5 Twists to Classic School Lunches

Classic: Chicken Fingers with BBQ Sauce

Twist: Pretzel Coated Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Grind one bag of pretzels in the food processor until the pretzels are the same consistency as bread crumbs. Whisk two eggs. Coat one pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders with eggs mixture, then dip in the pretzel mixture until coated. Heat oil in a skillet. When oil is hot, carefully place in chicken. Cook at least 5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. Serve with your favorite honey mustard sauce.

Classic: Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Twist: Ham, Taleggio and Apple Sandwich

Replace white bread with a crispy baguette and American cheese with a different cheese like taleggio, gouda or even swiss or cream cheese. Top with thinly sliced green apples for a grown-up, texturally exciting twist.

Classic: Cheese Pizza

Twist: Roasted Veggie Pizza

Instead of ordering out tonight, make a pizza with the kids and have them bring the leftovers for lunch. Slice fresh vegetables and place on cookie sheet. You can use any combination of zuccini, red pepper, green pepper, onion, asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, eggplant, mushroom or anything that you prefer. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until cooked. On a precooked pizza dough, layer 1 cup of pizza sauce or alfredo sauce. Add roasted veggies on top. Cover with cheese (mozzarella, provolone or an Italian cheese blend). Cook until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Classic: Chicken Noodle Soup

Twist: Mexican Chicken Soup

In a large pot, add 3 cans of low sodium chicken broth, 3 cans water, 1 lb. cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of your favorite pepper (green, red, jalapenos), 1 cup onion, 1 cup corn, 3 garlic cloves and a handful of chopped cilantro. Cook until vegetables are soft. Season with garlic salt, pepper and a dash of cumin.

Classic: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Twist: Get creative!

This favorite is easy to jazz up and can be done in countless ways. Instead of classic white bread, try honey oat or cinnamon raisin bread. Replace traditional jelly with mango or apple jelly and peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. Pending on those choices, add sliced apple, banana, strawberry or other fruits.