POCKET FULL OF RULERS

When it comes to presentation--often key in getting kids to eat--this stuffed pocket really measures up.

The veggies that fill it are cut to resemble mini ruler shapes. Pack croutons and salad dressing separately to keep both the croutons and the bread from getting soggy.

Ingredients

Assorted fresh vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, avocados, peppers, etc.)
Pita bread
Lettuce
Croutons (optional)
2 tsp. salad dressing (recipe below)

Directions

Scrub and peel the vegetables. Lay each one on a cutting board and thinly slice it lengthwise into rulerlike shapes. Cut off the top of the pita bread and line the inside with lettuce.

Fill the pocket with the ruler veggies and tightly cover the sandwich with plastic wrap. Pack the pita with a small baggie filled with croutons, if desired, and a small container of honey mustard dressing (see the following recipe).

HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions

Whisk together all of the ingredients. Store in a covered bottle in the refrigerator. To pack dressing in your child's lunch, shake the bottle to remix the ingredients and then pour some into a leakproof plastic container.

You may want to tape on a note that says "shake me before using" as a reminder to your child. Recipe makes 2/3 cup.