EXCLUSIVE: George aka School Lunchbox Dad shares tips and recipes for surviving Term #1
3 fun back-to-school recipes to try ...
By George, School Lunchbox Dad
Here we go, I’m about to share my parental survival tips to help you get through term one in 2021. That rhymes, just saying (it’s a natural dad thing to point that out).
One thing I never was before being a parent was organised. What changed? Two little girls chirping at me like little chicks in a nest, yep you know that sound. I had to get my butt into gear and get organised if I was to survive the school year.
School Lunches is my domain, I took over five years ago and I think I can honestly say the mornings are like clockwork now, a well-oiled machine.
George aka School Lunchbox Dad shares tips for surviving back-to-school.
Get ready!
Sundays is where it all begins for school lunches, I take my girls to the grocery store or supermarket and we shop together however on the journey to there I ask, “what do you girl’s want for lunches this week?” I hear things fire back at me like “pizza scrolls”, “Pita Pockets”, “DIY Tacos” etc etc. So, I make a list before we get out of the car and we stick to the list.
I let my girls pick their apples, carrots etc. Let them feel part of the process as it’s almost kind of an ownership thing for them.
Preparation is key.
Organised Fridge
Yep, it’s not easy so I bought a heap of airtight containers. When we venture back from our shopping trip, I wash the fruit and veggies and pop them in the airtight containers so they’re ready to go in the morning. Come morning, I take out all the containers and all I do is assemble the fruit (usually two fruit types) and veggies (three types of veggies) into the bento and then I either make a sandwich or a creative pastry, like pizza scrolls or mini croissants.
I also make sure that the bento stays fresh by popping it in a cooler bag with an ice block, which is awesome during hot days.
Communication
As adults, when we go to restaurants, we often get a menu and choose what we like. Some kids don’t like surprises, so I talk to them about their lunches and what they like and don’t like etc, by listening, I learn more about what to add to their lunches.
But wait, there’s a catch. When they don’t eat their lunches, I make them eat it after school pick up as their snack, after all, they chose it, they should eat it.
Fun food
I always add fun food in the school lunches, low salt popcorn (actually has a lot of awesome nutrients), pretzels etc. Lunches don’t have to be just a sandwich and an apple. Adding something that they feel is a treat is super cool.
As little peeps get older their tastes develop so remember to occasionally offer them something that you are eating, that way they become curious and they might actually like something new. This is an opportunity to broaden your lunches.
Three back-to-school recipes to try …
Maggicken Nuggets
Recipe:
Kids go crazy for nuggets, in fact, it’s a borderline out of control crazy obsession.
Check out this fun way to make nuggets using everyone’s fav MAGGI 2-Minute Wholegrain Noodles, they’re quick and easy, as well as a great source of fibre – and fit perfectly in the lunch box too!
Slice a chicken breast into 2cm thick strips, place on baking paper and cook for 8 minutes in an air fryer in 180 degrees Celsius or 16 minutes in a normal oven on 180 degrees Celsius.
Now it’s time to cook your 2-Minute Wholegrain Noodles (for two mins), once these are cooked and cooled down, wrap the nuggets nice and tight so the whole chicken piece is covered. The crazier they look the better.
Now back on the baking tray and cook again for the same amount of time, 8 minutes in an air fryer in 180 degrees Celsius or 16 minutes in a normal oven on 180 degrees Celsius.
Once cooked, sprinkle the chicken seasoning sachet on top and add your sauce of choice.
Serve with a rainbow salad to incorporate colour and entice kids to eat with their eyes!
Chicken Eggoodle Nests
Have you ever had crunchy runny eggs for breakfast? My girls and I love them, so much so that they’re a once a week treat (usually on weekends after a big school week).
Recipe:
Cook your MAGGI 2-Minute Wholegrain Noodles for, you guessed it, two minutes.
They’re made with the goodness of wholegrain and a good way to get some fibre in.
Then, pop them straight into a muffin tray and fill the tray up. We will be creating nests, as the egg belongs on the nest right?!
Now pop the muffin tray in the air fryer for six minutes on 180 degrees Celsius or 12 minutes in a normal oven on 180 degrees Celsius.
Next boil the egg for five minutes only, take it off the boil and pop it in cold water to stop the cooking process.
After a few minutes peel the egg but be careful as it’s soft and runny inside. Once the noodles are cooked, take them out of the muffin tray and pop on a plate.
Carefully place the egg on the nest and sprinkle the MAGGI flavour sachet on top for your delicious chicken vibe.
Enjoy with a side of baked beans or wholemeal toast – you’re welcome.
MAGGI Veggie Rap!
Recipe:
Cook your MAGGI 2-Minute Wholegrain Noodles as per the instructions on the packet, also parboil some of your favourite veggies.
I like to use carrots, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini and red capsicum.
Let the noodles cool down a little and wrap them around the beautiful colourful veggies. Dress them up from head to toe.
Pop them on a baking dish and bake in an air fryer for six minutes on 180 degrees celsius or a normal oven on 180 degrees celsius for 12 minutes.
When the veggies are cooked, serve them on a board or plate and add any dipping sauce in a separate little bowl (tzatziki is a hit in our house!)
