Company's Coming for Kids: Lunches

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

At a time when two-income families and latchkey kids are the norm, young
people need to be able to prepare their own lunches, whether to eat at
home or to brown-bag to school. Burgers, fries, and hot dogs make only a
token appearance in this colorful and innovative collection of recipes
for 8- to 15-year-olds. The book takes into consideration all the
factors that make recipes acceptable to children: familiar, easy to
obtain, low-cost ingredients; simple methods; clear instructions; short
prep and cooking times; great results.

While there is a definite bias toward the healthy and nutritious, the
book acknowledges that growing bodies need substantial servings and
crave sweets. Those traditional kid foods, peanut butter and pizza, are
front and centre. Soups, salads, sandwiches, cookies, bars, dips, and
spreads bring the count to more than 100 recipes. Many are designed to
echo popular fast-food choices. Drinks include slushies, shakes, and
coolers. Cheese is cut into strips to resemble french fries and browned
with toasted sesame seeds. There are pitas, pizzas, heros and subs,
wraps and chicken thumbs—stuff kids wouldn’t be embarrassed to be
seen eating in public.

Each recipe is accompanied by a “get ready” sidebar listing
equipment and utensils needed. Safety tips are built into each method.
Several color photos, a glossary, lay-flat binding, and an index add to
the book’s appeal. Highly recommended.