Back to school: Our favorite products and cookbooks to help you prepare snacks!

My little boy is not so little anymore.  He was just over 1 yrs old when I started this blog and tomorrow will be his first day of school.

What do I get for back to school? What do I make for lunch and/or lite snacks? What do I store it all in?

For lunch we really like Spencer the Stainless Steel Bento Box from Pottery Barn Kids.

photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

We have used this at The Ex to store healthy treats, actually we bring it everywhere with us as I usually make all of my sons snacks and lunches.  Ingredients in pre-made food makes me a little antsy.

I prefer stainless steel over plastic for numerous reasons but mostly for it's durability.  I love the compartments and the BPA free plastic lid.

Find more Spencer Stainless Steel Containers on SALE here and save 50% on shipping via Pottery Barn Kids.

And instead of packing juices in their lunch bag, why not opt for water? We think the Brita Water bottles are a great little investment for $7.99 instead of more plastic and plastic water bottles.  Can you believe we buy water?

photo courtesy of Brita

Have you heard of Abeego?  It's REUSABLE!  It's made of hemp and cotton and a blend of jojoba oil, beeswax and tree resin.  They are also made in Canada and a Canadian company.  It is a brilliant product and no yucky plastic against your kids food. To see how to use them watch this clip.

photo from Abeego

Now what to make?  There is so much info online. Two of my favorite websites for inspiration is Weelicious and Another Lunch.

But I also love my cook books and here are some fun books to check out for snacks and baking.
With so many allergies and attending school I guess we have to a little careful as to what we pack.

The Ultimate Allergy-Free Snack Cookbook

You will get tips on stocking the kitchen, food allergy precautions, recipe substitutions and recipe adjustment ideas and loads of recipes starting with dips, salsa and chips.  The Mini Crunch Cups, pg 44 is a brilliant idea to scoop veggie dips and consists of flaxseed meal, oats, sea salt, olive oil and water.  Got a muffin tin? Your set but you'll have to get the book ;)
This is followed by a complete recipe section of both sweet and savory treats, including Party Snacks, Travel Treats, Lunch Box Snacks, and Sport Snacks. Throughout, you will find useful tips and suggestions to help make it easier to prepare healthful snacks and introduce them to your kids.
Buy it here

Learning to Bake the Allergen-Free

I also love the recipes in this book.  Banana bread with oat flour and coconut milk, Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake using gluten-free flour, hemp milk just name a few of the idea's used in this book.
After all you may have just received that phone call that your child is allergic to wheat, soy(which you wouldn't want your child eating anyways), eggs and dairy.  In this book you CAN learn to make your own bread for sandwiches, make pudding without eggs, make gluten free pie crusts and lots more.
I loved reading about replacing Wheat. You will learn about Sorghum, Buckwheat, Quinoa, Amaranth and Teff.  Most of these types of grains and flours can be find at the health store and bulk shops.

The Organic Family Cookbook

Healthy meals, healthy habits and you know it's always good to start introducing healthy eating habits at a young age.  In Anni's book she share's her families favorites in tasty family breakfasts, simple snacks, wholesome lunches, favorite dinners, savoury sides, refreshing desserts and homespun extras like making honey butter.
One of my favorite snacks to make for back to school is the Natural Cran-Strawberry Red Roll-Ups.  I don't have a food dehydrator so I am thrilled with the oven method for making these.
I have a peaches and strawberries so I am going to improvise. 
Here's a photo...You don't expect me to  type it all out do you????  Get your own copy of the book here.

I'll let you all know I hold up for my sons first day of school!  What are some of your favorite products and recipes? Comment below!