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Simplify Your Back-to-School Meal Planning

Try these tasty recipes this week!

By Sandra Ozaki, Publisher Macaroni KID North Little Rock, Arkansas September 12, 2024

Now that we're a few weeks into our back-to-school routine, it seems like a good time to check-in. Is everyone still adjusting? Or are you in survival mode already? You know, that feeling that the harder you try, the faster the challenges come? Fall sports, piano practice, extracurricular classes, and life conspiring to take us down right before the holidays. 

Here are some easy recipes to make life easier for you! They can add variety to your back-to-school menu without adding more to your plate! We love that they are simple enough for kids to help cook too. Just click the links below to see the full recipes.

First up, salmon three ways! Heart-healthy Omega 3s, an easily adjustable flavor profile, and a neat presentation are winner, winner, it's fish for dinner!

 Grilled Salmon Packets

Salmon is a healthy summer protein that easily transitions to your fall menu. These Grilled Salmon Packets are perfect for the backyard barbeque and kids will love helping you make the foil packets, seasoning the fish, and topping them with the lemon slices. The packets easily cook on the grill with veggies for a light yet tasty lunch or dinner.


Sweet & Spicy Pan-Seared Salmon

This recipe is great for when you'd rather cook in the kitchen than out on the grill. If your family doesn't like spicy foods, you can dial down the amount of Sriracha sauce or use hot honey instead. White or black sesame seeds are another option for garnishing this oriental-inspired dish which goes great with steamed rice or a mixed greens salad.


Salmon Salad

Salad is one of our favorite end-of-the-week meals because you can easily use leftover protein, vegetables, or fruit and customize individual servings for your picky eaters. This recipe uses a honey and Dijon mustard dressing which pairs well with any leftover salmon from earlier in the week. But oil and vinegar with a touch of lemon juice would be delish as would this Asian dressing. 


Apple Nachos

We couldn't go too long without a sweet treat! Whether you need an afternoon snack or a quick no-cook dessert, these Apple Nachos fit the bill! Kids will love layering the apples and drizzling the sauces. And everyone will enjoy making them disappear!


Pumpkin Muffins

Here's one you can have fun with! The basic recipe makes 15-18 regular-sized muffins but how adorable would these be in a mini-muffin tin? Spooky season cometh so if you're into baking (we see you bake sale mamas!) this two-ingredient muffin can be the beginning of so much happiness. Substitute craisins for the chocolate chips, hide a piece of candy or sprinkles in the center, and since this recipe uses box cake mix, frosting them would be decadent and delicious!


We hope these recipes make getting back into your fall routine easier. We'll be back with more simple solutions to parenting problems. While we can't add hours to the day, we certainly try to make the time we do have more enjoyable and memorable for everyone!