While there’s nothing wrong with chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese, after about the third night in a row I’m over it, way over it.
We’ve all had that moment when you can’t stomach the idea of eating junk food and the kids won’t even consider anything beyond the three food groups of french fries, noodles and sugar, but I’ve learned there is a compromise.
So take out the lunch box, we’re making dinner.
That’s right, we’re using the same items you use to make your child’s lunch box to inspire you to make kid friendly dinner ideas you’ll not only like, but will actually elevate your kids’ palate and make yours pretty happy, too. And you gotta love that you’re being frugal by using ingredients you already have in your house.
Yep, I’m showing you how to make dinner with items from your kids lunch box. It’s dual-use foods they already love recreated in a whole new way and they can even help you make them.
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Use Pretzels to create Pretzel Crusted Tilapia (or chicken):
This recipe is a keeper because it only uses two ingredients AND you can really use it on any fish or chicken.
2-4 fish filets
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or you could use 1/2 cup greek yogurt)
1 cup pretzels, crushed
Spread mayonnaise on each filet, covering both sides. Then dredge the fish with the crushed pretzels. Lay in a greased or foil-lined pan and cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Use Ham and Cheese to create Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu:
One of my favorites is chicken cordon bleu, however, don’t tell your kids that’s what you’re making and you’ll probably get them to eat it more than using the fancy name. “Chicken Roll ups” are made almost once a week at our house.
2-3 chicken breast, pounded thinly (what a great way to get some stress out from your day as well)
9 slices of thinly sliced ham
6 slices of cheese (swiss or havarti work best)
Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs
Use Applesauce to create a Dressing for Salad (or pork chops):
Put your GoGo squeeZ to work for you. I love using applesauce for many things including this delicious and easy apple dijon dressing that tastes good on your greens for a great salad OR using as as sauce for grilled pork chops or even with those Chicken Cordon Bleus.
Use Juice for a Delicious Stir-fry:
Take that apple juice to a whole new level by using it to marinate your chicken, steak or shrimp for a delicious stir-fry that’s also filled with veggies. Here’s a recipe I love and is gluten free, too.
Use Peanut Butter, Raisins and M&Ms to make Trailmix:
While this might not be a dinner recipe, use this idea of combining leftover snacks into one new recipe for trailmix and eat this as your healthy snack when they get home or as you’re getting ready for dinner. There’s no real recipe for this one – just take a little of this and that and you’ve got a new fun snack they can make and you don’t feel bad that they’re ruining dinner.
Don’t forget dessert: Use Bananas to Make a Quick and Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie:
After a long day who has time to make dinner and much less a dessert? You do. With just four ingredients, you have a cookie you can feel as good making as you do eating it.
Make sure you check out my other fun ideas on MamaChallenge TV!
I also need to thank the gracious folks at Viridian in Arlington for providing an amazing kitchen set!
This development is everything you want in a home and much, much more. From the beautiful home selection from top-notch builders like M. Christopher Homes to the excellent elementary school, you’ve so many options for socializing, exercising and more – and that’s all at your doorstep.
Just take a look at this home we used as our set (and you can’t miss this “drive-through” shower.)
Learn more about Viridian at http://www.viridiandfw.com.
I never pack my kids anything I wouldn’t want to eat myself 🙂
Yum. Everything you’re suggesting are great ideas. I bet my kids would eat it all! I might make those chocolate chip cookies today!
What great ideas, I’ve never thought of these before. Bu, I’m totally sidetracked by the drive in shower – I need that!
These are great suggestions. I always make sure what I pack is something that I would still want to eat. I love the cookies
We love tilapia but I’ve never done a pretzel coating. Sounds yummy and I know my family would love it.
I’d love to try out that gluten free stir fry. Stir fry has always been a staple in my household.
Oh that Pretzel Crusted Tilapia looks amazing! I need to try that one! We even have Tilapia in the freezer!
What great recipes. I bet my kids would love the peanut butter recipe!
Those cookies look tasty. I am always looking for healthier recipes.
That tilapia looks super tasty! I have never thought to use pretzels before! It sounds tasty!
Some very tasty looking ideas. That pretzel tilapia looks fabulous.
Love your video!! I think my kids might really like that chicken ham and cheese deal, not sure about the stir fry. But I could use some of those cookies 😉
I am a huge tilapia fan so I am dying to try the pretzel recipe. The Healthy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies look pretty tasty.
These are all great ideas. I will have to try the pretzel coating. It would be delicious.
I’m always looking for new ideas. These look great!
My kids are so picky and want the same lunch almost everyday. I need to get them to be more adventurous with their eating.
We make pretzel covered tilapia often! it’s super kid friendly, grown ups love it and it gets the small frys eating fish!
My kids would really enjoy the pretzel crusted chicken. I would make that for the whole family for dinner and send the leftovers for lunch.
So many great ideas. I think I am going to try the healthy chocolate chip cookies.
I am a huge fan of pretzels but have never tried cooking with them before. I can’t wait to make myself some pretzel covered chicken.
These are such creative recipe ideas and ones that all of us, kids and adults alike, would love. I have to say that home has me swooning!
OMG. These are amazing ideas for lunches for ALL of us. AND those lunch boxes…. FREAKING ADORABLE!
Forget the recipes, I want that bathroom! That shower is to die for!
That pretzel crusted tilapia looks amazing! I’m going to be trying a few of your ideas for sure. 🙂
I love the idea of only 4 ingredients in the cookies. I need to give those a try!
So many great ideas here. These all look yummy.
I love reimagining foods with new uses! It’s such a fun way to incorporate classic flavors!
We love making healthy snacks too! This sounds like a great way to enjoy healthy foods throughout the day for every meal.