It’s the time of year for new routines or returning to old routines long forgotten in the lazy days of summer. This means packing lunches, having easy breakfast food ready to grab on the way out the door, and planning for dinners. For some this can seem like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. I’ve previously discussed having a formula for the week. For example: Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, Pasta Wednesdays, etc.
Or perhaps each family member picks a day of the week to prepare dinner.
In the busyness of sports routines, music lessons, homework, and meetings, thinking of what to make for dinner is that last thing that one wants to do at 5 p.m., particularly if there are hungry teenagers or whiny children asking, “WHAT’S FOR DINNER?” Planning ahead is key.
Don’t forget about the crockpot! It is both a timesaver and a great way to prep for more than one dinner or to have leftovers for lunches.
Cold dinners always work well. We always talk about breakfast for dinner, but what about lunch for dinner? Sandwiches and fruit salad, cut up veggies and dip, and a big bowl of pretzels or chips are sure to feed a hungry crowd. Dinner certainly doesn’t have to be fancy, and it doesn’t even always have to be cooked!
September is the perfect time of year to use all those fresh tomatoes for homemade tomato soup!
Here’s to a back to school season of ease and fun!
INGREDIENTS
-Fresh tomatoes
-Salt and pepper
-Olive oil
-Vegetable or chicken broth
-Garlic
-Milk, cream, or Boursin cheese (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Use a big sheet pan to roast the tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add to a blender or food processor. Pour into a soup pot with chicken or vegetable broth and some milk or cream if you like. Add in half a wheel of Boursin cheese to really make it delicious. If you don’t want to make your own soup, adding the Boursin to store-bought soup also takes it up a notch.
Serve your tomato soup with elevated grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition to cheese, add in some of the ingredients below to wow your family.
-Grilled turkey or ham
-Thinly sliced apples or pears
-Brie and jam
-Pesto
-Caramelized onions
-Sliced tomato
-Grainy mustard
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of (585) Kids.
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