With so many of us sending kids back to school right now, I thought I’d share a little lunchbox inspiration with you! I sent my oldest off to 3rd grade and my middle child to kindergarten yesterday….then my youngest starts preschool in a few weeks!

For our children, lunch is a reminder of Mom during their school day, so I try to make it a highlight vs. an afterthought – I imagine them opening their lunchboxes to discover something delicious, healthy, and maybe even a little bit fun that I’ve packed for them. Something like this hits the mark…

Here’s a super-fun idea that works really well in a bento box style lunchbox. It’s designed to look like sushi rolls…but it made from wheat bread and almond butter or peanut butter! You’re guaranteed the Coolest Mom award at the lunch table if you send this in for lunch. If your child is allergic to nuts or attends a nut-free school, substitute Sunflower Seed butter (I like the Trader Joe’s brand) or even cream cheese for the filling.

Almond Butter and Honey Sushi Sandwich Lunch
adapted from Super Healthy Kids

serves 2

Ingredients:

2 slices bread, wheat

1 tablespoons almond or peanut butter

1 tablespoons honey

1/2 sliced cucumber with peel left on

1/2 cup red or green grapes

Directions:

1.  Cut crusts off wheat bread, and roll flat with a rolling pin.

2.  Spread half tablespoon of almond or peanut butter on each slice.

3.  Pour half tablespoon of honey on each slice.

4.  Roll bread into a tight roll and cut crosswise like sushi.

5.  Serve with cucumber slices and grapes.

I really want to get this recipe into your hands before summer unofficially ends as school begins. Some of you may have already crossed that threshold, but here in Ohio, we have one last weekend of summertime bliss before we put our backpacked bundles of joy onto the bus next week.

If you want to hold onto the last wisps of summer, this dessert will do it. A simple grilled peach topped with honey cream is an amazing way to end a Sunday evening. This “cream” is actually made by thinning out a little nonfat Greek yogurt to make a deliciously sweet topping for a perfectly ripe peach. Another summer in the books. I hope yours was a great one.

Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

adapted from Cooking Light

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey, divided

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Dash of kosher salt

4 medium peaches, pitted and halved

Cooking Spray

1/3 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt

2 1/2 tablespoons half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions:

1. Mix melted butter, 1 tablespoon honey, cardamom (optional), and salt in a bowl. Add peaches, toss to coat, and allow to stand for 5 minutes.

2. Heat grill to medium. Rub grates with oil and arrange peaches on grill; cook 2 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.

3. Combine yogurt, half-and-half, remaining 1 tablespoon honey, and vanilla in a small bowl; stir with a whisk. Serve over with peaches and fresh raspberries.