Griffith Tracy - Stealth health lunches kids love: irresistible and nutritious gluten-free sandwiches, wraps and other easy eats

Why me and this cookbook? Simply, because I love to cook with kids. And they love it, too. They go bonkers when I teach them how to roll bright Origami Wraps and turn them into kaleidoscopes of tasty fun. The moment a child unwraps his or her first roll is one of sheer, delightful surprise. Always a gasp! Then a clap of buoyant confidence and a little swagger, Yeah! I made THAT myself! Wanna taste it? Want me to make you one? Adults have the exact same response, by the way.

As a chef, my professional advice is that if you can get kids to play with their food and have fun creating it, theyll be happier eating it. And eating is always more entertaining when the foods in a roll. All of these recipes involve rolling or stuffingmethods that are easy for kids to do, easy for parents to prep and a fantastic way to sneak in healthy ingredients. Another bonus for Mom and Dad: PRE-paration. Getting everything set to roll before the kids get into the kitchen is easier than ever with my help. Just check out the easy how-to photos and tips for make-ahead plans and freeze-for-later foods.

Why did I make these recipes gluten-free? My own experience of going gluten-free (and I do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance) was life-changing. The increased energy, better concentration and mood lift were remarkable. I got fired up with the challenge of preparing gluten-free gourmet dishes. I also learned that there are so many children who have to avoid gluten, and I felt for them, having to dig a little deeper to sort out their diets in a fast-food, cupcake world. These recipesevery one gluten-freeare fun to make and safe to eat for them and their whole families.

And, hand to heart, I tested over forty kids in three different countries and got pretty much the same reactions everywhere. It usually went like this:

First, the moms would be delighted to have their kids participate. Then theyd show up and immediately begin to apologize: Im sorry in advance if Johnny wont eat anything. Hes very picky. And, Please dont think its your fault if she doesnt like the food. And then, amazed that their picky eaters not only enjoyed their tastings but actually asked for more, they asked for the recipes on the spot. Sonot to bragStealth Healths food ratings were extremely favorable. I think our kid tasters would have awarded us a couple of mini-Michelin stars.

The other surprise to moms was that they loved the rolls, too. They could tell these bite-sized buddies could do double duty for their own work lunch or cocktail party. They were delighted by how perfect the rolls and wraps are for school lunchboxes but also were thrilled that they pair well with martinis and Pinot Noir!

These recipes were created to be fun, healthy and easyin that order. They aim to get kids to enjoy cooking, creating and eating new and healthy things. Some recipes might look complicated, but just read through and youll see that step by step you are going to roll with it. Yes, your first or second roll might be a little chaotic (you know, like your first pancake), but I promise, you and your little guys will find your own rolling rhythm and style.

So, heres to you and your little rockin rollers: Do your pita thing, fly your wrap flag and get rolling!

Think like a chef. Start off by considering the main event. This is usually the protein (Chicken? Tuna? Cheddar?). Then think about what veggie would taste good with that (kind of like what shoes match this skirt?). There are all sorts of possible combinations: Tuna and cucumbers, chicken and bell peppers, cheddar and ham

Have some BBQ chicken? Add some creamy coleslaw under that tangy meat. Extra pork roast? Tuck finely shredded spinach under one of the Stealth Health spreads (such as the sweet bell pepper taste of Red Spread or the pesto yum of Schmoo) that make almost every wrap and roll taste better. They are used repeatedly in this cookbook as foundations of flavor and, of course, covert operators delivering vitamins and nutrition your kid wont see coming. The creamy spreads enhance the other ingredients in every roll, wrap and pocket and are super-concentrated with fresh herbs and vegetables. Your kids might not eat a spoonful of basil and parsley, but with a swipe of Schmoo, consider it done!

My best tip? Its in three little French words: mise-en-place (set in place). This principle is the key between heaven and Hades for the professional chef, and the same for the home cook. If you get organized before you begin cooking, you will save much time and mental anguishand you might actually enjoy making food with your kids. Mise-en-place is about getting ingredients PREPPEDas in, cleaned, chopped, diced, sliced and measured before you start to cook. Think of it as laying out your outfit for the day. Its so much easier when you get out of the shower and everything you need is all laid out on the bed, right? Its the same with cooking. Also, if your ingredients are pre-cooked and pre-cut, then all the knives are off the counter and its safe for little hands to be involved. You dont have to stress about what is supposed to be cut into 4/6 10 cm pieces now. Its already there in your new best friends: zipper-lock bags.