Hello again! I hope everyone reading this is healthy and adjusting to our new normal (at least for a while). I am not sure how mealtime is going in your house but in mine, it is like this:
- Kids and I eating constantly it seems
- I am definitely much more mentally tired at the end of the day after guiding 4 kiddos with homeschooling, so I have been cooking recipes I already have memorized and are super fast/easy
- The kids have been baking and cooking a lot as I am not buying packaged sweets, so that has been good! They also have been helping a lot more with dinner.
- We keep eating dinner later in the evening
- By Wednesday/Thursday I am ready to call “Kitchen Closed” (this is usually when we support local restaurants and order in!)
- I avoid the grocery store as much as I can so we get creative with food until we absolutely have to go.
- Location of eating meals has been more flexible than usual…(outside, at the bar, on the floor, garage, driveway)
- We are starting to grill a lot more with the new griddle we have outside and it’s super versatile!
I would like to share with you some go-to meals I have been cooking lately. There may not be every ingredient available at the grocery store in a recipe and that is ok. You can substitute or just leave it out, depending on what it is.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Breakfast Ideas
We do not cook a big breakfast every single morning. We also have cereal, waffles, toast, etc. Below are some easy breakfast ideas to cook with your family.
Omelets
By Family Table Thyme
I love omelets as you can load them up with veggies and flavor! Pictured is an omelet with ham, sauteed Brussel sprouts, baby bella mushrooms, and herbed goat cheese.
Homemade Cheddar Biscuits
By Sally’s Baking Blog
We made our own biscuit cutter using a recycled can from our pantry. We blunted the ends so they weren’t sharp
Blueberry Coffee Cake
By Once Upon a Chef
My daughter Emily made the one pictured above and it was outstanding!!!!! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea
Spicy Candied Bacon (in Oven)
By Family Table Thyme
Lay the bacon spaced about 1/2 inch apart on parchment lined baking sheet. In a small bowl mix to your liking: brown sugar, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush both sides of bacon generously and cook until bacon is crisp (around 15-20min), flipping halfway.
Homemade Banana Bread
By Family Table Thyme
Perfect for those over browned bananas and can be used for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!
David’s Peach-Berry Smoothie
By Family Table Thyme
My son David came up with this combination and it’s super tasty and refreshing. Smoothies are super fast and packed with nutrients to start your day! Perfect option for kids to be creative in the kitchen
Easy Dinner Ideas
These are some of the dinners I have memorized and don’t have to think to cook them because I have made them so many times.
Veggie Enchiladas
By Family Table Thyme
Have beans and veggies? You can add in whatever you like and they are YUM! This is one of the most used recipes I cook in my house. Have your kids help with these! If you have extra bean mixture and you dish is already full, use leftovers for eggs the next day or make another small casserole dish!
Pasta with Peas and Baon
By Everyday Food
This is super fast and easy! We add a little lemon zest and ricotta to add a little flavor. You can use any kind of pasta you prefer! Or even try it with sqaush noodles!
Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos
By Pinch of Yum
These have great flavor and SO good!!!! The Sriracha mayo is perfect with these. If you looking to expand flavors, this is a great way to start.
Wraps
By Family Table Thyme
I love to have my favorite frozen gluten-free natural Chicken nuggets/strips (HEB Brand) on hand when I need dinner fast! We make wraps, salads, or just eat them by themselves and add a side. We have even dabbled in making homemade Chick-Fil a sauce if we don’t have any on hand.
Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
By Once Upon a Chef
My kids inhale these wings. They are delicious. Add some fresh watermelon and fries (our favorite brand is the frozen Alexia) and you have an EASY dinner.
Homemade Pizza
By Family Table Thyme
I love making my own crust but there are some really good already made frozen crusts you can buy pre-made as well. Let your kids make their own! So many options!
More Dinner Ideas:
- Homemade Falafel
- Cauliflower/Turkey Tacos
- Salmon Mango Bowls
- Vegan Pasta Bowls
- Shrimp Tacos
- Mongolian Beef and Veggie Fried Rice
- Smokey Beef Tacos with Micheladas
Healthier Snack Ideas:
- Edamame (I buy the microwavable shelled edamame and sprinkle Kosher salt on after cooking)
- Watermelon
- Protein Balls
- Carrots
- Popcorn (you can make many types of fun seasonings to go on top!)
- Apples with Peanut Butter
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie-(We use cocoa powder, Almond Milk, Peanut butter, and a banana)
- Hummus and Pita Chips (H-E-B have some great hummus options. Our kids love black bean hummus
- Chobani Yogurt tubes–My kids freeze them in the freezer
- Yogurt parfaits-good for dessert and breakfast also!
If you need any other recipe ideas, have ANY questions pertaining to the above meals or just cooking questions in general, PLEASE reach out. I would LOVE to hear from you!
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