Hacks to boost your lunch game this year

You might have everything ready for school, but what about your lunch game?

Do you need some fresh ideas to make lunch less hum drum?

We turned to Sara Dickerman, a Seattle food writer and cookbook author for some tips. She has two school-aged kids, and when it comes to packing their lunches, the important game plan is to get them involved.

“We had a lot of stresses over lunches, I would say, two years ago,” said Dickerman. “I think I’m a little control freak in the kitchen, and I wanted everything to be just right and I wanted to cut the apples in the morning so they wouldn’t get brown. And someone told me, you could have them do that at lunch — and things have gotten better!"

Dickerman explained that her kids' lunches usually consists of a sandwich, some raw vegetables, a fruit, and some kind of dairy product like cottage cheese or yogurt.

She said the routine is simple and it has been good for them. But what if you hit the rut. And you’re bored with lunch. What then?

If you want to introduce a new item, lunch is not always the best time to try new things. But, there are ways to create new experiences. Dickerman suggests creating a bento box where you can lay out new things.

“I recommend always having something familiar that’s grounding and maybe a few new things — maybe there’s snap peas in one of the compartments. And if your student likes, say Ranch dressing, maybe you can — if you have time —make some at home but with yogurt and fresh herbs,” said Dickerman.

If you want to go beyond sandwiches, try wraps.

And they don’t have to be tortillas: You can use flat breads, Indian chapatti bread, or rice paper wraps, the kind to make Vietnamese fresh rolls.

Homemade fresh rolls

Soak a rice wrap in warm water for about 10-15 seconds.

Choose your filling: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or fish.

Layer with greens and herbs of your choice: lettuce, cilantro, basil.

“The key is not to overstuff,” said Dickerman. “Fold in the edges, and then snug everything up and roll as tightly as you can.”

Make a simple dipping sauce of lime juice, fish sauce and water, or buy peanut dipping sauce.

Liven up leftovers

Add chopped fresh herbs

Add a squeeze of lime or lemon

A dash of hot sauce

Sprinkle Dukkah spice blends or Everything Bagel seasoning

Pour warm broth over roasted vegetables or greens; pair with some bread and you have a warm, cozy little meal.