Get back into your routine with these deliciously simple, affordable back-to-school recipes that work double duty to make mealtime and snacks easy and fast.
This blog post was created in partnership with ALDI. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Once August 1st hits, I know the back-to-school grind is upon us. While many of my friends in other states start to feel the pinch closer to September 1st (because their children go back after Labor Day), the new calendar month means our crew is about to dive head first into a routine and schedule. This also means I’ll be in need of more easy back-to-school recipes!!
Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad thing. On the contrary. However, it means that a fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants impromptu dinner out that pushes the girls well past bed time now needs to be reserved for the weekends. Because the girls have active schedules and Brent and I both work, I need to create a plan to get meals and snacks on the table fast. This means finding double-duty recipes that I can make once and eat twice are the key to not spending all of my spare time in the kitchen.
Are you an ALDI shopper? We are! I love that they have high-quality food at such an affordable price. ALDI is where I go when I need to stock up on essentials, find delicious foods and wine for entertaining as well as fulfill my weekly grocery list. I’ve found that there is something for everyone there. They’re also stocked with a wide assortment of organic foods and gluten-free items from their award-winning, exclusive liveGfree line, which recently earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal.
Because I’m all about crowdsourcing and using the best available resources to make my life easier, I jumped on the ALDI website to check out some of their Better-for-You recipes. Here are just a few of them:
This sweet, tropical-tasting recipe is a cinch to make, thanks to everyone’s favorite kitchen gadget: a slow cooker. Use a combination of Never Any! chicken breasts and chicken thighs for the most flavorful and tender chicken. Products in the Never Any! line are an affordable way to enjoy poultry and pork that is free from antibiotics, added hormones and animal by-products. Serve the chicken one night in tortillas to make pulled chicken tacos–a simple and favorite back-to-school recipe. Then, top it on a salad, baked potato or Hawaiian roll for a deliciously different meal the next night. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use the liveGfree Gluten Free Plain Wraps for a delicious tortilla option. You can’t beat two meals in one!
If affordable organic produce is a priority for you, then you definitely need to check out the offerings at ALDI. I love making fruit kebabs with the girls for a sweet snack. These colorful kebabs go triple duty as a snack, side dish for any meal or a fun lunchbox addition. Serve yogurt alongside the kebabs for a tasty and protein-packed dip.
Skip the premade frozen pizzas and make your own using nutritious ingredients like turkey bacon, spinach and whole-wheat bagels. These little pizza bites are a speedy after-school snack your child can customize with their favorite ingredients. You can also make extras for a yummy lunchbox treat.
Who said you can’t enjoy a cookie for breakfast? Or dessert? Or a snack? With this easy 5-ingredient recipe featuring berries, oatmeal and peanut butter, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a boost of fiber, whole grains, protein, and vitamins.
Love these recipe ideas? Learn more about each one by watching my TV segment on “Good Day Alabama”:
WBRC FOX6 News – Birmingham, AL
Do you have a favorite double-duty recipe? Share yours in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas to make mealtime easier!
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