5 Lunch Box Hits with Nairns Oatcakes
Ah the lunch box! As both our boys go to day care centres which provide lunch (cooked lunch actually!) I have thus so far avoided the daily need to make them a lunch box....while I still make a lot of snacks for them I am fast realising that a pre-prepared lunch box every single day is quite a different food challenge. Our big boy starts school in October (seriously how did that happen) and while I am in slight denial about this still his day care does a 'Lunch-Box Friday' once a month to start this preparation process....which is clearly just as much for the parents as it is for children. So I am on a bit of a mission to have quite a few options in my repertoire in time for this!
It is hard to find packaged snack options which are high in healthy ingredients. This is one of the primary reasons I am a huge fan of the Nairn's Oatcakes and Oat Biscuits. You can read my full review of these here. Healthy, versatile and very easy to pop into lunch boxes here are five lunch box ideas to pair up with Nairns Oatcakes....plus a couple of recipes with a bit more of a twist for something new!
1. Straight Up
For those hectic mornings you can just grab a couple of these oatcakes or oat biscuits pop them in the lunch box and go! The original oatcakes are really nice with cheese and you can even put these into a reusable snack pack like the Kai Carrier ones. As these come in packs of five it means that the whole box does not get exposed when you open them which is really handy. I usually have a small packet in the car and the nappy bag for emergencies.
2. Egg and Avocado Smash
I realise that for some little ones this recipe might take a few goes especially if they have not had a lot of egg or avocado before. Our two happen to just love eggs (they will smash through three each at breakfast!) and this is a great way to include some protein and good fats in during the day. I would recommend just putting a little bit in a small container with a spoon and there are now great leak-proof lunch boxes available too. Check out my review of the Lunch Box Inc. options here.
3. Roasted Pepper DipKids love having lots of small options to pick, choose and dip! This roasted pepper dip is a huge hit in our house. Like the previous recipe it is really good to add in a small container or leak-proof compartment - and is made from straight vegetables so you are winning on all fronts.
4. Apple and Oat Slice
A new creation of mine, which is both nut-free, dairy-free and only uses a little bit of honey and dried fruit for some sweetness!
5. Healthier Hedgehog Slice
This is a healthy twist of the traditional hedgehog slice. Using the chocolate Nairns Oatcakes this slice requires no baking and is a great lunch box treat option without huge amounts of sugar!
Nains Oatcakes and Oat Biscuits can be found in your local supermarket in the cracker section. I recommend having a few varieties at home...as well as in all your 'emergency' places! You can follow the Nairns Oatcakes New Zealand Facebook Page and Instagram here for more recipe ideas.
xxx Dr Julie Bhosale