Every year it’s the same: just when you get into the flow of summertime, it’s time for the kids to head back to school again. When the first school bell rings in this new educational year, make sure their lunchboxes are filled with a little something special to remind them just how much you love them. Here’s how to send a little love to school every day.
How to Send a Little Love to School
Ready to fill those lunchboxes with love this year? Here are a few easy ways to send the love with your little ones:
Write on the napkin – A little napkin message can mean so much. Even a simple “Love you!” can be extra special.
Pack a favorite drink – Maybe chocolate milk isn’t right for every day, but surprise them with a chilled shelf-stable carton (don’t forget the ice pack!) once in a while if they love it. Or whatever drink they adore.
Cut that sandwich into a heart – I know: cutesy food can create cavernous pits in the stomachs of moms. But this? It’s really super easy – and all you need is a big heart-shaped cookie cutter. Once the sandwich is made, cut it into the shape and pack away. Easy, right?
Send a Kiss (and maybe a Hugs too) – I totally co-oped this idea from the mom of one of my son’s kindergarten classmates. Every day she included a Hershey’s Kiss in his lunchbox so he’d know she was thinking of him (melt!). Though I don’t do it every day, I surprise the kids with Kisses now and then.
Include a special treat – Who doesn’t smile and feel loved when they get a super tasty treat?
These no-frosting-needed moist banana cupcakes have a surprise in the middle: A Hershey’s Kiss! Don’t worry – it keeps its shape when baked. But if you must frost, go chocolate.
These cupcakes are a cinch to make, especially with a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer – it whips up the batter in no time.
Banana Kiss in the Middle Cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
2 overripe bananas, peeled
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
12 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and set aside.
In the bowl of a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer, combine the bananas, egg, milk and oil. Using the flat beater, mix on medium for 1-2 minutes, until well combined. Some banana chunks may remain
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
With the stand mixer running on its lowest speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cupcake, pressing to completely envelope it in batter. You may need to coax a little of the batter over the very tip.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days.
Looking for more ways to send a little love to school? These recipes are perfect:
Note: This blog post was previously posted on the KitchenAid Canada Blog