The Best Tools for Making Packed Lunches
Making packed lunches is far easier when you have the right kitchenware. Certain kitchen tools will help you get out of a lunchtime rut, and will save time during the morning rush. Whether you're packing lunches for your children, yourself or your spouse, these kitchen items will help you create and pack delicious lunches that are far more interesting than the typical ham sandwich.
Related:7 Fun Packed Lunch Products
Protein-rich hard-boiled eggs make a versatile packed-lunch ingredient that will keep you full for hours. Dice them up and stir in some mayonnaise, capers and chopped celery for egg salad to put in a sandwich or a wrap, slice or crumble them onto a green salad, or simply pack them whole (be sure to also pack some lemon pepper or seasoned salt to sprinkle on top as you eat them. There are a number of different egg cookers out there, from electric models to microwave containers to stovetop versions, so pick the one that seems most convenient to you.More »
It's a known fact that lunches that are packed in a fun, clever lunchbox are far more fun to eat than ones tossed into a brown paper sack. This piggy-shaped lunch box, made by Kotobuki, is inspired by the Japanese bento box tradition of multi-compartmented containers that cleverly fit together to hold a well-rounded lunch. It has two tiers, and a stretchy strap holds it closed.More »
A fuzzy logic rice cooker, like this model by Panasonic, can be filled and programmed the night before so that when you wake up in the morning, a pot of hot rice will be waiting for you to scoop into a thermal container and pop into a lunchbox. Mix in some edamame, soy sauce and a few other ingredients, and it's pretty much a meal in itself... especially if topped with a piece of leftover salmon from a previous night's dinner. Or check out these other ways to dress up rice cooker rice, all of which would make a super-satisfying lunch.More »
You don't have to go to a deli to get uniform, precise slices of meats and cheeses. Invest in an electric food slicer, like Chef's Choice Model 615, and you can slice your own roasts or blocks of cheese, even vegetables and home-baked bread. The blade adjusts to a range of thicknesses, up to about 3/4 inch. If you've always been concerned about the quality and freshness of the meats at the deli counter, or the sanitation of the deli's equipment, having a home meat slicer can set your mind at ease, and you'll be able to roast your own delicious meats for sandwiches.More »
Save the earth and eat a little more stylishly with a non-disposable set of utensils. We like the bamboo travel set from Bambu, which includes a knife, fork and spoon, all neatly packed in a carrying case. They're not only good for lunches, but also for camping or keeping in a desk drawer at the office.More »
Dinnertime leftovers can make some of the best packed lunches, especially if you have access to a microwave to heat them up (Or, if you have a good thermal container to keep them warm til lunch). When you're planning and serving dinners, keep lunchtime in mind and pack a lunch-sized portion in a storage container as you're dishing out the meal. Some of the best packed lunches include boneless fish or chicken served on top of grains or rice, casseroles, pastas, and meatloaf (Try a recipe for turkey meatloaf that's made in the bread machine!).More »
Related:7 Fun Packed Lunch Products
Egg Cooker
Protein-rich hard-boiled eggs make a versatile packed-lunch ingredient that will keep you full for hours. Dice them up and stir in some mayonnaise, capers and chopped celery for egg salad to put in a sandwich or a wrap, slice or crumble them onto a green salad, or simply pack them whole (be sure to also pack some lemon pepper or seasoned salt to sprinkle on top as you eat them. There are a number of different egg cookers out there, from electric models to microwave containers to stovetop versions, so pick the one that seems most convenient to you.More »
Bento Box
It's a known fact that lunches that are packed in a fun, clever lunchbox are far more fun to eat than ones tossed into a brown paper sack. This piggy-shaped lunch box, made by Kotobuki, is inspired by the Japanese bento box tradition of multi-compartmented containers that cleverly fit together to hold a well-rounded lunch. It has two tiers, and a stretchy strap holds it closed.More »
Rice Cooker
A fuzzy logic rice cooker, like this model by Panasonic, can be filled and programmed the night before so that when you wake up in the morning, a pot of hot rice will be waiting for you to scoop into a thermal container and pop into a lunchbox. Mix in some edamame, soy sauce and a few other ingredients, and it's pretty much a meal in itself... especially if topped with a piece of leftover salmon from a previous night's dinner. Or check out these other ways to dress up rice cooker rice, all of which would make a super-satisfying lunch.More »
Electric Food Slicer
You don't have to go to a deli to get uniform, precise slices of meats and cheeses. Invest in an electric food slicer, like Chef's Choice Model 615, and you can slice your own roasts or blocks of cheese, even vegetables and home-baked bread. The blade adjusts to a range of thicknesses, up to about 3/4 inch. If you've always been concerned about the quality and freshness of the meats at the deli counter, or the sanitation of the deli's equipment, having a home meat slicer can set your mind at ease, and you'll be able to roast your own delicious meats for sandwiches.More »
Portable Utensil Set
Save the earth and eat a little more stylishly with a non-disposable set of utensils. We like the bamboo travel set from Bambu, which includes a knife, fork and spoon, all neatly packed in a carrying case. They're not only good for lunches, but also for camping or keeping in a desk drawer at the office.More »
Food Storage Containers
Dinnertime leftovers can make some of the best packed lunches, especially if you have access to a microwave to heat them up (Or, if you have a good thermal container to keep them warm til lunch). When you're planning and serving dinners, keep lunchtime in mind and pack a lunch-sized portion in a storage container as you're dishing out the meal. Some of the best packed lunches include boneless fish or chicken served on top of grains or rice, casseroles, pastas, and meatloaf (Try a recipe for turkey meatloaf that's made in the bread machine!).More »
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