Estimated time to complete recipe:
5 minutes to heat up and wrap

Description of lunch box recipe:
What better way to make your child feel loved than with a little warmth in her tummy. My daughter loves these warm meals that work for school:
*Elbow macaroni with ground beef and marinara sauce
*Soup in a Thermos

Directions:
On the weekend, saute ground beef, add marinara sauce (just enough to coat the meat plus a little extra), and seasonings. Boil Elbow Macaroni. Mix the pasta and meat sauce and freeze. The night before school, thaw a portion in the refrigerator. 5 minutes before my daughter leaves for the bus stop, I microwave a portion until it's hot, place it in a bowl with a lid, wrap it in foil and put it in her insulated lunch box. It's still warm at lunch time and my daughter loves it! Just don't forget a fork and napkin!

Soup also works nicely for cold days. Just heat extra hot before your child leaves and put it in a Thermos. Make sure you remember a Thermos cup, or bowl, and a spoon!

Other suggestions and comments:
Snacks that can be dipped in or spread with something are always a treat. Add a small bowl of dip and a plastic knife or popsicle stick for spreading. Try veggie sticks (carrots, celery, cucumbers) with peanut butter or cream cheese, or fruit to dip in yogurt or cool whip, or crackers/pretzels with peanut butter or soft cheese spread.