Back in August, right before school began, it hit me that I was going to have to soon starting packing lunches again. 540 to be exact. It is a daunting task to do day after day, for three children who have vastly different likes and dislikes, along with food allergies. I think we can all agree that it is a big job that requires creativity in supplying a variety of options that are not only healthy and appealing, but must pack and reheat well. After using many packing techniques over the years, some good, some not so much, the answer to my lunch packing woes had been under my nose forever. Ma had always stored her spaghetti sauce and soups in Mason Jars, I had made cookie gift mixes and soup mixes in Mason Jars, so why not store freshly made meals or leftovers in Mason Jars. Since August I have developed many Mason Jar Meals (MJMs), some baked right in the jar! This has changed the way my family packs lunch, the way we store leftovers, grabbing quick snacks and meals on the go, and the way I "put up" meals for the freezer.
Start Here with the How's and Why's
How to Make Mason Jar Meals Part 1
How to Make Mason Jar Meals Part 2- includes 6 salad recipes, or links to them.
Breakfast Jars
Tiny Cinnamon Roll Pancakes- plus in this post I link to the double wine bags we use for our "lunch boxes."
Steel Cut Oatmeal Jar Ideas
Eggnog Muffins- Super Easy Just 3 ingredients! Be sure to double the glaze, so good!
Milks- for my kids lunch boxes. So much better than store bought, these are all natural.
Neapolitan Milk- White, chocolate, strawberry- very dramatic effect!
Banana Chocolate Milk- Famously dubbed Monkey Milk here in BRK
Indian
Chicken Curry- EASY!!
Samosa Bites- Store the filling in a mason jar in freezer for quick appetizers using mini fillo shells.
Elegance
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Italian
Lazy Lasagna
Homemade Spaghetti-O's and Meatballs
Stromboli
Sandwich
Philly Cheese Steaks- Yes, in a jar.
Baked Corn Dogs- baked in mason jars, on a stick too if you want!
White Castle-like Sliders- packed in masons
Salad
Tiny Wedge Salads, very elegant!
Dessert
Teeny Tiny Peanut Butter Pies - We all love peanut butter! Very decadent little treats.
Tapioca Pudding Cups- Think vanilla, chocolate, and rice puddings too.
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Delicious and easy.
Handling Thanksgiving Leftovers- read this.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
Work true, play hard, pray long, sleep slow. Love deep.
And be always- Thankful.
