Meal

Jun 19, 2023

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03 Aug, 2023, 12:06 ET

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MISSION, Kan., Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) The hustle and bustle of back-to-school season can cause chaos in households. Class time, field trips and homework typically rule each day, which can make sitting down for a meal seem like a far-off dream. One easy way to save time is simplifying family recipes and prioritizing meal-planning.

Consider these meal-planning tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project, whose partners are donating $16,000 to the Foundation for Fresh Produce to support children's accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Choose the meals you plan to make for the week. Cut down on prep time by planning dishes with overlapping ingredients then write out a grocery list to keep from overbuying. Recipes like this Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento Box that include a brief list of widely used ingredients can help you avoid buying items you may only use once.

Stock the kitchen with ingredients your family often uses. Ensure you have the spices, seasonings, condiments, sauces and canned foods to prepare favorite meals at a moment's notice.

Save time by washing and prepping produce once each week. For example, if you're using sweet peppers in these Mini Sweet Pepper Sheet Pan Nachos and again in another meal that week, prep all at once so they're ready when it's time to cook – just be sure to store in an airtight container.

Serve quick snacks that won't spoil dinner. Kids often need a little fuel for homework, but complicated snacks can cut into already busy schedules. Keep ingredients on hand for simple options like trail mix, fruit parfaits and meat and cheese wraps.

Use kitchen tools that speed up the process. Pressure cookers and air fryers can help you put nutritious meals on the table faster while slow cookers let you prep in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious dinner.

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more back-to-school recipes.

Mini Sweet Pepper Sheet Pan NachosRecipe courtesy of Healthy Family ProjectPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 5 minutesServings: 4

8 ounces Pero Family Farms Mini Sweet Peppers, cut into chip shapes7 ounces tortilla chips1/2 cup sweet or red onion, diced.1/2 cup canned or fresh corn1/2 cup queso fresco cheese1/4 cup black olives1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, fresh sliced1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish1 lime, cut into thin wedges, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Place peppers and tortilla chips on sheet pan. Layer onion, corn, cheese, black olives and jalapeno peppers. Bake 3-5 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento BoxRecipe courtesy of Healthy Family ProjectPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 25 minutesServings: 12

8 large eggs1/2 cup milk nonstick cooking spray3/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed1/2 cup chopped Nature Fresh Farms Tomz tomatoes1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese1/4 small RealSweet sweet onion, chopped1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt1/4 cup granola1/2 Zespri SunGold kiwi, chopped1 Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin, peeled and segmented

Preheat oven to 325 F.

In large bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or use silicone muffin liners. Evenly divide beans, tomatoes, cheese and onion among cups. Pour eggs over top.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until eggs are set and lightly browned.

Remove from oven and cool in pan 2-3 minutes. Use knife to loosen edges and remove.

In cup or bowl, mix yogurt, granola and kiwi.

Assemble bento box with two quiche muffins, kiwi parfait and mandarin slices.

Michael French[email protected] 1-888-824-3337editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.

SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate