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This back-to-school season, pack tasty and fun lunches like this edamame dip with Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels and crunchy veggies!
Don’t kill the messenger, but back-to-school is only a few weeks away. As always, the summer has flown by. One of my favorite things about summer is the break from the usual routine of hectic mornings, overscheduled afternoons, and fights about homework. That and not having to pack school lunches!
Even though my kids are older now – going into 6th and 10th grade – I still pack lunches for them almost every day. JR’s middle school does not offer a hot lunch, so for him, bringing lunch is the only option. There is a cafeteria at the high school my daughter attends, but truthfully, the food is not that good and waiting in the long lines is no fun. So Zuzu quickly figured out that as much as she likes the idea of the cafeteria, she would still rather bring a lunch from home.
So here I am on year ten of packing school lunches with no end in sight. But if I am being honest, I have to admit that I don’t mind that much. For me, cooking and preparing meals for my family is one of the ways that I nurture them and show my love. And making their lunches ensures I know exactly what my kids are eating – as long as they don’t trade with their tablemates!
Packing a great school lunch – one that won’t get traded away – is all about balancing nutrition with fun and thinking outside the sandwich! I love to come up with creative ways to make sure my kids have a healthy meal that will keep them energized all afternoon, but still make them feel excited when they open that lunch box. In the past, I have packed fun lunches like Mason jar salads or yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola — meals that offer protein and fresh fruit and veggies but are also fun to eat.
Another lunch box favorite is a nutritious and tasty dip with all kinds of crunchy accompaniments. No kid, not even teenagers, can resist the fun of dipping their food. This protein-packed edamame-yogurt dip is one of my family’s favorites and it is so quick and easy to make. Simply combine thawed edamame with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. That’s it! The edamame gives the dip a sweet, mild flavor that everyone loves. I’ve even served this dip to adults as an appetizer at a dinner party and received tons of compliments.
When packing a lunch box dip, like this one, I make sure the dip itself is high in protein and I include lots of fresh veggies as well as my kids’ favorite Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels. Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels are lower in fat that the traditional chip, but still offer a wholesome, delicious crunch. And whether you prefer sticks or the traditional pretzel shape, they are perfect for dipping.
Snyder’s of Hanover lunch packs contain ten, perfectly portioned, 100-calorie packs of mini pretzels and are easy to slip into a lunch box. As the parent of a child with a peanut allergy, I especially appreciate that Snyder’s pretzels are made in a peanut-free facility and are safe to bring to school.
If you love the convenience of these lunch packs as much as I do, look out for an offer in your weekly circular for a chance to save on Snyder’s of Hanover® and Lance® products from July 29 until September 30, 2018. Save $1 on any 2 Lance® Sandwich cracker or peanut multipack 8oz or larger and you can save $1 on any 2 Snyder’s of Hanover® Products 5oz or larger at your local retailer. I find Snyder’s pretzels at my local Jewel-Osco in the snack aisle.
To get everyone excited for back-to-school, Snyder’s is hosting a Back to School Mega Event Sweepstakes. Prizes will be packed with love in a lunchbox! Get it? The grand prize is a $2500 scholarship – okay, that won’t come in the lunchbox — and the other prizes include a laptop, tablets and some extra cash for school supplies. The sweepstakes will run from July 16 to August 26 with weekly prizes.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. LIMIT ONE (1) PRIZE PER PERSON. The Sweepstakes begins 7/16/18 at 12:00:01 AM ET and ends 8/26/18 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Open only to eligible legal 50 US/DC residents who are 18 years or older and the age of majority. Subject to Official Rules available at www.bettersnackingforyou.com. See Official Rules for daily entry instructions, odds of winning, prize details, restrictions, etc. There are ninety (90) prizes available. The total approximate retail value of all prizes to be awarded is $23,238. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Sponsor: S-L Snacks National, LLC, 13515 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte, NC 28277. Administrator: US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co., 625 Panorama Trail, Suite 2100, Rochester, NY 14625.
So this back-to-school season, do not dread the lunchbox! Have fun with lunch and think outside the sandwich. Change up lunchtime with a protein-packed edamame dip that your kids will love and give them their favorite Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels along with some crunchy veggies, like red pepper and baby carrots, for dunking.
And don’t forget to enter the Back to School Mega Event Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the weekly prizes that will make this the best back-to-school ever! You will also find lots more inspiration for packing lunches full of love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz package frozen shelled edamame
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of two lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the edamame according to package instructions and drain, reserving the cooking water.
- Combine the edamame, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse to combine, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Puree until smooth, adding some of the reserved edamame cooking water if necessary to achieve a smooth texture.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour prior to serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Serve with raw vegetables, pretzels or crackers for dipping.
