You may have recently seen our
Laptop Lunches bento lunch box featured on
The Rachael Ray Show with J.M. Hirsch talking about his new cookbook, "
Beating the Lunch Box Blues". We were so excited about this segment and were lucky enough to receive a copy of his book. It is full of gourmet and unique ideas for packing lunches, both for your kids and for yourself!
J.M. Hirsch runs his blog, "
Lunch Box Blues" inspired by his son, Parker. Hirch's philosophy around packing lunch for his son is that there is no such thing as "kids food" vs. "adult food" and that all that is just marketing. He believes in real food. "
Because I refuse to send my son to school with a Lunchable. Or an Uncrustable. Or even a day-after-day-after-day homemade PB&J. Because I want my son’s lunch to be fun and nutritious, and I don’t think one must be sacrificed for the other" This is a powerful philosophy we can get behind and and one of the primary reasons Laptop Lunches Bento-ware came into being as a product and a company.
This philosophy shows through very strongly in his cookbook, which is filled with delicious lunch ideas that can appeal to both kids and adults. Recipes and menus like, "Greek Meatball and Couscous Salad", "Red Beans and Rice with Sausage" and "Veggie Panzanella Salad" are foods that will make anyone's mouth water. And, the best part is that all these recipes can be put together with left-overs, going from the dinner table to the lunch box. This way you know you are packing something your kids enjoy and will eat, your making good use of your left-overs, plus it makes packing lunch a breeze and can even be put together the night before.
J.M. Hirsch and Rachael Ray discuss other easy-to-pack, real food options on the segment, which you can watch here. Using bagels or waffle's for a sandwich instead of regular bread is a fun way to jazz up a sandwich. Keeping a rotisserie chicken on hand is an easy way to make there is always healthy and lean protein on hand. All great ideas that are both fun and teach our kids (AND ourselves) that real food can be fun and exciting, rather than an embarrassing drag to unpack at lunch time.
You may be saying, "But my kid is too picky!" Hirsch confesses that his own son has his preferences, "At the moment, nothing green goes past his lips. And red — especially tomatoes — is pretty suspect, too. Salad? I. Don’t. Think. So." But, its not about the challenges or things they won't eat. Hirsch continually points out its about an education and always encouraging your kids to try new things and broaden their horizons, so that they can grow into discerning young adults who make stronger decisions and know that things like couscous, pancetta, and ricotta are delicious and cravable!
The book is a must have for anyone who likes a good lunch (that's everyone) and wants more creative and fun ways to keep meal-time an exciting part of our lives. You can order your own copy here. For daily updates on his lunch packing adventures, check out his blog. His down to earth tone and raw honesty will inspire and encourage you!
Want to win a copy of "Beating the Lunch Box Blues" by J.M. Hirsch? Enter to win by, first, liking our Facebook page (if you already do, share the giveaway with your friends). Then visit his blog, here, and let us know in a comment below which of his recent lunches you would pack either for yourself or your kids. A random winner will be selected on October 10th, 2013!
I have lived in New England all my life and have grown up surrounded by
empty mill buildings, once bustling with workers dyeing fabrics, making lace
for curtains, welding tools, and much more. One by one, the owners of these
companies moved their manufacturing overseas, leaving my neighbors, uncles,
cousins, and friends without the skilled jobs they had held for 15+ years. I
buy American made products to keep local people like these fully employed. 
