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09/04/2014 12:00 AM

Be a Back-to-School Lunch Hero


Waffling over how to fill your child’s lunchbox?

That’s funny, because waffles could be your answer! And no, not those plain waffles created with enriched flour and corn syrup topped with gobs of butter and maple syrup that inevitably cause that dreaded energy crash.

I’m talking about a healthy, simple, delicious invention I call the Wicked Waffle Pizza! Be prepared: this innovative combination might elevate you to rock-star status. After all, waffles and pizza in one? How is this done?

It’s created with two frozen, organic, low-sugar (less than 4 grams total), whole grain waffles. One waffle is topped with a chunky (no added sugar) pasta sauce , the other with shredded mozzarella, and then both are baked until cheese is oozing.

Now what? This is the part that makes it perfect for your child’s lunchbox. Flip the cheesy waffle on top of the saucy one, and ta-dah, introducing the Wicked Waffle Pizza sandwich!

Oh, and if you run out of pasta sauce and cheese, feel free to change up the waffle pizza and experiment with your favorite nut butters topped with sweet, sliced fruit! Dee-lish! And I promise you, you’ll still maintain that rock-star status. Enjoy!

—Shannon Pappert

Shannon Pappert is the creator of Boddler Bites, Food in a Flash flashcards that make nutrition fun for kids. Learn more about Shannon and her company atwww.boddlerbites.com.

Wicked Waffle

Pizza Sandwich

2 organic frozen waffles

1 to 2 tablespoons pasta/pizza sauce

2 tablespoons shredded cheese

Optional: more favorite pizza toppings

Preheat toaster oven to 425 degrees.

Top one waffle with pasta sauce (and optional toppings) and the other with cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and waffles are lightly browned (approximately 5 to 7 minutes). Let cool slightly.

Flip cheesy waffle on top of saucy one, making sandwich. Cut in half (or quarters), wrap in tin foil, and place in lunch box.