I know there are “healthier” things for kids to eat, but let’s face it: there are certainly worse things for them to eat. Hot Pockets (or the store-brand equivalent) are a staple on our grocery list. The boys especially love the ham & cheese and pepperoni varieties. They make a great after-school snack (and sometimes breakfast) that the guys can fix themselves, and they are a nice break from sandwiches for the younger three who take their lunches to school each day.

I have a system for packing Hot Pockets for school lunches. (The same wrapping system works for corndogs, burritos, etc.) First, I put three Hot Pockets on a microwave-safe plate for six minutes (in their little magical cardboard sleeves, of course). While they are cooking, I layer a paper towel and square of foil, paper towel, square of foil, paper towel, square of foil. I wrap up each cooked Hot Pocket in a foil/paper towel combo to keep them warm and somewhat insulate them from the other items in the lunch bag. It seems to work great, and the Hot Pockets are still warm when lunchtime rolls around.

So, there you have it — one of my work-arounds for a relatively healthy and super easy snack/meal for the kiddos.