Easy Summer Lunches?

Today is starting simple.  It is the first full day of summer vacation and I was burdened with the thoughts of "how do I feed these kids lunch all summer without hearing complaint after complaint?"  Well, just yesterday there was a pin on my screen for a site offering ideas for great lunches in muffin tins.  Check it out: (http://fancy-edibles.com/breakfast/24-awesome-muffin-tin-recipes) Of course, not being the great planner that so many others are, I had nothing in my pantry that could be used for the recipes there.

I am a creative creature.  Put me in the sewing room, the craft room downstairs, in the garden or yard or even in the recliner with yarn and a crochet hook and I can really go to town, but put me in the kitchen? No, I got nothin'!  So, shortcuts and quick meals are my repertoire.  One challenge that I have dealt with is that our 4th is on the autism spectrum and although it isn't the case for all autistic children, we see a huge difference in his ability to control his emotions and behavior if he eats gluten free.

Armed with a boxed GF muffin mix, I started his batch.  Mixing in chopped deli turkey and cheese with the batter, (about a cup total) and baked it as the instructions said.  They turned out great!  To get him to love something with the first bite is not easy so I was pretty pleased.  I will freeze two in a bag for lunches and three of the minis in a snack bag for the days he needs a protein boost before gymnastics.

Next I consulted my trusty Betty Crocker cookbook for a basic blueberry muffin recipe.  I reduced the sugar and added about a cup and a half of the deli turkey and shredded cheese.  Adding a dash of salt and pepper, I figured that would do it.  I baked it as directed in the recipe book and was pleased with how many times the kids walked through the kitchen for another sniff.  The kitchen smelled great.

Huge hit for us all!  We will be doing these again, not to mention the other recipes that were on the pin (once I make it to the grocery store to restock!)  I do have to say that I am pretty pleased with my ability to use some creativity in the kitchen - that is a rare happening that I could get used to!