Food & Party Planning Ideas

No Trades on this Cookie Cutter Lunch

Planning a play date, sleepover or a children's party can be a time-consuming affair - but it doesn't have to be. Just a little preparation can keep kids happy without demanding much of a busy parent's time. To help, Wilton has created some delicious cookie recipes that can be ready in just minutes, along with great cookie-decorating ideas to get the children involved.

Shape up an ordinary lunch with cookie cutters! Use these favorite baking tools to cut sandwiches, fruit and vegetables for healthful and fun lunches.

Cut into a star shape, a sandwich really shines. Any type of bread - sandwich bread, prepared pizza crust, pita pockets or tortillas - will work. Choose a whole grain product to help kids get the recommended three daily servings. Cut the bread and sandwich fillings separately and then assemble the sandwich.

For more hands-on fun, use cookie cutters to create fruit and vegetable shapes. Kids will love dipping them into low-fat dip or yogurt. Use fruits and vegetables that are firm and will hold their shape, such as colorful bell peppers and melon. Cut enough in advance for another lunch. Store cut fruit and vegetables separately in the refrigerator.

A batch of Banana Wheat Muffins solves the dessert dilemma. Offer these wholesome muffins as an alternative to cookies. They´re great for breakfast, too!