Wrap up those lunches
Making lunches for family members isn’t always easy. Kids and adults alike get bored with the same old sandwiches and chips. For a change of pace, try wrapping up their favorite fillings in tortillas. Pack these wraps with some fresh carrot and celery sticks, pretzels and a cookie or bite-size candy bar for a lunch that won’t go uneaten. Just remember to keep perishable lunches chilled until lunchtime.
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Turkey Ranch Wraps
8 slices deli-style turkey
4 6-inch flour tortillas
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1 medium green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup ranch salad dressing
Place two slices of turkey on each tortilla. Layer with tomato, green pepper, lettuce and cheese; roll up tightly. Drizzle with salad dressing just before serving. Makes 4 servings.
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If your kids prefer milder foods, omit the onion and use mild salsa.
Chicken Salad Wraps
1 10-ounce can chunk chicken, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons salsa
Salt and pepper to taste
3 10-inch flour tortillas
6 lettuce leaves
In a small bowl combine the chicken, onion, mayonnaise, salsa, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Line each tortilla with 2 lettuce leaves, then divide chicken salad mixture evenly among each tortilla and roll up tightly. Makes 3 servings.
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Turkey and Veggie Wraps
4 10-inch flour tortillas
3 ounces cream cheese
1/3 head lettuce
8 slices deli-style turkey
2/3 cup shredded carrots
2/3 cup minced tomato
Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas. Top the cream cheese with lettuce leaves. Place two slices of turkey on each tortilla on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle the carrots and tomato over the turkey slices. Roll the tortillas into wraps. Cut the wraps diagonally into bite-sized pieces if desired; secure with toothpicks if necessary. Makes 4 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
Use small freezer packs that can be refrozen every night, or freeze a juice box overnight and then put in the lunch bag. A juice box will keep the contents cool and will be nicely thawed by lunch time.
Freezing bread slices not only makes it easier to spread fillings, it helps avoid stale bread. Bread will keep longer, and keep the lunch chilled until lunchtime.
For a hot lunch, fill a thermos one with piping hot soup, chili, macaroni and cheese, chowder, or even leftover casserole for a lunchtime treat.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
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