwich on Alvarado St. organic sprouted sourdough bread; Newman's Own organic Spelt pretzels; steamed broccoli with honey mustard dip (canola mayo, dijon, seasoned rice vinegar, flaxseed oil and and agave syrup); water in a Sigg bottle. The sandwich was wrapped (with pretzels piled on top) in the wrap-n-mat.

waste generated: none :)

Organic Whole Wheat Pizzable

2008-03-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Aidan decided that since I refuse to buy him a lunchable, we should simply make our own.

Homemade organic whole wheat pizza crust; organic Muir Glenn pizza sauce (packaged in a snack size baggy with the tip cut off and covered with a sticker to prevent leaking); shredded cheese; organic Applegate Farms genoa salami (**certified humane**); Mediterranean Organic kalamata olives.

**certified humane is a seal given to a meat producer who meets the Humane Farm Animal Care Program standards which include a nutritious diet without antibiotics or promotants, animals raised with shelter, resting areas, sufficient space, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors. This particular meat came from Canada - not exactly a local source.

waste generated: snack size plastic bag and piece of unbleached parchment

Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta

2008-03-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto and sundried tomatoes; organic green lettuce salad and carrot sticks; organic apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and raisins.

Lettuce, carrots, sundried tomatoes and purple basil for pesto (from an early fall CSA box, previously finely chopped with garlic, pinenuts and olive oil and frozen) from Full Belly Farm.

waste generated: none :)

Thanks Mom, This Lunch Looks Delicious!!

2008-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

As suspected, Friday's soup was rejected. Perhaps packing broccoli romanesco chesnut soup on Pizza Day at school was not the best planning. This lunch was met with much more enthusiasm.

Organic new potatoes, boiled and tossed with olive oil and sea salt; diestal apple chicken sausages with small packets of mustard and ketchup (saved from restaurant take-out); orange slices; homemade organic whole wheat and almond meal blueberry muffin.

waste generated: plastic condiment packages

Broccoli Romanesco and Chestnut Soup

2008-02-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

This week, two beautiful purplish hued heads of broccoli romanesco were peeking out of my CSA box. Having no idea what to do with them I did a quick search online and found out that the vegetable works well as a cauliflower substitute. Fortunately, I'd been having a hankering for creamy cauliflower soup.

Organic Broccoli Romanesco and Chestnut Soup (saute leeks and green garlic in canola oil until very soft; add diced broccoli romanesco and saute until just starting to brown, cover and water and simmer about 20 mins, or until soft - - saute more slice leeks in another pan in oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar, continue cooking until slightly carmelized, add about 1 cp. of chopped chestnuts - not water chestnuts, the kind used in classic Thanksgiving dressing - and saute a few more minutes, add to cooked broccoli and puree entire mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste and additional water if necessary - add a splash of half and half for a creamier soup); organic salad greens; homemade half whole wheat buttermilk biscuit; and an organic fuji apple. All vegetables from my Full Belly Farm CSA.

The biscuits were wrapped in the napkin (I threw in an extra one and a chunk of cheese as an afterthought in case the soup was rejected).

waste generated: none :)

Bread and Spread

2008-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Homemade mini organic whole wheat braid; organic peanut butter & honey spread; cream cheese spread (organic cream cheese, diced, soaked sundried peaches and a touch of homemade organic applesauce); organic whole wheat lemon square; halved pear. The sundried peaches came from my weekly Full Belly CSA, the lemon square was made with lemons from our tree; and the apples had been picked at an orchard about an hour from here and canned this past fall as applesauce. I packed a spoon for the spreads as I've learned it is easier for small hands to manage (and less dangerous) than a knife.

waste generated: piece of unbleached parchment

Created by Aidan

2008-02-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of Aidan's lunch creations. Once again, he was decisive and it took him about 5 minutes to pull this together (not including the 20 mins it took to heat the meatless nuggets). The vegan goldfish crackers have reappeared, however, the mixed reviews on these should not be ignored. Aidan and my youngest daughter LOVED them, but Abby, after one quick bite, immediately exclaimed that they "taste like dogfood." This was not a random comment, without literal meaning , like, "hey, this tastes like dogfood, at least what I think dogfood might taste like." No, Abby has had EXPERIENCE. The only problem is that I'm not entirely sure whether the comment expressed whether the crackers taste good or bad.

Boca meatless chicken nuggets with Muir Glen organic ketchup for dipping; organic orange slices from Full Belly Farm; homemade organic vegan crackers; organic raw almonds (Full Belly); vegan Sunflour Baking Co. lemon cookie.

waste generated: plastic wrapper from cookie

Broccoli Cheddar Wrap

2008-02-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Slightly cooked organic broccoli, chopped fine, and mixed with shredded organic valley cheddar cheese in a whole wheat wrap; organic carrots; homemade vegan whole wheat and soy flour goldfish and duck crackers godiva chocolate covered pretzels with dried bananas.

Broccoli and carrots from weekly CSA.

waste generated: none

Tostada

2008-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tostada, blue corn tortilla, ground free range organic buffalo meat seasoned with chili spice, onions, green garlic and diced tomatoes, and organic valley monterrey jack cheese; orange slice with watermelon radish star; tortilla chips and mild salsa.

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment paper

Organic Chicken Noodle Soup

2008-02-21T07:54:00.001-08:00

It isn't even March, yet I'm craving strawberries and fresh peas and am beginning to become bored with the crucifers that fill my fridge. My CSA box came with a little bag of sun dried peaches yesterday, a teaser on what will come in the next couple of seasons.

I did some quick research on the vegetables of the cabbage family and found out that the proper family name is Brassicaceae (try to teach that one to a three year old). Cruciferea (the old family name) is apparently derived from a word that means cross-bearing (because the four petals of their flowers are reminiscent of a cross). So now I have to wonder, is it blasphemy to speak badly of the vegetables that grace my fridge?

Organic chicken noodle soup made with leeks, green garlic, carrots, celery and Rocky Jr. Chicken; organic orange segments (cut and reassembled they pack easily in a bandana or wrap-n-mat); organic coleslaw with asian style vinaigrette and crushed peanuts; homemade chocolate cookies. Organic cabbage, carrots, leeks, and green garlic all from Full Belly Farm, the orange is also from my CSA - not my tree- and come from Blue Heron Farm).

waste generated: recycled paper napkin (used to wrap cookies)

Broccoli and Mushroom Vegan Pastry

2008-02-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

This one looks much more complicated than it was to prepare. The pastry is leftover from dinner (it was originally served warm with a salad on the side), and I'd been waiting to use the last scoop of the tofu maple cream.

Vegan pastry made with finely chopped organic broccoli, mushrooms, leeks, and walnuts layered between sheets of vegan phyllo dough, baked and served cold with lemon honey vinaigrette sauce on the side; organic carrot spears; homemade applesauce and tofu maple cream; and vegan oatmeal whole wheat flower cookies. All the veggies, except the mushrooms came from my weekly CSA.

waste generated: none :)

Slaw Sandwich

2008-02-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Slaw sandwich (coleslaw made with shredded cabbage & carrots from Full Belly Farm CSA box, julienned apples, raisins, cashews, cilantro, and a dressing of yogurt, dill, and seasoned rice vinegar) on homemade whole wheat, wheatberry bread; rotelle and veggie shell pasta with olive & flax oils and sea salt; homemade vegan chocolate cake.

waste generated: none :)

Celeriac Potato Mash

2008-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

This may be named Celeriac Potato Mash, but we all can see the true star of the show - that loaf of bread! No, I did not send Aidan off to school with the entire thing (of course, I did send him with a pumpkin once, so anything is possible), just a couple of slices wrapped in the napkin. Sorry, I digress. . .

Organic potato and celeriac (celery root) mash (like mashed potatoes, but lighter and with a more crisp, fresh flavor - - simmer the celeriac in a little bit of butter and water, mash with potatoes - -I use a ricer - - add some warm milk to desired consistency and a splash of rice vinegar to enhance the flavor); pan fried tofu chunks; and organic homemade whole wheat bread.

By the way, the celeriac root, should you happen to come upon one, is a bit scary looking, like the rejected part of a prehistoric plant after having been lunched upon by a starving brontosaurus. It is a bit grayish with tiny slender celery stalks shooting off of it's gnarled and amputated limbs. However, once you peel back it's rough exterior, you will find a white crisp vegetable, looking much like peeled jicama. I was afraid of the one that appeared in my CSA box until I consulted with Alice Waters (via her cookbooks, of course). Now I've cooked it and munched on it raw with dip and I am no longer afraid.

waste generated: none :)

Be Mine

2008-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Lunchbox Valentines made with organic whole wheat crust and filled with either ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and thinly sliced organic apples or organic butternut squash custard; mixed organic greens; Organic Valley raw cheddar slices; and 4 candy hearts (the mixed greens and butternut squash are from Full Belly Farm).

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment paper

Snacks for Lunch

2008-02-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tofu Maple Dipping Cream (silken tofu with maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon); organic fuji apple wedges (for dunking); almonds and raisins; vegan chocolate cake (for smearing with tofu cream).

Sweet Potato and Cabbage Soup

2008-02-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

So I'm sitting here filled with potentially funny, yet horrid story tidbits from my family's week with the flu. They might be entertaining in the right setting, but they have no place in a blog devoted to eating. . . . so I will stop my banter and get on with it (and save them for the off chance I ever get to have a conversation with Anne Lamott).

Vegan Sweet Potato and Cabbage soup in a broth made with leeks, green garlic, vegetable stock, peanut butter, and chili paste. It is garnished with roasted, unsalted peanuts and chopped cilantro (the cabbage, leeks, green garlic, and cabbage are organic and came from my weekly Fully Belly Farm CSA box). Homemade whole wheat and wheat berry bread, served with a dipping sauce of olive and flax oils and balsamic vinegar. I wrapped the bread in the bandana and the dipping sauce is in a frigovere (I'm probably slaughtering the spelling on that) glass container. I love these containers as they look clean and fresh and have great stay-put, hardy plastic lids, but rarely use them for lunch because glass is not allowed at my son's school.

waste generated: none:)

UGH

2008-02-08T08:18:00.001-08:00

The flu is here and I'm afraid that all I have to post this week is saltines and gingerale . . . .mmmm . . .wonder if there is a way to make it look delicious?

Pineapple Quesadilla

2008-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Pineapple and organic valley raw sharp cheddar quesadilla; carrot and celery sticks (in the napkin, carrots from my Full Belly Farm CSA); banana; soymilk (in the SIGG bottle). The bananas and pineapple defeat my whole local produce ideal . . .but we all have our weaknesses.

waste generated: none :)

Chicken Tenders and Veggies

2008-02-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Strips of Rocky Jr. free range chicken marinated in ginger, tamari and sesame oil and stir fried, served over brown rice and wild rice; raw organic carrots with strawberry daikon stars and a mandarin (all from Full Belly Farm); organic whole wheat Orange Gingersnap cookies.

waste generated: none :)

Sometimes its All in the Packaging

2008-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

It is probably pretty apparent by now, but at least once a week Aidan's lunch consists of some version of a peanut butter sandwich. On one hand, although it pains me to admit it, this is his favorite lunch entree. On the the other hand, however, he believes that no two lunches should ever look the same. It isn't exactly an expectation, more of just the way it is, like why water comes out of the faucet, why the sky is blue, and why trees have roots. I know this because it happened once, I packed the same exact lunch in the span of two weeks (there's only so many thing one can do with winter produce), and the look of query and astonishment on his face was priceless Anyway, these two things (Aidan's love for peanut butter and his expectation that all lunches are unique) are not entirely compatible.

Peanut Butter and homemade berry jam sandwich on whole wheat bread; 4 homemade vegan flower cookies with raisins on top; CA organic Fuji Apple; freshly squeezed organic orange juice (from our orange tree).

waste generated: none :)

Mini Sandwich & Potatoes

2008-01-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

Chicken Sandwich on sprouted wheat bread (Rocky Jr. chicken breast marinated in honey and lemon, broiled, diced and mixed with canola mayonnaise and mustard; organic carrot chips; boiled organic red potatoes with olive oil, flax seed oil and sea salt; mandarin (mandarin, carrots, and potatoes from Full Belly Farm); Organic Valley cheesestick.

waste generated: plastic wrapper from cheesestick

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

2008-01-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Pancakes are the one meal that I can make (for breakfast, lunch, or dinner) that are unanimously met with smiles, and, if I am lucky, applause. The trick is to make them as healthy as possible while maintaining their inherent deliciousness.

Blueberry whole wheat pancakes (with soy flour and wheat germ), Earth's Best chocolate milk, dried cranberries and bananas; organic maple syrup.

waste generated: chocolate milk box and straw

A few people have requested my recipe for crepes - -which is essentially the same recipe as my pancake recipe. I am adding it here, although, as a warning, I usually cook in a "little bit of this, little bit of that" manner. This is good because my recipes are fairly forgiving, but it can be frustrating if you like rules. Here it is:

CREPES/PANCAKES (T is for tablespoon, t is for teaspoon)

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
2T. wheat germ
1 1/2 T. soy flour
2 1/2 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. salt
2T. sugar (counters the bitterness of the soy flour)
approx. 2 1/4* c. non-fat milk, soymilk, or buttermilk (omit sugar if using soymilk)
3 eggs, beaten
3T. unsalted butter, melted (reduce amount of salt, see above, if using salted butter)
3 t. lemon juice (omit if using buttermilk)

** re: milk. use up to 1/2 cup less for pancakes, depending on how fluffy you like them (I tend to like them thin). use the full 2 1/4 c. for crepes - -the batter will be quite thin (thinner pancakes taste better cold)

Whisk together dry ingredients. Whisk together wet ingredients (except lemon juice!) in a separate bowl. Whisk quickly. The melted butter will start to form tiny lumps in the liquid, - -this is fine, I think it makes the end result lighter and more delicious. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix with a few quick strokes (a few lumps is fine) Quickly whisk in lemon juice.

Allow to sit while heating skillet or griddle. When water bounces off the surface of the skillet or griddle it is hot enough for cooking, if the drops of water just sizzle it is not hot enough). Pour batter to preferred size (small is best with these, they are delicate and cook quickly - -I use a 3 oz. ladle to pour batter) and flip when exposed side shows many bubbles. If you wish to pack them for lunch, allow leftovers to cool on a rack (they will get soggy if packed while still warm) before packing. The cooled pancakes, crepes, also freeze well using the flash freeze method.

Lemon Pudding

2008-01-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Lemon Pudding (homemade organic lemon curd and organic plain yogurt); raw organic almonds; dried bananas and raisins; and whole wheat Mi-Del graham crackers with sunflower seed butter.

waste generated: none :)

Pesto Chicken Salad

2008-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Ezekial pita bread stuffed with green leaf lettuce and chicken pesto salad made with shredded Rocky Jr. broiled chicken breast (dinner leftovers), pesto sauce (frozen when there was an abundance of basil in my CSA box), kalamata olives and pinenuts; Newman's Own spelt pretzels (wrapped in the bandana) and a small box of raisins.

I got the idea to use the bandana to wrap pretzels after talking to a friend who said she felt badly about the number of plastic bags she uses to pack her kids' lunches. In my quest to create a waste free lunch, I thought I'd start to use napkins and bandanas, in addition to my trusty wrap-n-mat, more often to wrap food that isn't significantly wet or in danger of drying out. They are just as easy to use as a plastic bag and more likely to find their way home (because even children realize that it feels a little wierd to throw anything made of fabric into a garbage can). If I was really crafty, I'd coordinate my bandana with a pretty ribbon or small sticker. . .but, well, I'm not that crafty, at least not yet. . .

waste generated: one small raisin box

Pasta with Broccoli, Edamame and Walnuts

2008-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Whole wheat pasta with broccoli, edamame, walnuts and olive oil; organic orange and beet salad; carrot sticks; and Brianna's Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping. Beets, broccoli and carrots were from our weekly Full Belly Farm CSA Box.

waste generated: none :)

Tiny Crepes with Lemon Curd

2008-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tiny organic whole wheat crepes (with soy flour and wheat germ) filled with fresh organic lemon curd; organic orange sections; salt free roasted peanuts and Organic Valley mozzarella cheese cubes. Yummy.

waste generated: none :)

A is for Aidan

2008-01-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Homemade whole wheat "A" shaped bread with sesame seeds; organic, free-range eggs (I realize that means practically nothing - we hope to get our own chickens one of these days so we can eliminate the guesswork - still, the yolks in this batch are a brilliant yellow and taste delicious); red leaf lettuce and strawberry daikon "flowers" (from Full Belly Farm); oatmeal whole wheat lemon bar (lemons from our tree).

waste generated: one paper napkin

Life of a Piece of Parchment

2008-01-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

It is probably pretty obvious by now how much I rely on parchment paper. I carry a good deal of environmental guilt for this (especially since it is rarely a necessity and more likely being used for aesthetic purposes or easy clean up). Still, I'm not entirely haphazard with it and generally, one piece of parchment sees several uses before finally being put to rest. I thought I might share the typical life cycle of a piece of parchment in my home:

First: Flour Catcher while baking (I level the flour onto the parchment and then lift the parchment and pour back into the flour jar)

Second: Placed on Baking Pan to promote even bread baking (also alleviates the need to grease sheet and virtually no clean up); used for subsequent baking the same day

Third: Same piece of parchment is used to wrap leftover bread to store and/or used to wrap bread to be given as a gift

Fourth: Parchment finds its way into my son's lunchbox, as a "placemat" of sorts for food

There, some guilt purged. You'd think I was Catholic . . .

More Hidden Vegetables

2008-01-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

This was created with dinner leftovers. Prior to anyone under the age of 35 taking a bite I was attacked by a line of questions and comments that went something like this - -"so, what's in here? is this broccoli? I don't like this. How many vegetables? Can I pick out the broccoli? But I don't like broccoli. I wish you wouldn't put leeks in this. I don't like cooked carrots. What are leeks? Are they vegetables? I don't like vegetables. . ." Generally, and usually after some cajoling, threatening, or inquiries about a possible dessert I may have hidden somewhere, a bite will be taken and, if it is a good night, the anti-vegetable rally will cease. This happens every night. You are not alone.

Whole wheat pastry stuffed with broccoli, shredded carrots, leeks (all from our Fully Belly CSA box), Organic Valley ricotta & mozzarella, and pecorino cheese; pizza sauce for dipping, peeled organic mandarin sections, and crunchy Romaine lettuce.

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment

Open Faced Peanut Butter

2008-01-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Open faced peanutbutter sandwich with kumquat slices (Aidan did the decorating); 1/2 an organic Bartlett Pear; Mi-Del whole wheat honey graham crackers.

waste generated: 1/2 a toothpick used to keep the sandwich from sticking to the lid

Tofu, Spinach & Mushrooms

2008-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Much like most soups, my kids hate tofu. But like the dreaded soup, there are several exceptions to the rule and oddly enough, this is one of them. Sorry for the fuzzy photo, while I was pretending to be a photographer a very cute and tiny little person was drooling on my leg, screaming "up, up." I caved and my photo suffered.

Tofu cubes seasoned with tamari, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic and stir fried with mushrooms & spinach; brown rice; kumquats and 2 organic Frog & Toad cookies.

waste generated: none :). . .I think I'm on a roll

Enough with the Pie Already

2008-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

When Spring is in full swing and the berries are ripe, I promise that I will not include gourds on my menu, but Pie? Well, pie is always in season, and it appears that I can not get enough of the stuff. I believe it is the perfect food, but then, one could question my logic.

This lunch was made with the remnants of my husband's birthday dinner. It is more like hangover food than nutritious lunch food, but it's Friday, and it is better than greasy pizza, chocolate milk and a giant brownie (or is it?).

Pumpkin Pie (made with organic pumpkin scavenged from a friend's garden) with whole wheat crust; organic whipped cream (no sugar added); Baked Tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa dips.

waste generated: none :)

Veggie Sandwich

2008-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Veggie Sandwich on homemade half organic whole wheat baguette (half unbleached organic all purpose flour) made with mashed avocado and banana spread and green leaf lettuce; side of sliced apples and tahini dip (my kids will eat plain tahini on bread or as a dip so long as I buy the roasted, salted version and add a touch of honey).

waste generated: none :)

Po'Boy

2008-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is actually one of my favorite fast foods, but I call this the Po'Boy because the main entree is something that can be thrown together even when the cubboard is nearly bare. It is suppose to be a play on words, and I just realized that I'm not entirely sure that I got it right.

Orzo and egg pasta (cook any kind of pasta you have on hand, drain, throw into a frying pan on medium heat, add a scrambled egg and cook through); carrot pieces, apricots and cream (the apricots were canned when they were in season - the cream is skimmed from the top of our bottled organic milk); frog and toad cookies (sort of like oatmeal chocolate chip, but with lots of healthy additions like wheat germ and millet).

waste generated: none :)

Granola Sundae

2008-01-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

Unlike my oldest daughter who believes that yogurt is the only food group, Aidan is not enamored with it. However, as a potential sundae it has more appeal. 3 scoops of Nancy's organic nonfat yogurt; dried blueberry granola; plain organic oats; trail mix of cranberries, almonds and banana chips.

waste generated: none :)

Tuna Lettuce Wrap

2008-01-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

After all the heavy food of the holidays, it seems right to start back to school with something light. Lettuce wraps with line caught albacore and yellowtail tuna, garnished with Fuji Apple Matchsticks, trail mix with raw organic almonds, banana chips and raisins, Kettle lightly salted potato chips.

waste generated: one wax paper bag

Cookies

2008-01-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Any cooking projects over the holiday break?, but of course. I took photos of these sugar cookies for two reasons: first, because this is the first time I've ever made sugar cookies that actually looked good enough to share (prior sugar cookie attempts looked like something baked by a talented three year old. In case your curious, the secret is in the meringue powder.); the second reason is posterity, because it seems unlikely I'll ever make them again, but I have a new appreciation for those who do.

Candy Cane Bread

2007-12-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

4 Days before the much anticipated event and amid the hell of pre-Christmas . . .oops, I mean the joy of Christmas, I finally stumbled upon the inspiration for a fun lunch. Candy canes! The candy cane I stumbled across was actually a large chunk wedged tightly into the sole of my shoe, causing some mid arch discomfort and creating a sticky trail upon my floor, but who am I to speak harshly of my ill placed muse?

Whole wheat candy cane bread (this was shamefully easy - -make 2 batches of dough for whole wheat bread, but add food coloring to one batch while you are proofing the yeast). After the first rise, divide each piece of dough into 4 to 8 sections (depending on how many and how big you want your candy canes to be). Roll each section into a long rope (approx. 12 inches to fit in a laptop lunchbox). Twist a red rope and natural rope together (making sure not to leave any airspaces between the twists) and shape to resemble a candy cane. Allow to rise on cookie sheet and baste with egg yolk and water just before baking. You will probably have to adjust your cooking time (my recipe called for 25 mins. shaped as a loaf - but it took only 12 minutes as a candy cane). By the way, this project is kid friendly and I dare say it kept all mysterious thumping sounds and subsequent screaming at bay for at least 15 minutes.

Oh yeah. . I added a mixture of peanut butter and honey to spread on the bread and a fruit salad of mandarin segments and kiwis. Cream cheese and chopped cranberries would have looked prettier, but I didn't have any on hand.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. School is out for a couple of weeks so my postings will be scarce until early 2008.

waste generated: rectangle of unbleached parchment paper - - I think I am a parchment junkie.

Portoguese Kale Soup

2007-12-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Portoguese Kale soup with carrots, red russian kale, new potatoes, leeks (all from our CSA box), turkey sausage, Muir Glen fireroasted tomatoes and pinto beans; homemade half whole wheat (half bread flour) sesame rolls; and a pear.

The Every Kid's Lunch

2007-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

The photo directly above, along with several other holiday cooking projects have usurped Aidan's lunches this week. He is not complaining.

Peanut butter and homemade applesauce on Rudy's organic honey whole wheat bread; Earth's Best chocolate milk; snack mix made with raisins, dried bananas, and pretzel sticks.

waste generated: milk box, plastic snack bag (and you may have thought I didn't actually own any of these - - one of my dirty little secrets is out)

Smart Dogs

2007-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if Smart Dogs are really all that smart, especially now that I notice their color blends a little too well with the very unnatural shade of orange found in my son's lunchbox, yet he loves them them and they are better than mystery meat.

Sliced smart dogs and organic Muir Glen ketchup for dipping; organice green leaf lettuce; 2 mini apples; almonds and raisins.

waste generated: none :)

Whole Wheat Pancakes

2007-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

These pancakes are made with whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and soy flour, so they are, arguably anyway, pretty healthy as far as pancakes go. Aidan likes to roll them up and eat them out of hand like a taquito. I packed them with a small glass container of organic pure maple syrup and some homemade applesauce for dipping; orange segments and pistachios.

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment paper, paper napkin

PB&J, sort of

2007-12-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Organic almond butter and homemade berry jam on a sprouted whole wheat tortilla; grapes; applesauce; and organic low salt potato chips.

waste generated: applesauce container & sticker

The Cruciferous Family in Hiding

2007-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

My CSA box has overflowith with cruciferous vegetables. This would be grand if my children found cauliflower, radishes, and broccoli appealing, but they do not. Additionally, it is the time of year when little black bugs like to call the broccoli home and no amount of washing, soaking and meticulous picking can ensure they have all disappeared. Like many people, my children are horrified by the idea that they may have ingested a bug (these ideals are not without their contradictions as any of my children would consume, with little hesitation, a stray m&m found on a public restroom floor).

In an attempt to make the broccoli more appetizing I have included it in a brown rice casserole with lots of swiss cheese and a sauce made of eggs and milk. The orange is from our tree and has been segmented so it can be eaten with a spoon (like a grapefruit); cucumber sticks and a new treat bar (made with honey, sesame, and almonds) round out this lunch.

waste generated: packaging from candy bar thingy

15 Days 'til Christmas

2007-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree eggsalad sandwich on oatmeal whole wheat bread (garnished with 4 redhots and sliced fruit leather); two Kashi TLC crackers and more fruit leather strips; mini apple; sliced cucumbers (yes, they are still growing in CA in December!); and pretzel sticks.

waste generated: one paper napkin

MMM Carbs, All Carbs

2007-12-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

The curry did not go over well. This is my apology, which was met with great enthusiasm:

Organic bow tie/ farfalle pasta with olive oil and grated pecorino cheese; cheese stick; slices of homemade organic whole wheat baguette with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce.

The olive oil, in both instances, was a mix of olive and flaxseed oil for some added nutrition. I packed soymilk (not pictured) with a little protein powder instead of the usual water.

waste generated: cheesestick wrapper

Curry Mutiny?

2007-12-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

It is true that if I attempted to serve this meal to all three children at the same time I'm sure I'd have a mutiny on my hands. However, I did a taste test on one child and it was consumed without any tears or obvious signs of gagging. Not exactly a rave review, but I thought I'd give it a go for lunch anyway.

Curried Vegetable Dahl with split peas, red bell peppers, cauliflower, potatoes and raisins; brown rice and cubes of avocado; shredded daikon; and cranberry cornbread muffin with wheat germ.

waste generated: 0 :)

Cheese and Crackers

2007-12-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

I took the little bug to the store with me on Sunday and told him to pick out anything he wanted for lunch one day this week. He chose a giant wedge of smoked gouda and was determined to bring it, as is, to lunch.

The compromise: 1/3 of the wedge of gouda (I pre-sliced it, see photo above, so that he could just pull off the rind, it seemed more civilized than having him gnaw on a block of smelly, smoky cheese); water crackers and Kashi TLC crackers; kalamata olives; almonds and dried cranberries.

waste generated: none :)

Spring Rolls in the Winter

2007-12-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

Spring rolls made with rice paper wraps stuffed with shredded carrots, red cabbage, lettuce, and tofu, served with slightly spicy peanut sauce for dipping. Edamame, tamari flavored rice crackers, and dried sweet banana chips.

The chopsticks are decorative and stayed home with me.

waste generated: none

Monkey Man

2007-12-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

Not the kid, the lunch. This lunch was created by Aidan, my 6 year old son. The open face sandwich is a monkey face made with peanut butter; apple slices and raisins (the two things sticking up are toothpicks, used to keep the sandwich from sticking to the lid on the way to school); tangerine; and the apple skin in one long curl (a.k.a snakes).

Aidan used one of those old fashioned apple peelers to make the strip of skin and apple rings. The only thing I helped with was getting the peanut butter spread to the edges of the bread and cleaning the knife & apple peeler. Amazingly, he pulled this lunch together in less than 10 minutes and that includes the decision making part. Maybe I should put him in charge of lunches.

waste generated: square of unbleached parchment paper and two toothpicks

Not All Good Food is Pretty

2007-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

I'm not entirely sure what is going on with this lunch. The photo of the gypsy pepper is meant to show how I wrapped it "to go" with just a rubber band and wrap-n-mat, but it looks more like something I captured from the wild and bound for later torture. The soup, as delicious as it is, looks a bit like, well, to be blunt, vomit. But I suppose a lot of soup looks like that. The lunch: turkey & hominy soup (organic Diestal turkey leftover from Thanksgiving, shredded and previously frozen) with onions, carrots, celery (from our weekly Full Belly Farm CSA), hominy, and tomatoes. Gypsy pepper (also from Fully Belly) cut in half and filled with carrot sticks on one side and Annie's Goddess Dressing on the other. The bread is Alvarado Street sprouted whole wheat sourdough. I wrapped the bread in a separate wrap-n-mat.

waste generated: 0, :) the rubberband was re-used from a head of broccoli and I'm pretty sure it will be used again as a slingshot or other piece of childhood weaponry

Pizza Fridays

2007-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

At my son's school, pizza is served every Friday, along with a few slivers of iceberg lettuce drenched in ranch dressing, an enormous brownie and chocolate milk - all served in a styrofoam take-out container. This is my compromise:

Pizza from Zelda's (a local pizzeria) with mushrooms and black olives; red bell pepper strips and carrot sticks, a mini apple, and a Cliff Chocolate Chip ZBar.

waste generated: small rectangle of unbleached parchment paper, wrapper from ZBar

Almost Thai

2007-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Dinner last night was a Thai stir-fry with rice noodles, broccoli, and a coconut peanut sauce. This lunch was created with the leftovers sans sauce.

Thai rice noodles; sesame broccoli; roasted peanuts; and the first orange from our tree.

waste generated: none :)

Good Things Come in Their Own Packages

2007-11-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

I felt rather clever when I came up with this themed lunch, but, if I am to be honest with myself, it was really laziness disguised with a clever title.

Miniature apples (how cute are they?); tangerine; banana; hardboiled egg; and pistachios. It's both a lunch and an exercise for developing fine motor skills.

waste generated: none :)

Turkey Pot Pie

2007-11-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

Turkey Pot Pie with wholewheat crust, Diestal brined and oven roasted turkey, cauliflower, peas, mushrooms, and carrots in a white sauce; organic orange segments; redleaf lettuce; and organic chestnut sage stuffing.

waste generated: none :)

Turkey Sandwich, But Of Course

2007-11-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

I have returned from my respite, although, as you can see, not exactly spilling with creativity. The classic turkey sandwich lunch: turkey sandwich on homemade organic honey wholewheat bread with orange cranberry sauce, canola mayonnaise and sage chestnut stuffing; berry pie; sliced raw organic cauliflower and carrots. Fingers not included.

waste generated: none :)

Thanksgiving Warm-Up

2007-11-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Diestal nitrate free turkey slices rolled around organic valley cheese sticks (sliced in half, lengthwise and crosswise), speared with a toothpick and persimmon slice; carrot sticks; organic Arkansas Black apple; and potato chips.

waste generated: 4 toothpicks and one paper napkin