How do I keep food cool during the day?

kids lunch cool bags image

Totally Na

The problem is that I am trying to eat alot of chicken due to going to the gym and stuff. I need to keep the chicken cool so it doesn't go off during a hot day in my bag at uni ...........

If I try to take a small eski in my bag, my bag gets wet. And I don't fancy carrying and eski around at uni.........so not kewl :P

Any ideas homies???

Answer
buy a cool bag (small like for kids lunch) freeze the cool unit inside overnight and it will keep your food cool for the day - if you buy the tiny lunch box/bag you can put it in your other bag

How long does an insulated bag work for?

~ <3 ~

I'm going to be at college for 12hrs, plus another 2hrs driving time.

If I were to keep some food in an insulated bag, APPROXIMATELY (to your best knowledge) how many hours max would it stay fresh for if:

-the food was reallly hot or frozen?
-it was just sorta cold?

Thanks.

Answer
I found this for you. Hope it helps!

Lunch Bags & Boxes
The first thing you will need is a container in which to pack the lunch. It doesn't need to cost a lot of money. For adults a small cooler makes a great lunch box. Fred uses a medium sized cooler. He is usually gone for 24 to 48 hours, so he needs alot of food to keep him going. For children and teenagers, you can usually find inexpensive lunch boxes and insulated lunch bags at yard sales and thrift stores.

Small children often prefer a plastic lunch box with cartoon characters on the side. I suggest you buy these as cheaply as possible. They only last for a year or two before the children drop them or the latch breaks. At $6 to $10 a piece, buying brand new boxes has never been a good investment for me. I have purchased them new when I desperately needed the thermoses that came with them. After the plastic lunch box broke, I purchased replacements from my local Goodwill. I continue to use the same thermos year after year.

If the art work on an older lunch box is shabby, you can easily replace it. Use rubber cement to glue down a new picture (cut to size) and then cover the picture with clear contact paper. I've done this, and it lasted almost 2 years, until the lunch box cracked and became unusable. Amy D. describes the process in detail in the first book of The Tightwad Gazette.

For older children insulated lunch bags work best. They don't have the juvenile connotations of plastic boxes with matching thermoses, so older kids usually don't object to carrying them. I like them because they don't break when they get drop-kicked across the livingroom by a budding football player. Since they have soft sides, it is easier to fit more food and odd-shaped containers in them too. They usually have zipper closing and shoulder straps for carrying them. I buy the largest ones I can find because I find them easier to fill. Many modern insulated bags have several extra zipper pockets and sections on the outside to carry little extras like napkins, spoons and salt or pepper packets. My boys like these but they aren't really necessary. Purchased brand-new, insulated lunch bags cost between $5 and $15. If you wait until back-to-school-sales you may find them cheaper. Over the summer they can often be found at yard sales. Insulated lunch bags usually do not come with their own thermos, so you will have to use some you already have or buy them separately.

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What can I do with a bag of rice?

kids lunch cool bags image

Tish P

I have a quite sizeable bag of rice in my cupboard, and I know it sounds silly, but I've never even cooked rice before. Does anyone have any recipes that I could try for me and my two kids? Maybe something for a dinner or lunch dish. Anything goes as long as it's not too spicy. It's American long grain rice, if that helps. Thanks :o)

Answer
go here for rice recipes
http://indorecipe.com/list.php?pagenum=0&categoryid=25

you can make risotto, fried rice, rice casserole, pilaf, porridge, rice pudding and plenty more ^_^

Red Beans and Rice
* 1 pound dried red beans; 4 quarters water; 2 meaty ham hocks
* 8 cups Beef stock or Chicken stock
* 4 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 1 teaspoon cayene pepper; 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 1 pound andouille (sausage); 1/4 pound tasso (sausage), chopped (optional)
* 2 cups chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 bunch green onions, chopped
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 8 chaurice sausages (2 lb) or other fresh, hot sausages
* salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
* red wine vinegar, to taste (optional)
* 4 cups cooked rice
* hot -pepper sauce, to taste

- Wash beans and soak overnight in the water. The next day drain beans and wash well under cold running water. Place beans, ham hocks, and stock in a heavy, 6- to 8-quart stockpot or Dutch oven. Beans should be covered by about 2 to 3 inches of liquid; add more if necessary. Bring to a boil and skim any scum that collects on the surface. Reduce the heat to simmer and add bay leaves, thyme, cayenne, and pepper. Simmer to 30 minutes while you prepare vegetables.

- Chop 1/4 pound of the andouille into 1/4 inch pieces. Place in a 12-inch cast-iron frying pan (or other heavy frying pan) with tasso (if used). Fry for 5 minutes to render fat and brown meat. Add chopped onion and celery and cook until vegetables are soft (about 10 minutes). Add bell pepper, green onions, and garlic. Cook an additional 5 minutes, then add to simmering pot of red beans. Continue to cook beans until they are soft and some begin to break apart (about 1 hour). Allow beans to cool, rerigerate, covered, overnight or for up to 4 days.

- When ready to serve, bring beans to a simmer. Place chaurice whole in a heavy frying pan, cover, and fry over medium head for about 15 minutes, checking sausages frequently and turning them as they brown. Meanwhile, slice remaining andouille into 1/4-inch slices and add to beans. Cook in beans for about 10 minutes. Taste beans for salt and pepper and correct if necessary, add a little vinegar (if desired). To serve, place about 1/2 cup ho rice in center of each plate, spoon beans over rice, and accompany with 1 chaurice.

- Serve with hot-pepper sauce





* Serves 8


Tips: The beans have to soaked overnight, and then when cooked should be refrigerated at least overnight.



Oriental Pilaf
* >1/2-cup brown rice
* >1-1/2 cups halved snow peas
* >1/2-cup millet
* >1/2 can (6-ounce size) sliced water chestnuts, rinsed, drained
* >1/2 cup finely chopped onion
* >1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions and tops
* >1/4 cup chopped celery
* >2-3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari soy sauce
* >2-3 teaspoons finely chopped gingerroot
* >Salt and pepper, to taste
* >2 cloves minced garlic
* >1-tablespoon dark sesame or vegetable oil.
* >2-1/2 cups Oriental broth
>Sauté rice, millet, onion, celery, gingerroot, and garlic in sesame oil in large saucepan until onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth and heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Stir snow peas, water chestnuts, and green onion into grain mixture; simmer, covered, until grains and snow peas are tender and broth absorbed, about 10 minutes. Stir in soy sauce; season to taste
with salt and pepper. Yield: 8 Servings (about 2/3 cup each)


Lamb Rice
6 Servings
3 T olive oil
1 lg onion,chopped
1 clove garlic,minced
3 pods cardamom
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 t cumin,ground
1 1/2 lb lamb,cubed
1 salt
1 lb ripe tomatoes
1 c water
1/4 c low-fat yoghurt
1 serrano pepper (optional)
1 c uncooked rice,soaked
1 pepper
Saute the onion in the olive oil until soft and transparent. Stir
the spices into the oil to release the flavors. Cook for a minute or two.
Raise the heat and add the lamb, sprinkling with salt. Saute until
browned on all sides. Whirl the fresh tomatoes in a food processor or
blender until nearly smooth, and add to the meat. Stir in the water,
yoghurt, garlic and serrano pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Cover and simmer about 2 hours until the meat is tender. The tomato
sauce will reduce somewhat. After cooking 2 hours, measure the
liquid. The amount of rice that needs to be added is based on the
amount of liquid. Example: If sauce has 2 cups of liquid; then add 1
cup of rice. Can add more water if needed. Add rice and bring back to
a boil. Cover saucepan with a dish towel (to absorb moisture) and
replace lid. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes until moisture is
gone and rice is done. Do not stir during this 20 minute process!l


Fried Rice
2 tbsp. cooking oil
1 c. uncooked rice
1 env. onion soup mix
2 1/2 c. water
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 eggs, beaten

In a large skillet, heat oil and saute rice until golden. Add soup mix,
water and soy sauce. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until water
is absorbed. Make a hollow in center of rice and quickly stir eggs into
it until set, then mix with rice.


Hispanic Rice Pudding
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
14-ounce can of coconut milk
1 cup of water
2 cups rice, short grain
1/3 cup of currants or raisins
5 tbsp of shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup sugar
Ground cinnamon


In a large saucepan, combine the 3 cups water, salt, cinnamon sticks, cloves and ginger and bring to a boil. Strain into a bowl and discard
the spices.

Combine the spiced water, coconut milk, and 1 cup water. Bring to boil. Then add the rice, currants or raisins, shredded coconut and sugar. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove the lid, stir and cook another 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Pour onto a platter and dust with cinnamon.

What should I make for my nephew and myself to eat?

lAUGhTE

This summer I'm going to be taking care of my 6-year-old nephew. I need to make breakfast and lunch for him, but I'm

Good school lunch ideas for middle school?

kids lunch cool bags image

Alyssa

Well my friends would always call my lunch the "dessert". I would always take it as a joke, because I wasn't really concerned about my weight or anything like that. My mom packs my lunch, so she isn't much of a cook so she just throws in a bag of chips, a few strawberries, and a nutty bar. It's kinda our usual thing lol but recently I decided to try jelly and it's AMAZING so I eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all the time now haha. But my friends still think my lunch is unhealthy. All of my friends' parents pack their kids lunch with fancy, cooked lunches and a small piece of chocolate as their dessert. And also I am a dancer, NOT A RUNNER, so whenever we run in PE they always act concerned about what I'm eating. It's so annoying. I am more of a sprinter, not a long distance runner. I also have a 6 pack! But nooo, abs don't matter, if you can't run a mile in 5 minutes your unhealthy!! Also I remember the last time I ran the mile my friends were talking during lunch and they were all like "Ugh I got 6 minutes on the mile, I am SOO out of shape!" And then after 10 minutes of them complaining later they asked me "What did you get on the mile?" And I replied "10 minutes and (forgot time lol) seconds" and they were all like "Oh.." and looked at each other all weird. I dance 12 hours a week but according to my friends I am out of shape?! I am sick of it and I want them to stop calling my lunch unhealthy. What are some good yet easy yet tasty foods? Haha my mom is lazy about packing lunches and also I want my lunch to taste GOOD, unlike most of my friends' lunches. Thanks!

Answer
Actually, you and your Mom are not that far off the mark. With a few changes, you can make your lunch pleasing, and healthier. But, make no mistake, peanut butter really is not the best substitute for say, an egg, or a couple ounces of baked chicken. But it is good, and filling, and somewhat healthy. diabetics get to have it, so can you. Watch the amount you put on the sandwich, 2 tablespoons is the serving size.

Swap out the white bread on your sandwich to whole wheat bread. And switch the jelly to honey. Yum, honey is packed with good nutrition, and a classmate showed me her PB and H sandwich back in 2nd grade. Love them.
Toss in a banana or an apple, your strawberries are fine if they do not have sugar on them.

Switch out the chips to pretzels, or veggie chips. Or, bring some baked chips and salsa. Salsa has almost ) calories. And it is good for you.

Wraps are great, use your imagination, or copy flavors from the fast food restaurants.

things that are good for you, and taste great, are easy to pack, and are healthy are:
a box of raisins
a package of almonds, or trail mix, or dried peanuts
a fruit cup [just pour fruit cocktail into a tupperware, rather than buy that expensive one at the store
some healthy cookies, like oatmeal raisin
Cheese, like laughing cow, and some healthy crackers. Or a cube of cheddar
carrot sticks
-celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter, or Kraft jar cheese, found in the grocery aisle by the Velveeta. My Dad liked the pimento, rivers liked the Old english. Stick some raisins on the peanut butter, call it "ants on a log."
A boiled egg, or a deviled egg, made with diet mayo. You can't taste that it is diet because of the spices.

Do what Rivers does, and take leftovers from supper to school. a plastic container with a sturdy lid, or a wide mouth thermos would work. Pack things like crackers and bread in plastic, too, so they do not get crunched. So easy, go eat your dinner, let the leftovers cool, and go back and scoop them up into your container and put them in the refrigerator.
cook extra, and have enough for Mom, too for her to take to work. It is no less trouble to cook 4 pork chops, than it is to cook 2.

good luck!

How should I cut back on grocery bills?

Lauren

My husband and I have six kids. It has been sort of sudden because we had three (which wasn't bad) and then we had triplets almost three years ago. As our kids grow our grocery bill is kind of dominating our income and it can be very stressful. I don't always want to feed them cheap food and it's not a major strain but I was wondering if anyone had tips for cutting back on groceries. I use coupons every so often but I wouldn't consider myself a "die-hard" coupon shopper (I often feel that people who go crazy with coupons end up buying products they wouldn't have otherwise purchased) and I price shop as well. So, in short, what do you do to save money when grocery shopping? Thanks :)

Answer
I use a few coupons for things I would normally buy anyway, and I buy when things are on sale. But you are correct that most coupons these days are for highly processed, high profit items that are best left on the shelf at the grocery store, in my opinion.

You don't say whether or not you work outside of the home, but I assume that with six kids you don't. I saved money when my kids were young by packing lunches for both my kids and my husband every day they ate out of the house. We almost never ate out or brought home takeout. If we did buy something like pizza to bring home, we would get one pizza and supplement it with salad made at home.

I make most baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, cupcakes and pies from scratch at home. They are much cheaper to bake than to buy, and the ingredients are much better and healthier. We get most of our fruits and vegetables at orchards and farm stores or raise them ourselves in our yard. Just this week, my husband picked sour cherries at a pick-your-own orchard for me to can at home for use this winter(I made him a cherry pie, too, for his efforts) and he picked fresh blueberries for me to freeze and make blueberry jam. I taught my children how to bake and cook food, and also gave each of them a small vegetable garden(four to six feet square is big enough for a child's garden). This taught them to appreciate vegetables, which they eat with enthusiasm.

There is a cheaper and better substitute for almost every expensive food at the grocery store. We eat popcorn popped in a big pot on the stove instead of bagged pre-popped or microwave popcorn. You can learn to make pizza at home, with a biscuit type crust rolled out and topped with olive oil, spaghetti sauce, cheese and vegetables like chopped onions and peppers.

We eat cooked oatmeal or eggs for breakfast, instead of cold cereal, instant hot cereal or things like Pop Tarts or breakfast bars. I buy plain yogurt in the largest containers and add fresh fruit, with maybe a spoonful of homemade jam. We make homemade pancakes and waffles on weekends, topped with things like homemade applesauce and cottage cheese, or fresh fruit with a bit of real homemade whipped cream, for a treat.

Never, ever buy sodas or sweetened drinks for your children, since they are not healthy and a needless expense. You can make your own iced tea with tea bags(I like Red Rose the best) and boiling water. Sweeten with a little simple syrup(half and half sugar and water, boiled and cooled) and add some bottled lemon juice, if you like. Store after it is fully cooled in gallon orange juice jugs in the refrigerator. If you wait until it is cool before you refrigerate it, it will not turn cloudy.

When kids don't get snacks and treats all of the time, they appreciate what they do get more. You can give your children turns to pick out something they really want but don't often get.

Eggs are cheap and nutritious, so is peanut butter. Make good use of your food budget and buy the best quality food you can afford, such as whole grain bread instead of the cheapest white bread. Eat less meat and don't buy lunch meat. Tuna salad, egg salad, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches are perfectly fine. Crackers are high in sodium and often sugar. Feed your little kids plain Cheerios, small cubes of cheese and sliced bananas instead.

Make meat loaf and learn how to cut up a whole chicken. Make soup, lots of different kinds. Put fruit in sweet things and vegetables in almost everything else, like omelets and casseroles. Kids who grow up eating lots of vegetables are much less picky and easier to feed. Don't make special meals for picky eaters. I have never known a child who voluntarily starved to death, although I have known lots of anxious mothers were were certain they might. I am ashamed to say that with my first child, I was one of them.

You will need a supportive husband, too. Remember that cheap food is not "bad" food. Lots of times processed or junk foods are the most expensive and the worst for you. Whole, natural foods are the best for your health and for your pocketbook.

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