It's In There: Pockets Rock

posted July 23, 2007
  by Christine Gable, Kiddie Chow

There’s only one problem with pita pockets, really, and that’s when I forget to buy them at the store. That’s probably because they’re not shelved where I think they should be—with the bread and rolls.

No, they’re usually over by the deli or on another elusive shelf and by the time I get to the end of my shopping list, the last thing I feel like doing is traipsing back to find them.

Indeed, the next time I find them on sale, I’ve got a plan: buy plenty of extras so that I’ll have a ready supply in the freezer. Then we’ll be set.

Yes, at our house we think pockets rock. They are not only easy and delicious, they help to make the ordinary extraordinary—and that’s always a winning combination when you’re cooking for kids. Plus, the pocket shape helps to minimize crumb droppage and clean-up, which is a winning proposition in any mom or dad’s book.

So if this summer finds you needing quick lunch ideas and easy-to-pack take-along options, think pockets. With just five minutes and a few ingredients, you’ll be golden. Make it even quicker by adding a few helping hands and before you know it, your family’s next healthy meal will be ready.

Start with white, wheat or multi-grain and a few of these kid-friendly ideas to tuck into a few of your next pockets. Best of all, try getting the kids involved in thinking of options. Many kids have ideas they’d love to try—sometimes all you have to do is ask!


20 Ways to Make Pockets Rock:

1) Start with the old stand-by: peanut butter and jelly is just super stashed in two pocket halves

2) Sliced Turkey with cheese and shredded lettuce, diced tomato

3) Sliced roast beef with lettuce, red onion and horseradish

4) Sub-in-a-pocket: salami, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato

5) Veggie pocket: lettuce, tomato, sweet pepper, red or green pepper, black olives and a drizzle of Italian and/or Ranch dressing

6) Hummus with diced cucumber, tomato and small broccoli florets

7) Hummus with lettuce and shredded carrot

8) Chicken salad with diced sweet pickle and lettuce

9) Egg salad with olives and leaves of spinach

10) Diced chicken mixed with a dollop of mayo, diced celery and dash of salt and pepper

11) Diced chicken mixed with diced red pepper, squirt of mayo and spoon of mayo, sprinkle of chili powder and pepper

12) The classic favorite: sliced ham with American cheese and mustard

13) Sliced ham with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo

14) Egg salad with sweet pickles and red leaf lettuce

15) Sliced ham and cheddar with shredded lettuce, tomato and drizzle of ranch dressing

16) Tofu salad: mix crumbled tofu with mayo, mustard, sliced green onion, diced green pepper; sprinkle generously with turmeric and salt. Serve tucked into a pocket with two lettuce leaves

17) Egg salad with diced ham

18) Tuna salad with Swiss cheese – drain one can of tuna, add a bit of mayo—and either use it plain or dress it up with sliced celery and scallion

19) Genoa salami with provolone – add some spinach, tomatoes and a drizzle of Italian dressing for an Italian delight

20) Go simple … choose any favorite protein with or without a condiment and veggie … tuck it in and go!

©2008 CDKitchen, Inc. No reproduction of this article may be made without express permission from CDKitchen, Inc.

For more info and updates on Christine Gable, visit her personal website at:
http://www.christinegable.com/

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