Although I am in college now and I’m not home for many dinners, I do remember how hectic things were for my parents when my siblings and I were just a few years younger. A brief summary of my parent’s hectic morning rituals:

• Telling me and my siblings to get out of bed (minimum 5 times)
• Reminding us to brush our teeth (minimum 3 times…on a good day)
• Packing lunch (arguing that a poptart is not a sufficient lunch)
• Asking if we all did out homework (explaining that homework should be done at home…not in the car on the way to school in the morning)

Wow as I write this I realize just how hectic it really was!

Afternoons were just as hectic and deciding what to eat for dinner was always subject to contention. My family of five could never collectively decide on the night’s dinner menu; we all wanted something different. I cherish those fun memories and smile when I think about them but there are ways to prevent this from happening.

There are many quick and easy recipes that will delight your family even the members who have the most pickiest of taste buds. If you can get a delicious dinner done quickly then the transition to back to school will be easier as well. We hope that these menu items prove to be useful to you and your family. Bon appétit.

Parmigiano and Herb Chicken Breast Tenders
These chicken tenders put a spin on a classic kid favorite. I’ve probably had about a million tenders in my life thus far and while I love tenders and nuggets I just might prefer having them cooked up with a little twist like this. (Food Network)

Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, I’m talking the real thing and not from the box, is genuinely one of my favorite foods in the world. I have started a mission to try as many variations of it as possible. This simple recipe for making it at home is great because it takes very time and it’s really fool proof. (Food Network)

Sloppy Joe DiMaggios 
Sloppy Joes are so fun to both eat and make! This simple recipe is great for getting the kids involved and it makes eight servings which leaves plenty for a late night snack or lunch the next day. (Food Network)

Spaghetti Pizza
Lets admit it, pizza is the best go-to in the world. This recipe takes pizza to a whole new level. Have you ever heard of spaghetti pizza? Well now you have. Try this in your home and see how it’s received by your family. (All Recipes)

Chocolate-Granola Apple Wedges 
For me, no dinner is complete without dessert. I usually reach for 6 scoops of ice cream but these chocolate-granola apple wedges are perfect because they are both healthy and unique. This is the perfect dessert for when you don’t want your kids bouncing off the walls because of a late night sugar high. (My Recipes)

Hopefully one of these menu items caught your eye and will help make transitioning into back to school mode less stressful; enjoy!

Photo by Twix