what they ate: volume 2

Here's another look into a few easy lunch ideas for toddlers and kids.


The first recipe is basically one lunch, two different ways. The first is for older toddler and the second is for a younger toddler.

Meal 1 : Version 1

"Heart Sandwich, Salad, and Strawberries"

Emme just about squealed when I set this pretty plate in front of her. This one is super easy. Just make a sandwich (I used turkey here) and use a large cookie cutter (the larger, the less bread you waste) to shape the sandwich. You might have to use a  knife to make sure the edges are neat. I used a big cupcake paper for the salad and put a dab of Buttermilk Ranch dressing. I had a few strawberries, so I put a small amount of whipped cream and set the two strawberries in it. Done. She gobbled it up. 

For the baby, I made a few changes. Here is what she had: 

 Meal 1: Version 2

"Heart Bread, Meat Rolls, and Strawberry Flower"

She was so anxious to eat this she was whining and crying while I took a picture. I used the same ingredients for this, I just left out the salad (no molars for Roslyn yet) and cut the strawberries. I still shaped her bread and put a little mayo for flavor. I used Iron Kids Bread, enriched with fiber and calcium so I didn't want her to miss out. I rolled two pieces of turkey and one of ham. I sliced the strawberry from the top, and assembled them around a small dab of whipped cream. She devoured it all. 

Then came 2:30pm. Little Miss Luci came home from school, hungry as ever. I feel guilty when she has to miss out on fun food, because hey, she deserves some fun in her life too. I asked what she wanted and she said peanut butter and jelly, so I got to work on a variation for her. 

Meal 2

"PB & J Heart, Banana Coins, and Dipping PB"

I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and used the same cutter. I sliced banana coins and made them look as pretty as possible. I put a few spoonfuls of peanut butter in a cupcake paper. That's it! She was speechless over something so simple.

It's amazing how special a meal can be when you put a little time and effort into creating something fun for them. These little girls all had huge smiles when they were eating and didn't even have to be asked to clean up their messes. Well, the baby threw her plate off the high chair. But at least she threw it toward the kitchen! 

Check out the last What They Ate post for more ideas.