Even though it’s still August with daily temps hovering around 90 degrees and the humidity nearly as high, there’s something almost imperceptible in the air. The days are beginning to shorten. There’s just a hint, a tease, of cool weather some mornings. And an occasional day when the light takes on that clear, autumn-like quality. The last few weeks of summer always feel like “goodbye” to me. Or maybe it’s more like “re-entry.” We go back to our regular schedules, see the grandkids a lot less, and start getting ready for all the things that come with fall. Like football. And Halloween. And Thanksgiving.
Of course, the grandkids are back in school now (that’s them in the photo above taken at ZooAtlanta a few weeks ago) and they’re both really enjoying seeing their friends again every day. They’ve settled back into their routines. Our daughter has started her fall semester at UNCA so she’s back in her regular routine as well. It’s such a busy time for their family, and probably yours, too. I remember those times so well when I barely had time to make sure my shoes matched before running out the door to get to school and work. What to cook for dinner on those busy days was the last thing on my mind. So, please allow me to give you a hand with meal planning, okay?
I’ve prepared a roundup of some of the best, most kid-friendly recipes from the Never Enough Thyme files. Every one of them has been kid tested and approved by Aidan and Maggie and I’m betting that you and your kids will like them, too!
Breakfast
Snacks
- Banana Split Cones
- Boiled Peanuts
- Coke Floats
- Old-Fashioned Southern Teacakes
- Pimiento Cheese
- Outrageous Chocolate Cookies
- Texas Sheetcake
Salads
Main Dishes
- Sloppy Joes
- All-American Meatloaf
- Baked Meatballs and Spaghetti
- BeeBop’s Bacon Cheeseburger
- Beef Stew in the Pressure Cooker
- Meatloaf Burgers
- Caesar Salad Pizza
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake
- Shepherd’s Pie
- White Chicken Chili
- BLT Pasta
- Baked Spaghetti
Sides
So there you have it! The best from my recipe files to help you get through these first hectic weeks of school. I sincerely hope you find one or two things here that you and your family enjoy!
What I was up to:
- One year ago: Charlotte Russe
- Two years ago: Cheese Pinwheels with Mayhaw Jelly
- Three years ago: Sloppy Joes
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Not just for kids…I’m particularly dying for a Dutch Baby (though I might plead you call it a German Pancake – that Dutch business comes from the word Deutsch (German) and I am one!).
Great list Lana…and not JUST for back to school!
Thanks much, Barb. And I have a good bit of Deutsch ancestry, too.
Hope the leg is much better by now. Thanks for the great recipes. Keep ‘em coming!
We actually tried fried okra according to your recipe today and my children who think okra is a strange vegetable one probably should stay away from love it. :)
I’m so glad to hear that, Marie! I can eat it like popcorn :-)
All of the recipes are my favorites! Take care of your leg so that you can whip up some new delights.
Miss P
I’m working on it! When I go to PT today, if things look good, I’ll get to stand on it for the first time in a month! Woohoo!
Great round up and SO needed at this time of year when the change in schedule turns everything topsy turvy!! Keeping my fingers crossed for a good report at PT!!