As we come to the last month of our trip we’re starting to think about back to school and as you can imagine, one of the things I was never a fan of was the kindergarten lunchbox prep that needs to happen every single day. I’ve always prepped the lunchboxes the night before and it took me two years but I slowly came to accept the fact that Little Monkey will eat what she wants to and that one day the lunchbox may come back half eaten, while the next day everything will be licked clean. There’s no predicting what mood she will be in and so in the past I have ensured that there’s a mix of things in her lunchbox. When Little Monkey was about to enter JK for the first time the Toronto Star interviewed us on what’s in our lunchbox and three years later, we still have the same things! This September Baby Boy will be going to school for the very first time (gulp) and this kid is ALWAYS hungry so I know I’m going to have my work cut out when it comes to packing his lunchbox. Keep on reading because Gay Lea has a Ninja Blender giveaway this month!! My parents bought us a Ninja three years ago and so I can tell you that it’s a good one!
Disclosure : I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Gay Lea and I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog, as always, are TOTALLY ours!
Variety is the spice of life they say and that’s going to be my motto as I pack the kids’ lunchboxes but I am also not a morning person so I tend to prep the kids’ lunchboxes the night before. None of that early morning running around as Little Monkey and I had a 15 minute morning routine that saw her wake up, get dressed, deal with the bathroom antics and head to the bus stop. I know… I’m impressed that we only missed the bus once in two years! With Baby Boy I will have to wake up earlier as he’s a little piglet who will demand breakfast and I’m seriously thinking of making these easy prep-ahead breakfast smoothie barks that he can easily eat as we wait for the bus.
Here’s a list of items that have been in Little Monkey’s lunchbox for JK and SK. They are mess and mush-free, stays fresh and is stuff she enjoys eating…and they’re healthy! If I’m lucky she’ll eat the veggies.
2 or 3 Veggies : Carrots, Broccoli (with salad dressing on the side), Cucumber or Baby Tomato
1 or 2 Fruits : Blueberries, Raspberries, Sliced Apples (sprinkled with lemon juice), Raisins, Grapes (I still halve these for school) or Orange Slices
1 Dairy : Yogurt or Cheese String
1 Protein : Smooth Cottage Cheese, Meatballs, Boiled Egg (I plop a whole one into a small container, the same ones I use for the yogurt and cottage cheese), Chicken Fingers or Sliced BBQed Sausages
Filler : Slice of Raisin Bread, Half a Croissant or Rice Cake
All of the above fits in nicely in the one lunchbox and covers her 2 snacks and 1 lunch. If she ate all her lunch the day before I also drop in a small treat like ONE Smartee or A Gummy bear. Yes just one.
As you can imagine I’m a HUGE fan of left over dinner for lunch and so I usually make extra meat for dinner so I can sneak it into a lunch or two. One of the most popular dinner dishes is my easy protein packed meatballs which are LOVED by kids. Little Monkey and Baby Boy polish these off when I make them for dinner ( I serve it with spaghetti, with rice, with Israeli Couscous… you name it!) and their friends love it too. When I tell parents that I have carrots or beets in them, they all want the recipe! My kids aren’t fans of fresh garlic or onions so this version is relatively spice free and I ensure that I puree any of the healthy stuff because THEY WILL notice if I try to sneak in some spinach or basil!
Easy Veggie Filled Meatballs Kids (and Parents) Love
Extra Lean Ground Beef – 1.5 lbs
Nordica 2% Cottage Cheese – 1/2 a cup
Boiled/Steamed and then Pureed Carrots, Beets or Spinach – 1/2 a cup
Ketchup or BBQ Sauce – 2 Tablespoons
Garlic or Onion Salt to taste
This is an easy one, just mix it all in and shape the way you want. You will notice that I don’t use any breadcrumbs or eggs; they stay together great with the sauce and the cottage cheese. Once they have been mixed well, place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before making them into the shape you want. I make them as tiny meatballs (this recipe yields about 32 very small ones) but you could easily use a cookie cutter and make fun shapes as well. I like that they keep well in the freezer if you want to make batches and that I can bake these instead of having to fry them. I place the mini meatballs on a foil lined tray or flat sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven at 325C for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the insides are fully cooked by doing a quick test and then let them cool down before you pack them into the container. No additional sauces needed as you want to keep them mess free and easy for the kids to pick up and eat at school.
These work well for lunchboxes as they get to room temperature by the time lunch rolls around for the kids and they taste great warm or at room temperature. Adding in the Gay Lea Nordica 2% Cottage Cheese takes the protein levels up a notch and keeps kids’ bellies fuller for longer. If your kid isn’t a fan of the cottage cheese texture, check out the NEW Nordica Smooth Plain Cottage Cheese!
I’m always looking for lunchbox inspirations so do let me know what your kids like in theirs! Little Monkey wasn’t a fan of sandwiches but I think she’s slowly starting to like them now so, I may try adding some of that into our repertoire. Enter below for your chance to win a Ninja Supra Kitchen so you can get blending and pureeing to sneak those veggies in!
Amy Heffernan
August 8, 2017 at 7:16 amThis would be just AMAZING to win to use in my kitchen!! Thanks!
Christine Murray
August 8, 2017 at 8:31 amAwesome Giveaway. This would be a great addition to my kitchen. Thanks for the chance.
Chqrity
August 8, 2017 at 9:12 amThanks for the awesome giveaway. My Son is entering kindergarten in the fall and these are great tips.
Corina Newby
August 8, 2017 at 9:13 amTime to start eating right again hehe 🙂
Kim Tanti
August 8, 2017 at 9:25 amI have the small ninja. It is great for making my shakes. I would love the bigger one. I could use it for much more. Mine is about 4yrs. old.
BobbiJo pentney
August 8, 2017 at 9:57 amI need to get back on track. I haven’t been looking after me.
joanne darrell
August 8, 2017 at 9:59 amI would use the blender for soups and smoothies.
Courtney
August 8, 2017 at 10:28 amThanks for this great giveaway! This would make my meal prep so much easier!
Brandee H
August 8, 2017 at 11:08 amThis is a great idea. I really wish I didn’t have to sneak the veggies in but my son can find the tiniest piece of carrot in anything! Love the idea of adding a puree!
Holly MacRitchie
August 8, 2017 at 11:12 amI would make some delicious smoothies with this!
Alison Braidwood
August 8, 2017 at 11:16 amI really like the idea that the Ninja is multi-purpose machine. Saves so much on counter space when you don’t have to use multiple appliances.
sarah
August 8, 2017 at 11:41 amSo many possibilities! That is one of the reasons I love cooking. Those bocconcini smores look pretty good!
kathy downey
August 8, 2017 at 11:48 amThanks for all the great tips and giveaway !
Elaine G
August 8, 2017 at 11:54 amGreat prize. Thank you for the chance to win this.
Kristi F
August 8, 2017 at 12:13 pmLittle fruit skewers and cheese and crackers are always a big hit for lunchboxes.
Gloria Roy
August 8, 2017 at 12:36 pmThanks for this chance to win.
A lot of useful info here 🙂
Haley kurzawaki
August 8, 2017 at 12:45 pmSo much info! Thanks for the chance!
Debbie F
August 8, 2017 at 1:42 pmGreat giveaway! Thank you for the chance.
michelle tremblett
August 8, 2017 at 1:46 pmThis would be so useful, I love kitchen gadgets 🙂
kristen visser
August 8, 2017 at 2:22 pmoh my gosh how handy would this be!!! my kitchen could definitely use one of these. thanks for the chance
Lisa McDonald
August 8, 2017 at 2:34 pmMaking wraps and pitas are a fun alternative to sandwiches.
As for this great prize. I could really use it. My blender broke, I ordered new parts & now it leaks. Fingers crossed that I can show off a new Ninja Blender!
Thanks for the contest
Jonnie
August 8, 2017 at 3:17 pmNice recipe and awesome prize! I love using GayLea butter in my baking.
Sage
August 8, 2017 at 3:27 pmMy daughter is loving smoothies
Gord
August 8, 2017 at 4:08 pmWe need one these…badly!
LILLIAN BROWN
August 8, 2017 at 7:44 pmThanks, I like that the Ninja is multi-purpose machine
Lynda Cook
August 8, 2017 at 10:04 pmThank you so much for the awesome giveaway, can do so much with one of these!!
ivy pluchinsky
August 8, 2017 at 11:20 pmI could sure use this! What a great giveaway
Stew
August 9, 2017 at 1:22 amCarrots and Catalina dressing are always a crowd pleaser around here!
Yashy
August 9, 2017 at 5:59 amI had to google Catalina dressing! I’m going to have to keep an eye out for that!
Austin H.
August 9, 2017 at 3:55 amThose meatballs sound great. I could make so many things with this blender.
Juliee Fitze
August 9, 2017 at 7:01 amThanks for the lunch ideas always looking for new things to put in their lunches.
Char
August 9, 2017 at 8:26 amYou have a great blog, thank you so much for the offer!!
Lorna Webster
August 9, 2017 at 8:30 amCool Giveaway! Thank you so much!
Violet Smith
August 9, 2017 at 8:37 amI am passing along these ideas to my “daughter” (daughter’s best friend) she has twin boys who are picky eaters. They could benefit from this idea
Yashy
August 10, 2017 at 4:20 amThanks Violet! Let us know if it works for them!
Stephen gordon
August 9, 2017 at 8:40 amBlender outstanding smoothies.
Janice Cournoyer
August 9, 2017 at 9:33 amI love the meatball idea.
Elena
August 9, 2017 at 10:30 amI’ve heard a lot about the Ninja products and would love to try them!
Marlene V
August 9, 2017 at 11:45 amThanks for the chance to win. Great giveaway!!
Mike Flaman
August 9, 2017 at 11:46 amI would make smoothies!
Erin W
August 9, 2017 at 11:58 amThis would make back to school so much easier, it’s my first year having a kid in school and I’m a little terrified!
Yashy
August 10, 2017 at 4:19 amOh good luck Erin!!! Our 2nd time being 1st timers.. lol!! I know how you feel!
Mary Beth Elderton
August 9, 2017 at 1:48 pmI love to load up ordinary dishes with extra veggies.
Lisa R
August 9, 2017 at 3:16 pmWould love to make smoothies every morning!
erin n
August 9, 2017 at 4:11 pmthank you for the chance – i would be so grateful 🙂
linda
August 9, 2017 at 7:11 pmThanks for the chance. Would use for my homemade soups & apple sauce.
Casey Miller
August 9, 2017 at 7:26 pmSweet prize!
Florence Cochrane
August 9, 2017 at 7:30 pmI would love this blender. So many things I can do with it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Kim O
August 9, 2017 at 8:10 pmi so need this in my life.
Terry Mac
August 9, 2017 at 10:46 pmWhat a fabulous product! This would definitely make kitchen life easier! 🙂
Darlene Carbajal
August 9, 2017 at 10:53 pmAwesome giveaway!
Wayne Couzens
August 10, 2017 at 2:13 amMy daughter in Calgary has one and loves it would be wonderful to have my own
Judy Cowan
August 10, 2017 at 10:28 amGoing to have to try out the meatball recipe. Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Yashy
August 10, 2017 at 1:02 pmLet us know how you like it!
Gillian R.
August 10, 2017 at 1:30 pmMy mom has one of these and I’ve always been so jealous!
Tiesha
August 10, 2017 at 2:11 pmFantastic give away and helpful blog post! I need to start thinking about lunchbox options!
Anita D.
August 10, 2017 at 3:37 pmMuffins are great. You can add zucchini, carrots or other veggies 🙂
Yashy
August 21, 2017 at 4:11 amYES! I totally agree! I forget about them!
Stephanie Black
August 10, 2017 at 4:47 pmThanks for the ideas and giveaway! I’m always looking for non-sandwich lunch ideas for my son.
Jennifer Lewis
August 10, 2017 at 6:05 pmThis would be amazing – anything to make cooking & prep easier and more efficient!
Rosa Cross
August 10, 2017 at 9:20 pmWould love to try out the Ninja Supra! Sure would make cooking fun.
Mike Gismondi
August 11, 2017 at 11:18 amThis would be perfect because our blender recently broke!
Anonymous
August 11, 2017 at 1:08 pmThanks for the great giveaway! I make smoothies every day and this would be an amazing upgrade compared to my current blender!
dolly butler
August 11, 2017 at 9:16 pmAfter having my daughter and having just switched to a clean diet to try and get healthy and lose the baby weight, its hard this time around at 38. This would certain help with food prep since with a baby i have limited time and to blend smoothies, soups and all the other amazing stuff.
Yashy
August 21, 2017 at 4:10 amGood on you for taking the step towards a healthier life Dolly!
Leslie Crosbie
August 12, 2017 at 4:14 amI am on a very tight budget so I buy cheap products that dont really work or break easily….in the end I never really save ANY money!! Recently I have made a promise to be more healthy for my entire family!
yvonne
August 12, 2017 at 10:17 amSince the Ninja Supra Kitchen System can be used for juicing, food processing, frozen blending and dough mixing, it would definitely make my life a whole lot easier!
Tara Betterley
August 12, 2017 at 7:07 pmThe blender would be a great addition to my kitchen. I would be able to make smoothies and soups.
Debbie White Beattie
August 13, 2017 at 5:57 pmMaking lunches can be hard especially if you’re packing for fussy people. It’s also hard to come up with new ideas because they and I get sick of eating the same thing but you’ve got some great ideas.
Yashy
August 21, 2017 at 4:10 amThanks Debbie. Fussy eaters are the worst! lol
Margaret H
August 16, 2017 at 6:59 pmthis would be wonderfull to win could bake up a storm with these
Yashy
August 21, 2017 at 4:09 amGood luck!
Travelbuds
August 19, 2017 at 10:42 pmThis would be so fantastic to win. I need a new blender so badly. My kids love smoothies before school and my old (I mean old as in 70’s) blender is on it’s last leg. This would be perfect.
Kim K
August 20, 2017 at 10:29 pmAmazing giveaway! I’m crossing my fingers because I don;t have a blender. Thanks for the chance.
Robyn Bellefleur
August 21, 2017 at 3:35 pmThis would definitely make meal prep a lot easier and faster!
Wanda B
August 22, 2017 at 1:22 pmThese look like great quality, which is what I love to have in my kitchen.
AD
August 27, 2017 at 1:27 amI really like Gay Lea products and use them quite often in my cooking and baking. Thank you for the new recipe, I am always looking for alternate inspiration for adding vegetables in everyday meals.
Aimee Perrin
August 31, 2017 at 11:42 amQuicker meal prep, Like the size. Need to make some smoothies
Lisa Neutel
August 31, 2017 at 2:58 pmI have been wanting to add the ninja to my kitchen for a long time now – thanks for the giveaway
Ken Willie
August 31, 2017 at 4:55 pmThese are quality products that we use all the time. Thanks.
Amina Absar Zafar
September 1, 2017 at 12:39 pmawesome giveaway
Lynette W
September 1, 2017 at 6:09 pmGreat giveaway. Great products. Thanks!
Carol M
September 3, 2017 at 10:28 amGreat giveaway, thanks for the chance.
Donna Doyle
September 3, 2017 at 5:26 pmGreat prize. thanks for the chance.
Theresa C.
September 4, 2017 at 3:20 amI’m finding it more challenging to get my hubby to take healthy lunches than the kids – lol.
Yashy
September 4, 2017 at 10:37 amhahaha! That’s hilarious!