Back-to-School Chaos? 3 Great Meals to Make Your Day Easier

Another school year has started. Any idea where your sense of organization went? We’ve got some great tips and recipes to reduce your family’s back-to-school stress and take care of those growling tummies before, during and after the school day.

back-to-school-breakfast

PRO TIP #1: MAKE BREAKFAST AHEAD OF TIME

If your typical weekday morning is more hectic than ever, try whipping up a great breakfast you and the kids can eat on the go. Tropical Energy Balls are a tasty, healthy choice. Each ball is just 142 calories and delivers 17 grams of carbohydrates to power you through the morning.

 

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ or ground flax seed
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple
  • 3 tablespoons macadamia nuts
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Additional shredded coconut, optional

 

Stir together oats, peanut butter, chocolate morsels, wheat germ, honey, coconut, pineapple, nuts, and vanilla until well combined.

 

With wet hands, form a tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture into a ball. If the mixture is not holding together, add a little more honey until a ball can form easily. Roll in shredded coconut if desired. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 36 balls.

 

For extra protein, you can add 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder to the oat mixture.

 

PRO TIP #2: SEND THEM OFF WITH SUPER STUDY HALL SNACKS

Just like you, the kids need bursts of energy during the day to keep going. Toss small bags of this Popcorn Trail Mix into their backpacks. They’ll love the satisfying crunch – and you’ll feel good knowing they’re munching on the healthy stuff! Each serving is 185 calories with 30 grams of carbohydrates.

 

  • 1 bag (76.3 g each) butter-flavored microwave popcorn
  • 2 cups low-fat granola
  • 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup roasted sunflower kernels (about 2 oz)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • Nonstick cooking spray

 

Preheat oven to 300°F. Prepare popcorn according to package directions. Remove all unpopped kernels. Place popped corn in large bowl. Add granola, oats, dried cranberries and cinnamon; toss together. Set aside.

 

In a separate small bowl, mix sunflower kernels, honey, and melted butter or margarine. Pour over popcorn mixture; mix well with a large spoon coated with the cooking spray. Spread mixture evenly in shallow baking pan.

 

Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through bake time. Cool for 20 minutes before breaking clumps apart with the pre-treated spoon. Store in a tightly sealed container up to 1 week.

 

PRO TIP #3: KEEP DINNER SIMPLE

School-night dinners should be delicious and above all, easy. Try this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet recipe for a quick main dish your family will love. Add a green side salad and you’re all set! Each serving has 379 calories and 35 grams of carbohydrates.

 

  • 1 pound ground round beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups dry medium pasta shells, uncooked
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend

 

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic salt; cook for 7 minutes or until beef is crumbled and browned, stirring occasionally. Drain fat from pan.

 

Add tomato sauce, pasta, and water to the skillet mixture; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes or until pasta is tender.

 

Stir in ketchup. Top with cheese and let stand until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

 

FALL PARTIES ON YOUR CALENDAR? CALL THE CATERING SERVICES PROS AT JERRY’S KITCHEN

Are you planning a birthday, anniversary or corporate party this season? Be a guest at your own celebration with help from the catering services experts at Jerry’s Kitchen!

 

We’ll bring everything to you with our award-winning food truck catering specialties – or, if you prefer, a classic menu with fresh favorites to please all your guests. We have tasty options for everyone, including those with food allergies and specific preferences.

 

To book catering services or food trucks for your party near Doylestown or Philadelphia, give us a call today.

 

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