Tasty lunch-box recipes to make the back-to-school weeks easier
Using puff pastry rolled into sausage-roll shapes gives a uniquely Aussie spin to the classic Greek pastry dish, spanakopita. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
As kids head back into their classrooms for term one, the problem of how to fill lunch boxes re-emerges.
We've put together some recipes that could help that lunch box come home empty.
Cheese and Vegemite savoury scrolls
Cheese and Vegemite scrolls will be a welcome addition to lunch boxes. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
A classic for a reason, Hetty Lui Mckinnon's iteration of the cheese and Vegemite scroll is likely to be a lunch-box hit.
You can also use the dough and customise the filling to better suit your child's preferences or go with what you have to hand. Sweet fillings (such as cinnamon sugar or jam) or savoury alternatives (such as pesto, tomato and mozzarella or spinach and feta) can also work here.
Muesli bars with honey and seeds
These muesli bars are a mighty satisfying snack that are "big batch" friendly.
Perfect for a weekend bake, the recipe relies on ingredients (including seeds, oats and honey) that you might already have in the pantry. Just remember to wait for them to cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing.
These bars do contain almond butter, so please consider consulting your school's allergy risk minimisation strategy to determine if they are suitable to pack.
You can also opt to switch the almond butter for hulled tahini. (ABC News: Heidi Sze)
Hetty Lui McKinnon's spanakopita rolls with tomato, chickpea and dill salad
This spanakopita rolls and chickpea salad recipe can become a delicious dinner, but any leftover rolls make for a just as delicious lunch box addition.
The rolls can be eaten alone with tomato sauce (as you would a traditional sausage roll) and are equally satisfying at room temperature.
You could have Sunday dinner and Monday's lunch box sorted almost at once.
You can use frozen spinach if you prefer, and add feta, ricotta or parmesan for extra cheesiness. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
Easy and adaptable zucchini and onion fritters
Another savoury option for the sandwich averse, these fritters can also help you cook your way out of a zucchini glut.
Frozen peas or corn can be added, as well as a teaspoon of curry powder, za'atar, or some smoky paprika for extra flavour.
This recipe is also gluten free, dairy free and egg free, so can be useful if you have specific dietary requirements to consider.
Throw in some frozen peas if you feel like it, or your favourite spice. (ABC News: Alice Zaslavsky)