holiday lunches

This is the last week of school for us before winter break, so I've now made my last school lunch of 2010.  Had to go out in holiday style of course.  I had grand plans of all kinds of creative things, but with the reality of time, I went super simple.  And I'm always happiest when I do.

First up is a snowman themed lunch.  I cut their sandwiches into sealed circles by accident.  I couldn't find a circle cutter the right size so I grabbed a mug with a lip that curves out.  So when I cut with it, it automatically sealed the two pieces of bread together.  Happy accident.  I gave him raisin features glued on with peanut butter, and of course a carrot nose.  Another compartment is full of  more "noses" on top of grapes, and the last is a marshmallow snowman on a bed of pistachios.  The pistachios have no significance here, other than my kids really like them =).  My kids are obsessed with making these snowmen, and I'm sure they are a classic but here's what we do ... spear three marshmallows with a pretzel stick, break another pretzel in half for the arms, and draw on features with food markers.

The gingerbread lunch is one the kids have been asking for for quite a while, ever since I bought the cutter.  He is made from what I call the Lazy Mom Grilled Cheese.  I toast two pieces of bread, put a slice of cheese in between and microwave for 10 seconds to melt.  I used a gingerbread man cutter and added a few raisins.  Then I have hollies and berries for the fruit and veggie.  Grapes for the berries and sliced cucumbers cut around the edges with a small circle for points. 

By the way, since I am always cutting things up for their lunches, I keep all of the "scraps" leftover and save them to add to their afternoon snack.  Nothing goes to waste.

I hope to find time to post a little more holiday inspiration soon...

Comments

[Sarah Crowder]

Aww, the no waste piece at the end made me smile :) The marshmallows made me think to tell you I've been making homemade marshmallows, which is fun because you can flavor/color them however you like!

[Erin]

I would have never thought to make Christmas red and green with grapes and cucumbers - brilliant!!! I love how the cup made a natural seal with the snowman sandwhich. Thanks for sharing these!!

[Cassie]

I was just wondering what happens to the scraps! How do you present the scraps so that the kids don't dismiss them as 'old' or 'yukky crusty bits'? Lol!

[Lisa]

I just throw them on a plate lol ... my kids are human vacuum cleaners and eat anything, especially after a long day at school =)

[gina]

What container do you use for their cute lunches?

[Fisher Boy Food]

Fabulous idea for the holidays! Come Easter, cutting out sandwiches and decorating them as eggs could be fun, too.

[Brittany]

Wow that's pretty spiffy :).
I could do that for my hubby's lunches!

[Trish]

Where did you get the container??