Packaged lunch treats and granola bars can really cut into grocery budgets. And they often aren’t as delicious or nutritious as homemade goodies.
I use the lunchbox treats below as ‘incentives’ for my kids to eat their vegetables. And if they do, a little one of these might find their way into their lunchbox (okay, they often find their way into mine, too, since I always eat my veggies). Here are 5 easy treat recipes you can make ahead of time:
- Rice crispy squares. Don’t buy the packaged ones, make your own for a fraction of the cost. Make the deluxe 2.0 version with cocoa (or without). Browning the butter will give you a nutty flavour (without the nuts). Store in the fridge.
- Blondies. These are the easiest chocolate chip cookies ever made in a pan. No scooping or measuring, and simply delish. You can customize these (think: dried cranberries, flax seed, chocolate chunks, or seeds). Cut into squares and then freeze leftovers for longer storage.
- Forgotten cookies. These gluten-free meringue cookies are addictive and easy to make. You don’t even have to really bake them and get to wake up to cookies! What’s better than that? Store at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Banana chip oat muffins. A bit on the healthy side but no one will suspect it when studded with chunks of chocolate. These can be made in one bowl and act as a satisfying lunch on-the-go. Store in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.
- One bowl whole wheat chocolate chip cookies. These are the easiest cookie I know how to make. It takes 5 minutes to stir the ingredients together and 10 minutes until perfect cookies emerge from the oven.
Save even more by using reusable containers or zipper pouches for taking these treats to work or school. Once you get used to making these you will have a hard time going back to less nutritious, pre-packaged goods.
