Nostalgic Lunchbox Treats

Do you remember the days when the lunch bell rang, signaling the excitement of discovering the treasures hidden in your lunch box? Join me as I take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some items—some I’d rather forget—and the iconic snacks and treats that fueled my childhood adventures and satisfied my youthful cravings.

Growing up, I preferred school-provided lunches because I’ve always liked hot meals. When I did pack my lunch, I enjoyed a tuna sandwich on white bread, with bologna as another great option. The strangest thing I saw on the school menu was turkey gravy and mashed potatoes. The gravy was bright yellow with cubes of turkey, and the mashed potatoes were perfectly shaped into a ball using an ice cream scooper. It looked odd but was tasty and quickly became one of my favorite hot lunches.

I often bought my lunch. It was more convenient, especially with two brothers and the need to make three bagged lunches. Preparing meals for three growing boys was challenging, especially when groceries were limited, so buying lunch was easier.

If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be French bread pizza. It’s easy to make and versatile, allowing for a variety of ingredients. Elevate it with a freshly baked baguette, homemade pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, and fresh mozzarella. My school lunches taught me that simple flavors are sometimes better than dishes with many ingredients. My ultimate school lunch menu would include a classic pasta dish, like bow tie pasta with meatballs, marinara sauce, and a slice of garlic bread.

Elevating Lunches: From Thoughtful Presentation to Nostalgic Delights

To create the ultimate boxed lunch, presentation is key. Place everything neatly in containers, keeping sauces in separate packages to ensure sandwiches stay fresh and don’t get soggy. Packing school lunches and meal prepping as adults are similar; both involve organizing a well-balanced and nutritious meal. This includes a protein, such as a sandwich with deli meat or peanut butter and jelly, a starch, a vegetable, and a handheld fruit like apples, oranges, pears, bananas, or peaches.

Packaging is important because we eat with our eyes. When food is carelessly thrown into a to-go container, it loses its appeal and doesn’t look appetizing. Taking a few seconds to arrange and organize the meal shows effort and care, making eating more enjoyable.

Even though we’ve traded our lunch boxes for grown-up alternatives and our tastes have evolved over time, the nostalgia of those beloved treats still reminds us of the innocence and delight of youth. I hope you can find some classic favorites and discover new tempting treats every time you visit the Vitalia North Olmsted Bistro or Country Kitchen. May you never stop making culinary memories.