It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that back to school is expensive. To help you stay within your budget, while still allowing your kids to have a great time at school, we've listed some of our recipe ideas that are easy to pack in the lunchbox without breaking your piggy bank.
The turnover that pretended to be a snack bar - After Class Baked Cinnamon and Apple Pies
Prepared snacks and desserts are a big part of the total lunchbox expense. At the same time, we understand, that it makes kids happy to have something other than vegetables. Without spending thousands of dollars to make homemade snack bars, we think it's easier (and better for morale) to make apple pies.
The recipe is very simple and all you need to do is make sure you have the ingredients below:
5 slices Gadoua® Moelleux thinly sliced white club sandwich bread
1 small apple
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. cinnamon + 1 tsp. cinnamon sprinkles
1 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1 tbsp. water
A bagel that pretended to be a sandwich - The Ultimate Brunch Bagel
Kids have the ability to be amazed by anything, so take the opportunity to introduce them to the wonderful world of sandwich variety! If you want to impress them, you can always try our recipe for "The Ultimate Brunch Bagel". You can also take any of your kids' favourite sandwich recipes and substitute the bread.
Fruit that wanted to be a vegetable - Brie, Peach, and Basil Melt Sandwich
Speaking of quick, effective, and surprising tricks, do you know the trick of putting a piece of fruit in your child's sandwich to make it even more appetizing. This trick is even better for your wallet as it can keep up with the seasons and discounts. We're partial to peaches, and also apples
Get started by trying our recipe for Gadoua Brie, Peach and Basil Melt Sandwich which is a snap to make with:
8 slices Gadoua® Thick Sliced Authentic White Household Bread
4 tbsp butter (room temperature)
8 oz. sliced Brie cheese
2 peaches, thinly sliced
16 fresh basil leaves
4 tbsp. honey
Toast that wanted to pass for fresh bread - Big Classic Club Sandwich
This trick is right out of our free idea box, because it costs nothing except the time it takes to make your toast. To prove that it's good, think of the club sandwiches that you enjoy eating. The feeling of pleasure is also shared by your children. The idea is to let the toast cool to prevent it from absorbing too much fat (butter, margarine, mayonnaise) and go with your desires for the topping.
A leftover that wanted to pass itself off as ... lunch - Campfire Chili Dog
What's better than a leftover? A leftover that you change into a new meal idea. We can already hear the skeptics rolling their eyes and yet, this is probably something you already do when you do weekly meal prep. Imagine recycling your chili into a great campfire-style chili dog or your fish sticks into a surprisingly crispy fish and French fries sandwich. Doesn't it just taste good?
An article that wanted a conclusion
The important thing to remember is that creativity may not cost you more. Taking risks, trying new recipes, taking the time to involve the kids to give their input or idea, substituting ingredients with things you have at home, or revitalizing a leftover that you're not so keen on are all ideas that will appeal to everyone without burning a hole in the budget. If the ideas made you smile, feel free to share with your friends and family and follow us on Instagram for more meal ideas throughout the year.
