‘My Lunch Box’ has 50 recipes for kids to take to school

Posted in food
by Lorain County Moms

McClatchy Newspapers

Getting kids to pack their own school lunches may be easier if they’re having fun with the preparations. That’s the idea behind “My Lunch Box: 50 Recipes for Kids to Take to School,” written by Hilary Shevlin Karmilowicz and illustrated by Rebecca Bradley (Chronicle, $16.95). Inside the colorful recipe box are kid-friendly recipe cards decorated with cute drawings. The food suits kid tastes but manages to be healthy, too.

Here’s one option that grown-ups will like, too.

Pizza pasta salad (serves 6)

• 4 cups dry tricolor rotini pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup light Italian dressing
• 1 cup favorite pizza toppings, such as chicken, mushrooms, olives, etc.

1. Cook pasta according to directions, drain and let cool.
2. Bring a small pot of salted water to boil and stir in broccoli, cooking 2 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green. Remove from heat and place the broccoli under cold water to cool.
3. Mix together cheese, tomatoes and Italian dressing in a medium bowl. Add broccoli and mix. Add favorite pizza toppings to salad. Store in airtight container until ready to serve.