Brown Bag Gourmet

When my husband’s work load was increased and his lunch hour was cut in half, coming home for “family lunches” became just a memory. In order to provide wholesome, inexpensive midday meals, I became a brown-bag takeout chef. Some of the tips I learned may also be adapted for school lunches.

1. Anything you can make or buy in quantity and package yourself is bound to be more economical and wholesome than commercially packaged goodies. Consider cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes (freeze before you wrap), cookies, trail mix, (raisins, nuts, dried fruit), potato chips, or granola bars.

2. A great way to wrap a piece of iced cake is to cut the square of cake through the middle and flip the iced top over to form a cake-and-icing sandwich.

3. Use sprouted grains in sandwiches as a change from lettuce.

4. Wrap lettuce and tomatoes separate from the sandwich to preserve crispness.

5. Save any plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to hold chips, canned fruits, leftovers, etc.

6. Batches of pudding can be put into individual containers, frozen, and then transferred from freezer to lunch bag.

7. Frozen juices and other drinks (in nonglass containers) will thaw just in time for lunch and help keep the rest of the lunch cool.

8. Raw, sliced vegetables actually become a treat when a small container of dip is tucked in with them; and large fruits (such as apples and oranges) are more convenient to eat on a tight schedule if quartered and then wrapped.

9. Want to get out of the bologna-sandwich rut? Post a takeout menu sheet from your local deli on the refrigerator and experiment with their combinations. Start with nonconventional breads such as bagels, pita or pocket bread, leftover biscuits, hot dog and hamburger buns, English muffins. Or try banana nut bread with cream cheese and jam. (Note: A thin layer of butter on any bread helps prevent soggy sandwiches.)

10. How about a surprise once in a while? Try kabobs of ham, cheese, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes on a skewer; or, if a microwave is available, plastic-wrapped burritos, pizza, or lasagna.

11. Styrofoam carryout containers will hold leftover casseroles or potatoes and gravy, and are easy to reheat in a microwave.

12. Whatever can be prepared ahead when you have a block of free time will help simplify the morning rush.

On those mornings when you just have to hurriedly whip up a peanut butter and jam sandwich, don’t forget to tuck in a quick note of love that will turn even this meal into a banquet! Gwen Haglund, Westchester, California

Illustrated by Preston Heiselt