I know we’ve talked about this before but am I the only one who feels like the day after Labour Day is more of a fresh start than January first?
I’ve always felt like the minute the kids head back to school, I want to empty out closets and clean the house from top to bottom.
But, this is the first September that I have no kids going back to school (yes, I am that old). And, you know what? It still feels like a fresh start! It’s not as “fierce” as when the kids were with me 24/7 all summer long, but it’s still there. I feel it!
And, for me, the first thing I always want to clean out is my fridge. Some people don’t understand that but, it’s like a CEO ensuring their desk is clean. My fridge IS my desk, so it’s important to have it in order.
When I’m I’m cleaning out the fridge, I always like to think about a few dishes to make for the fam as they begin the next part of the year.
One of the my kid’s fav chicken recipes is my bacon wrapped chicken…it’s quick and easy to throw together but makes you look like a rockstar in the kitchen!!
Or you could make some of my make-ahead grilled eggplant quesadillas! They are totally freezable and will even save you over the next few weekends when company comes over (because, summer ain’t over yet!!)
And, if you are still luxuriating in tomato season (and if you’re not, you certainly should be), make a batch of my roasted tomato soup with herbed ricotta but sub in fresh tomatoes for the canned variety! Soup is one of the best things to make because you can make a big batch and the flavour intensifies when it stays in the fridge for a few days.
Did you know that you can make pasta al forno (a baked pasta dish) totally ahead and bake it off when you need it? All the deets are right here!!
And you know you can’t talk about back to school without talking breakfast, right? Make up a batch of these blender pancakes that are refined sugar free, gluten free and dairy free. They are soooo fast to make and the kids will go to school with a full (and happy) belly!!
Want another make-ahead (and totally freezable) breakfast treat that doubles as a hot, after school snack?? Well, make up a batch of these breakfast burritos and just heat and serve when time is not on your side!
And if you’re really organized, you can make up a batch of these crock pot steel cut oats before you go to bed and have the house smelling glorious in the morning!! Make it now and eat it all week long (just heat individual servings, top with your choice of toppings and serve!).
If you’re thinking that meal prepping is the way to go (more to keep you sane when you have no time to make your own lunch!), then take a peek at this post…it will explain the A to Z of meal prepping and will have you packing a healthy lunch in no time!!
My kids are all grown and so much has changed since I had to get their lunches ready.
So, instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, I’m going to give you a couple of sites that will give you incredible ideas for kids of all ages!!
The ladies over at How to Eat will give you lots of recipes for the fam that are yummy and popular with the kiddos (and you’ll love Erin and Dara!!!)
You can also check out Nat over at Sneaky Mommies! And, like the name implies, she is fabulous at getting the best food into those little tummies!! Take a peek!!
And finally, my gal pals The GG Sisters have some amazing ideas and even product you can purchase to keep the kiddos happy…check them out too!
So that’s it in a nutshell! Good luck to all the munchkins out there.
It’s really not that bad…really!!
