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Now that I am back to school full time, I am always on the hunt for a simple lunch recipe that doesn’t demand too much time or expense.  I don’t have a lot of time in the morning to be preparing fancy lunches for any of us.

It has come to my attention that the kids only have like fifteen minutes to eat lunch so I HAVE to make them something to eat.  If they buy a school lunch, at least ten minutes of that time is spent standing in line, leaving them no time to actually eat.

After trying Smucker’s Uncrustables, I was determined to make my own version of this Pod Sandwich.  I realize this is just a slight twist on the classic PB & J, however, with healthier ingredients and a fun shape, we are all happy.  I also started freezing grapes to put in our lunches.

My problems:

• Constipated Kids
• Tight Budget
• Time Crunch

My solution:

• These are high in fiber (6.5 grams per pod)
• Cost about $.64/Pod
• Quick and Easy to make and eat

Pod Sandwich Recipe

I usually make about a dozen of these at a time. (Just multiply this recipe accordingly for however many you’d like to make.)  They freeze perfectly.  From the freezer I put them in the kids’ lunches in the morning and they are just right by lunchtime.

Step 1:  Prepare your PB2 by mixing it with the water.  Add more or less water until you get the desired consistency.

Step 2:  Spread PB2 on both slices of bread in the area that will be inside the pod.  I just eye it in, but if you’d like to be really accurate, you can gently press the Cut-N-Seal into the bread to give yourself an outline.  Note:  I find that getting a little PB2 onto the edges is fine—it almost serves as glue—I just make sure to keep the fruit spread within the boundary.

Step 3: Spoon the Strawberry Spread into the middle of the PB2 on one of the slices.  Note: having the PB2 on both slices of the bread prevents the fruit spread from making the bread soggy.

Step 4:  Sandwich slices together and use Cut-N-Seal…

Step 5:  Use wax paper in between if stacking multiple pods for freezing.  Place in freezer bag squeezing as much air out as possible without squishing the pods.  Freeze.  Allow 4-6 hours to thaw at room temperature.  Do not thaw in refrigerator.

Waste NOT

Very little goes to waste with these fun little pods.  We use our LunchBlox to avoid wasting plastic baggies… and the crusts, well, we have a lot of fun with those.  We either cut them up into cubes and dip in cheese for a Fondue Fun Night, or treat the squirrels while entertaining the cat.

We have a blast hanging these crusts from the trees much like ornaments.  Watching the squirrels reach, jump and swing to get them is hilarious.  Even better is watching the cat watch the squirrels through the window.  Even the deer have been known to stop by for a snack.