I had Jason help me out with his quick lunch box treat. These brownies are very kid-friendly and make a great healthy dessert or snack. The taste reminds me of fudge :-)

I know you can't hear the audio, but when we finished, Simon said, "we're done already?" :-)

Recipe adapted from Organic Avenue

No-Bake Brownies

by Organic Avenue

Prep Time: 5 mins

Keywords: vegan

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1 cup pitted dates ( I used Medjool but any dates should be fine)
1/3 cup cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla bean (I used vanilla extract)
2 tsp of water
Additional walnuts to top the brownies (optional)

Instructions

In a food processor, grind the walnuts and salt until fine. Add the dates and process until dough forms. Next, add the cacao, vanilla, water and process again until well mixed.

I know how hectic life can get and making school lunches can sometimes complicate our daily obligations further. Last school year, I fell off the wagon big time by allowing the boys to eat their lunches at school to save time on preparation. This idea busted our wallets (3 kids eating school lunch every day-yikes!) and they often complained about the quality of school food.

Over the summer, I decided that a system needed to be in place to ensure healthy, fast lunches without the hassle.

Lunch Box Tip #1

Keep plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on hand - Fresh fruit and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, are easy to store, don’t require refrigeration, and will keep your child full longer than empty calories from junk food.

The fruit and vegetable options are endless, and with many children loving to dip their food, finding healthy dips is also essential to spark their interest.

Almond butter and pears are a sweet alternative to cookies and snack cakes.

The Justin's brand pictured here is made from roasted almonds, maple sugar, fruit oil, and sea salt.

16 oz of almond butter will run about $7 but I only have to purchase it every other month because we don't eat it every day. You store it in the pantry like peanut butter and it's also great on toast and crackers.

Other great dips for any fruit: peanut butter, coconut milk yogurt and chocolate fruit dip

Hummus with Carrots & Flat bread

Make your own hummus in about 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 can of garbanzo beans

1 small clove of garlic

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp tahini (found in the natural or international aisle at most grocery stores)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Directions:

Drain half of the water from the beans and put the rest in a food processor or blender with beans and remaining ingredients. Blend well.

Serve with fresh vegetables or flat bread.

Other dipping options with any vegetable: peanut butter, salad dressing, and eggplant dip.

Next week’s lunch box tip #2: Save money and give your child better health with stainless steel water bottles.

Do you have an idea you would like me to feature on this lunch box series? Leave a comment below or talk to me @brownvegan on Twitter.

5-Minute Lunch Box #6: Brownies-No Cooking Required

Lunch Box Tip# 1: Fresh Fruit, Veggies and Dips