For many of us, the first signs of fall are moving in. Trees are turning colors ever so slightly and cooler temperatures are marking the days. The kids are back at school and Halloween is just around the corner. It’s a perfect time to think about what meals we’ll pack our kids for lunch. I love swapping recipes with friends to create a wider variety of meals, and my kids love the occasional lunch surprises. As we’re getting into the fall here are some of my favorite lunches that I’m packing my kids!

1. Crepes with cheese and ham – we visited Paris over the summer and became obsessed with ham & cheese crepes. It’s surprisingly easy to make and also keeps very well in the fridge. The recipe I use is from Cooks Illustrated but any recipe should work fine. If you make them the day before, simply fold them up into triangles and stagger stack them before refrigerating – they can be microwaved in the morning to soften. Simply put a crepe on a pan and add ham & shredded cheese and voila you’ve got a great sandwich alternative for lunch.
2. September is the hottest month in San Francisco so we beat the heat with cold noodles. Growing up, we always ate cold soba noodles or sesame noodles. Here’s a great recipe I found from the New York Times. Adding some shredded chicken breast, carrots + cucumbers add protein and crunch! 
3. While stopping through Hong Kong this summer I picked up a salmon and quinoa salad at Pret a Manger at the airport. It was so delicious and packed a huge amount of protein and veggies I have been making it at home as well. Simply make quinoa salad following this recipe. Buy salmon fillets and roast with olive oil, salt & pepper. When the salmon is cooled simply shred and add to quinoa salad. In lieu of black beans you can also try shelled edamame for extra protein.

These are some of my favorite fall recipes. They can all be personalized with your family’s favorite ingredients. New recipes are a good way to subtly introduce new foods to our kids. Try one, share one, change one. Afterall, variety is the spice of life.

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