I can’t believe we’re done.

After six weeks of sharing lunchbox recipes with you, six at a time, I’ve reached the end of the series.  I’m not going to lie — it’s been tons of fun, and I’ve enjoyed it, but I’m kind of glad to see the finish line.

We’ve covered so much ground in the past thirty lunchboxes.  We started with Easy Bites, then moved on to Mini-Meals, Stuff in Other Stuff, Hearty and Handy fare, and Sandwich Style.  There have been waffles and crepes and meatball club sandwiches, salads and muffins and a few things that came on sticks.  And tonight, we’re moving in a totally different direction.  I’m leaving my beloved Lunchbots behind and pulling out that friend of the cool-weather lunch packer: The Thermos.

It’s starting to officially feel like fall in New England, and on chilly mornings as I walk L. to school, it feels sort of good to know that I’ve tucked something nice and warm into his lunchbox.  Having a thermos available really expands the repertoire of what you can pack for kids, and it’s especially handy for older kids who need a warm and substantial meal in the middle of the day.  You can pack so many things in a thermos that it’s likely none of you even need my suggestions to be able to fill one up with something good; but just in case, here are six relatively simple, kid-approved Thermos Things that would be just perfect for every member of the family.

On the menu:
Cheddar Quinoa
Spaghetti (squash) and Meatball Soup
Quickest Pumpkin Soup
Pizza Chicken
No-Work Noodle Bowl
Green-y Tortellini