Good Things Come in Their Own Packages

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

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

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

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

Chilly Day

The chilly weather has finally taken hold, and for me, nothing says cold weather is here like hot soup and a sandwich. Today's version of that cold weather staple: Mexican Tomato Lime Tortilla Soup from Moosewood Cookbook (incredibly fast and easy); quesadillas made with sprouted wheat tortillas, monterrey jack cheese, chicken, corn and black beans; whole persimmon from a neighbor's tree; and berry muffin made with whole wheat and almond meal.

Don't worry, I didn't actually pack it all in that little camp pan, although that wouldn't be the worst idea I have ever had. The quesadilla and muffin packed nicely wrapped in the bandana. The persimmon was fine on its own and the funny little pan stayed home with me.

waste generated: none :)

TOFU CRANBERRY SQUASH PIE

I realize it sounds gross, but my kids' think it is a slice of heaven. Also, it doesn't look gross, and that's all that really matters.

Squash pie made with tofu, squash (Full Belly Farm organic acorn and delicata), eggs, chopped cranberries and a small amount of sugar (2 T. plus 1 t. stevia for the whole pie) on a whole wheat crust with cranberry strawberry topping; whole grain crackers with chunks of Organic Valley raw sharp cheddar (if you like cheddar, this is the best!); and an organic gala apple.

waste generated: small square of unbleached parchment paper

French Toast Sticks

I'm pretty sure some fast food restaurant started this concept (the french toast stick) a decade ago and, in fact, I do recall balancing said sticks on my lap while driving home from work one morning (this would be back in the days when I thought pulling all nighters at the office made me important and sophisticated). Now I am using that food of desperation for my son's lunch and writing about it. Have I evolved at all? I'll let you be the judge.

French toast sticks on whole wheat bread; maple syrup for dipping; half a Bosc pear; trail mix with peanuts, dried cranberries, almonds, raisins, and dried apricots.

waste generated: none :)