School bags and stationary are every where you look. The back to school commercials are in full blast on TV and on the radio. Your kids can’t stop asking those what if questions ” What if I don’t like the new teacher?”, “what if she doesn’t like me?”, “what if none of my friends are in my class?”. No doubt about it. It is time to go back to school
I always have mixed feelings about school starting. I look forward to the return of order in the house but I miss the fun, projects and time spent with the kids without worrying about exams, home work or sleeping time.
One thing I never have mixed feelings about though is the need for creative and new ideas for breakfast, to pack in my daughter’s lunch box and to have ready for her when she comes home from school. I know I am not alone in that quest so I thought I would line up a few back to school recipes for all you mums and dads out there facing the start of school in the next few days. For those of you who don’t go to school or have kids that go to school, don’t look away just yet, there are plenty of wonderful recipes and ideas that you might enjoy, school or no school 🙂
Homemade Granola
Forget about serving store bought cereal for breakfast. You can make your own granola at home, using whatever nuts and flavorings you like. Prepare a jar full of this and you have a healthy breakfast ready in the blink of an eye. Just add milk or use it to top yogurt and you are ready to go
Maple apple muffins
These muffins are perfect for those mornings when you are running out of time. Having them around means a portable tasty breakfast or a treat for the lunch box is ready at hand. Grab one and head out the door, less stress in the morning is always a good thing if you ask me.
Gluten free, grain free nutty chocolate granola
If you or your kids are on a gluten free diet, that does not mean that you need to suffer with the choices for breakfast every day. This nutty, gluten free and grain free granola is sure to please grown ups and kids alike
Granola yogurt parfait recipe
Combine the goodness that is granola, yogurt and fruits in one breakfast or after school snack that you and your kids will love. The presentation will put a smile on your little one’s faces and they won’t even complain about eating stuff that is actually good for them, a win-win situation.
Yeasted oregano cheese muffins
Not a fan of sweet muffins? no problem! these savory muffins are golden brown and slightly crunchy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. Bake a dozen of these and freeze them and all you have to do is take them out and zap them in the microwave, breakfast is served!
Herb tomato and cheese crackers
Instead of packing the preservative and additive loaded store-bought crackers in your kids lunch box, how about baking these cheese crackers? you can play around with the herbs and flavors to fit your kids taste and even have them help in making them
Oats and dates ranger cookies
These cookies have just the right amount of sweetness, they are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside. With oats and dates, these cookies actually have good nutritional value in addition to tasting great.They make for a wonderful snack to pack in the lunch box or some thing to have ready with a cup of milk for the kids when they come home from school . Better yet, how about baking some of these as a gift for your kids new teacher?
Seedy crackers
If your kids love crunch, don’t reach for a bag of chips. Make these seedy crackers instead. They are sure to satisfy your kids crunch crave and are actually good for them. Add some goat cheese or labneh, some fruits and you have a refreshing new lunch box idea or after school snack
Olive oil rosemary wheat thins (crackers)
Why buy wheat thins when you can make them at home? Don’t like rosemarry? try oregano, garlic powder or whatever flavor your kids enjoy.
Homemade labneh
Also known as yogurt cheese or lebanese cream cheese. Use Labneh as a spread for sandwiches , a dip with some carrot and cucumber sticks or drizzle with some olive oil and serve with pita for breakfast along with some mint or olives. Labneh is somthing I am never without when school starts
Home made yogurt
Having home-made yogurt on hand gives you a world of possibilities. You can serve it for your kids to have for breakfast or as a snack plain ,with some honey, fruits or granola. You can make it , full fat or fat free according to your family’s needs
Homemade chocolate almond butter
This almond butter is amazing as a spread for sandwiches, as a dip with some apples or simply by the spoonful. It is better, tastier, healthier and cheaper than anything you can buy at the store. You can make it with chocolate, plain, with cinnamon and honey, or better yet, let your kids come up with their own flavor for their almond butter
Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
Breakfast on the go, and the name really says it all. It has milk, bananas, peanut butter and a hint of dark chocolate. It will give your kids energy without loading them with sugar
Peach cobbler drink
Kids will find it hard to resist a drink named after their favorite dessert but this is one treat you can serve them without feeling guilty. With oats, almonds, peaches, bananas , coconut milk and dates this drink is loaded with the nutrients your kids need after a long day at school
If you have kids with lactose intolerance or if your family is vegan, you don’t have to give up milk altogether. Try this nutty almond milk that you can make at home easily and your kids can enjoy with granola or cool from the fridge when they come home from school
Ayran “savory yogurt drink”
A wonderfully refreshing drink to pack in the lunch box. Add some mint, salt or serve it plain for a refreshing drink that is low in fat, high in calcium and protein
and if you are still looking for more ideas, follow my back to school and kid approved boards on pinterest
Chef in disguise 