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Beyond PBJ: Inspired Ideas for Packed Lunches

April 20, 2009

Some time ago, I got sick to death of peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread.  I got sick of eating it, sick of making it and sick of wiping it from tables and sticky, stained faces.  And that's when I decided, by goodness, to expand my lunchtime repertoire, to include foods that, while still wholesome and palatable, were different and maybe didn't originate in jars.  So following is a list of recent lunchtime favorites, perfect for lunchboxes, for picnics or for just eating 'round the house. 

 
1.  Cheese and crackers
There was a time, as unbelievable as it seems to me now, when I wouldn't have touched even a smidgen of cheese.  Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, as the stuff isn't exactly the lightest of foodstuffs), those days are long, long over, and fortunately, my children are, at least in that respect, not as picky as I was a child.  Because cheese and crackers?  Really, what could make a more delicious and portable lunch?
 
2.  Hummus, cucumber and sharp cheddar cheese sandwiches
Yes, indeed, there's the cheese again.  But there's also hummus, which is made from yummy and versatile chickpeas, plus cucumber, which is, you know, all kinds of nutritious.
 
3.  Fruit salad
Not necessarily a main course, but probably more wholesome than any main course, anyway.  Tasty, refreshing and a huge hit with kids, fruit salad is always welcome in any lunch situation.  And the more fresh, seasonal fruits you include, the merrier.
 
4.  "Wraps"
I've never been a fan of the name "wrap"--I mean, it just doesn't sound very food-like to me--but when you've grown sick, sick, sick of store-bought wheat bread, the whole wheat tortilla can be a viable alternative.  Plus, you can put anything in a tortilla--lunchmeat, veggies, and yes, CHEESE; let your imagination be your guide.
 
5.  Egg salad
Not everyone shares my enthusiasm for egg salad, but luckily for me, my children do.  I make mine with curry and celery.  And mmmmm . . . is it a tasty way for us to get our protein. 
 
6.  Celery and peanut butter/peanut butter crackers
Well, there's the ubiquitous peanut butter.  But at least on celery or crackers it's different, right? 
 
7.  Yogurt
Yogurt, when it's not loaded with sugar or topped with candy, is an excellent calcium- and protein-rich choice.  Plus, of course, it's portable.  Just remember to recycle those plastic cups.
 
8.  Pesto noodles/sesame noodles
My kids adore pesto noodles, and I don't know where we'd be without our summer crop of basil.  When basil isn't available, we go for sesame noodles, which can be easily whipped up anytime of year.
 
9.  Tunafish with dill and lettuce, served on really excellent bread
Boy, do we love the tuna.  I don't serve it more than once a week, because of concerns over mercury in fish, but when we have it, wow, is it delightful. 
 
10.  Portable Nachos
Combine tortilla chips, salsa, avocado and cheese, and voila, you've got yourself a batch of portable nachos.  Just don't assemble them until you're ready to eat them, or else they'll get really soggy.
 
And so that, in a not-nutshell, is some of what we've been eating for the mid-day meal.  What about you?  What do you and your kids like to munch for lunch? 
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Weekend Highlights, 3/6-3/8

March 05, 2009

The weekend is almost here, the weather is supposed to be warm and beautiful, and there are, in all seriousness, about a million fun things happening over the course of the next several days.  Following is a list of some of the weekend's most awesome highlights.  Enjoy!

 
Urban Pirates Story Time - BCPL Essex, 1110 Eastern Boulevard, Essex, 410-887-0295
Friday, 11 a.m. (Ages 2-5, with adult)
I don't know exactly what an urban pirate is, but I like the idea of city-dwelling scallywags.  Even better?  City-dwelling scallywags who read, so why not join them for their swashbuckling storytime? 
 
Floaters and Hitchhikers - Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, 410-612-1688
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Reservations required)
Sounds a little, to be honest, like a description of some of my long-ago boyfriends, but the real theme of this educational program is plant-related, I'm fairly certain.  Spend the morning learning about flora, and then stick around for the Walk-Like-the-Animals hike (starts at 2 p.m.), where you can unleash your inner otter. 
 
Third Annual Popsicle Plunge - Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Area, Chase, 410-887-2817
Saturday, 2- 4 p.m., (Ages 6-up; reservations required)
Even if temperatures do hit 70 on Saturday, you can bet that that water is going to be cold.  But the plunge is for a good cause--money raised goes to benefit the Marshy Point Nature Center--so come on out and make like a frozen treat.  (Be sure to check the Website for registration information.)
 
Empty Bowls - College of Notre Dame, Doyle Hall, 4701 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, 410-662-0500 (St. Vincent DePaul)
Saturday, 3-7 p.m. (Tickets required)
And speaking of good causes, Empty Bowls is an excellent one, as the proceeds from this delicious event go toward helping to feed the hungry.  Enjoy restaurant-provided soup, live entertainment, a silent auction and family activities.  Plus, choose a hand-crafted ceramic bowl to take home. 
 
Story Hour: Minty and Moses - Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, 443-263-1801
Saturday, 3- 4 p.m. (Ages: 6- 8; tickets required)
In commemoration of Harriet Tubman Day (March 10), the museum will share two stories about the Underground Railroad leader, one about her childhood as "Minty," and another about her adulthood as "Moses."  After the stories, children may visit the Harriet Tubman quilt display and create their own Tubman-inspired quilt patch.
 
Kids in the Kitchen - Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 410-864-2668
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Ages 2-10; museum tickets required)
Sponsored by the Junior League of Baltimore, this program is designed to educate children about responsible eating and exercise.  Join Food Network chef George Stella, as well as Coach Tom from the Baltimore Ravens Youth Program, for an afternoon of good food and fun.
 
Annual Pancake Breakfast - Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Oregon Ridge Lodge, Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, 410-887-1815
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (Tickets required)
Everybody loves pancakes, especially when they're served with real, honest-to-goodness maple syrup.  Head on up to Oregon Ridge for a hearty, wholesome breakfast, and then work off those calories on one of the trails.
 
Tom Lilly and Beowulf T. Wonderbunny - Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, 410-636-6597
Sunday, 4-5 p.m. (Ages 5-up; Tickets required)
The magician, juggler, fire-eater and balloon artist--along with his sidekick, Beowulf T. Wonderbunny--will entertain children with his unique brand of wackiness. 
 
Spring Forward: Leaping Ahead for Local Amphibians - National Aquarium in Baltimore, Inner Harbor, 410-576-3800
Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Tickets required)
Celebrate local amphibians and their habitats by participating in a host of fun and educational activities. 
 
Oh, and don't forget to "spring forward," even though Spring is still another two weeks away! 
 
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Thanks and Giving

by Laura Stallard Petza

November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so glad you stopped by! If you're like me and my family, you've been gearing up for this evening's big, bountiful, belt-busting meal, and maybe taking in a parade or two. Football? We don't do football at my house, but I know plenty of people who do. Anyway, as you enjoy whatever this wonderful holiday brings you, whether it's feast, floats, family or football,  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in baltimore

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Creatures & Critters:
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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
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Room to Run:
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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

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Laura Stallard Petza

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