Muffin Tins for Lunch

My little ones love little nibbles.  A little of this, a bit of that.  So when I somehow stumbled across the concept of muffin tins as plates, we all fell in love.  Basically, you start with a 6 hole muffin tin (or twelve if you only have that size) and put a different kid-friendly food in each hole.  I tend to aim for a protein, carb., fruit, veggie, and sweet in each hole.  Sometimes we use leftovers for one space, sometimes dip in one hole, and a juice cup if I am out of ideas for that last space to fill.  Typically for preschoolers, my school-aged kiddos will jump on the bandwagon if we break them out on the weekend.  Another trend this whole idea has started is adding cinnamon to applesauce and sprinkles to yogurt.  And my youngest insists on gummy snacks (glorified candy) so I put half a pouch as dessert.

ham, cheese sticks, crackers, applesauce, strawberries and kiwi, and gummy snacks

tuna salad, goldfish crackers, applesauce, broccoli, strawberries, and spagettios

leftover chicken, bbq sauce, gummy snacks, broccoli, yogurt (w/sprinkles), 

and penguin shaped cheese crackers

There are whole websites devoted to the concept of bento-box style eating and my favorite is Muffin Tin Moms.  Click the link I added below their logo and it should take you to the site.  Loads of inspiration here.

http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/

You can also use just a plate with six or so muffin liners as cups for each item.  For instance when you own three muffin tins and have four children :)  Some moms use themes and color schemes and go nuts about it, but I just keep it simple and let the kids help me choose what they want in their tins.  Bonus idea:  I ask periodically "How many circles did you finish?"  That helps my little people get back to eating and finish up their lunch.

"She provides food for her family."  Proverbs 31:15