ML Interest Tag: recipe-ideas

18 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

by Sara Olsher

You’re always looking for meals that are kid-friendly, healthy, easy to put together, and budget-friendly. We found 17 easy Trader Joe’s recipes to add to your arsenal, which we hacked together using ingredients you can find at Trader Joe’s. All these healthy dinners have been tested (and approved) by both grown-ups and kids. Need more inspo? These TikTok Trader Joe’s recipes are also pretty brilliant.

Beef Bulgogi with Cabbage over Rice

Trader Joe's 15-minute meals beef bulgogie
Trader Joe's

If you haven't tried Trader Joe's beef bulgogi we suggest you change that immediately. You'll find it in the frozen section and we like that you just need to saute it with some water for a few minutes and it is done. Add in the garlicky cabbage or broccoli for some extra veg and serve it over rice. TJs has frozen rice packets that make this whole transaction done in less than 10 minutes. 

Cheesy Beef Birria Tacos

Trader Joe's 15 minute meals beef birria tacos
Trader Joe's

Beef birria is having a moment (consommé, anyone?) and we love this easy shortcut from Trader Joe's. You just have to heat up the meat, warm the tortilla, add a little cheese and top with onion and cilantro. Dinner is ready in 15 minutes. 

Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Need a Trader Joe's dinner idea? Try shrimp pesto pasta.
Anna Doogan

Pesto is the star of this easy Trader Joe's recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Karly Wood

Perfect for both hot summer days or crisp nights, this simple and delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup comes together in just ten minutes. Shred Trader Joe's pre-cooked Lemon Chicken and add to a large stockpot. Toss in two tubs of Mediterranean Orzo Salad and two cartons of chicken broth, bring to a boil and then enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon. 

Penne Arrabiata with Sausage & Spinach

Add some extra protein and greens to your pasta routine with this simple recipe incorporating tasty spices. Remove the casing from your fave Trader Joe's Sausage and cook through before adding to a prepared skillet of Penne Arrabiata (or any other frozen pasta if this is too spicy for your fam). Serve on a bed of spinach, or toss in the spinach right before serving to wilt (and camouflage).

Related: The Best Trader Joe’s Food for Your Air Fryer

Pot Sticker Stir Fry

Pot Sticker Stir Fry is a Trader Joe's Recipe
Karly Wood

Forgot to take out your dinner ingredients from the freezer (again)? When it comes to enjoying this pot sticker stir fry it's a non-issue! Just pour a bag of Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers and Stir-Fry Frozen Vegetables into a large skillet (add salt and pepper, if desired) and cook until warmed through. Pour in one up of Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce and then enjoy a veggie-packed dinner in ten minutes flat.

Easy Gyros & Mediterranean Salad

Trader Joe's recipe for easy gyros
Karly Wood

Keep it cool and refreshing during the warmer months by whipping up easy gyros. Grab a box of fully cooked Trader Joe's Gyro Slices, naan bread, tomatoes and creamy prepared Tzatziki sauce and pair with a simple Greek salad made with greens, cucumber and balsamic vinegar.

Green Curry Chicken & Fried Rice

Karly Wood

Add a little spice to your dinner routine, and in less than 15 minutes! All it takes is two jars of Trader Joe's Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce. Prepare a package of Just Grilled Chicken Strips and frozen Vegetable Fried Rice separately. Once the rice is cooked, add both jars of the simmer sauce and chicken to the same skillet and heat until warmed.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Anna Doogan

For a delicious veggie-centric dinner, stuffed peppers with quinoa and feta are hard to beat. Stuff a variety of peppers with a pre-made quinoa salad, sprinkle with feta and bake until warmed through. You’ll get a bright pop of color, a big boost of vitamins and a whole lot of yumminess with this Trader Joe's recipe.

Related: 26 of the Healthiest Things You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s

Kid-Friendly Curry

Trader Joe's recipes that include Thai curry red sauce
Sara Olsher

Expose your kids to a taste of Thai with this easy recipe. Mix a can of coconut cream (also available in a low-fat version) with a bottle of Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce and simmer. Cube some of Trader Joe's pre-cooked all-natural chicken breast to throw in the pot, and serve over their three-minute rice. You can also add steamed spinach!

Next-Level Ravioli

Sara Olsher

Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).

Carnitas Salad

The cilantro salad dressing at Trader Joe's is no joke, and it's delicious on more than just salads. Create a filling dinner salad or a tasty lunch by adding their pre-cooked carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro salad dressing and a small amount of sour cream to a bag of romaine lettuce.

Steak Tacos

need a trader joe's dinner idea? Try tacos!
Anna Doogan

Can’t decide what to have for dinner? A DIY taco bar is a fun and simple crowd-pleaser. While the meat’s cooking, set out tortillas, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives and any other toppings you can think of. Then let everyone go to town making their own creation!

Island Soyaki Rice Bowl with Meatballs

Anna Doogan

Taste the flavors of a tropical vacation no matter the time of year with this Trader Joe's recipe. Cook party-size frozen mini meatballs in Island Soyaki marinade, flavored with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. Serve over cooked rice. Add sautéed red peppers and grilled pineapple chunks, and don’t forget to save a little sauce for drizzling on top.

Related: These Are the Most Popular Trader Joe’s Products, According to Customers

Easy Vegetarian Soft Tacos

Sara Olsher

These tacos can be thrown together in less than five minutes. Pictured below are Guerrero tortillas and Amy's organic refried beans, but Trader Joe's has their own version of both items. Heat the refried beans, then add Trader Joe's Double Roasted Salsa, Mexican cheese, guacamole and chopped spinach.

Scallop Rolls

Scallop rolls are an easy dinner idea
Anna Doogan

Try a twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.

Chicken Pasta Salad

chicken pasta salad is a Trader Joe's dinner idea
Anna Doogan

This salad is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a portable option for a picnic or potluck. Plus, it’s equally fantastic served warm or cold! Toss cooked pasta with a jar of Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa, black beans, chopped chicken and a bit of creamy dressing, like the tasty Cilantro. Add a handful of your favorite veggies and shredded or cubed cheese to top it off.

Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos

Sara Olsher

Trader Joe's pulled pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.

—with additional reporting by Kate Loweth, Anna Doogan, and Karly Wood

 

 

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The Easiest Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

by Erin Lem

This savory snack is perfect for the holiday season or anytime, really

If you’re looking for an appetizer or a snack-worthy finger food, try this recipe for ham and cheese puff pastry. Courtesy of The Clever Carrot, whipping this dish up is like making a sandwich, but filled with melted cheese and ham. The pre-made puff pastry dough makes the process quick and simple.

Makes 12-16 squares

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry:

1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted*
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ pound black forest ham, thinly sliced
½ pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1 egg
flour for dusting

*Defrost overnight in the fridge before you begin.
**Puff pastry sheets are available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. If you cannot find them, you can use a whole block of dough instead. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough and cut it into two sheets measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches (use a ruler if necessary). Transfer to a piece of parchment paper and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 F.

2. To make the egg wash, lightly beat an egg with 1 tbsp. of water. Set aside.

3. Place a piece of parchment paper onto your work surface and dust lightly with flour. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on top of the paper. Using the back of a teaspoon, brush the dough with mustard leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Use a ruler if necessary.

4. Staying within the border, add the sliced ham in overlapping layers. Add the cheese. Brush the border with some of the egg wash to create a seal.

5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled pastry lining up the edges.
Using a sharp knife, trim the dough so that the edges line up and the square is even. It’s just like cutting the crust off of a sandwich. Make sure to cut the dough in a swift downward motion (think paper slicer). If you drag your knife, it will not rise properly. Press down lightly.

6. Brush the top with more egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet by lifting up the parchment paper.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and cut into squares (about 12-16 depending how large you want them). Serve hot.

 

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Clever Carrot. For more great family recipe ideas, head on over to the blog by clicking here.

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Ripe This Way: 8 U-Pick Apple Orchards near Portland

by Katrina Emery

Apple picking season means fall is on its way in

This year’s scorching summer has ripened fruit quickly, and that means fall is set to bring bushels of bounty. The orchards around Portland are flowing with all varieties of apples, pears, peaches, and more, and we know you’re ready to pick with the kids. We’ve rounded up the best farms around, and they’re all gorgeous enough to sneak in those beloved fall family photos. How can you resist?

Not up for a drive? Here’s where to go apple picking near Portland

Bell’s Orchard

This sweet Beaverton farm boasts a bright red barn that welcomes families daily—they even have evening picking for these gorgeous warm summer nights. Gravenstein apples are now available for U-pick at $2.50 per pound, as well as Bartlett pears for $1.50 a pound. The short-style orchard means that everyone can pick without ladders. Fill your buckets with varieties of apples, pears, and juicy peaches—your only problem might be stopping before you have enough for 50 pies.

24350 S.W. Farmington Rd.
Beaverton, OR
Online: bellsorchard.com

Related: U-Pick Pumpkin Patches You’ll Definitely Want to Visit

Sherwood Orchards

In the rolling hills past Newberg, the 1,300 trees of this orchard produce pears, apples, plums, quince, and even persimmons. U-pick is available over the 26 acres with more than 70 varieties of apples ranging from tart cooking apples to sweet ones—check the website or Facebook for updates on availability. Please bring your own boxes and bags to both pick and bring your fruit home in, and make sure you wear sturdy shoes (not sandals or flip flops) because the grounds are uneven. Get your camera ready, because this spot offers the perfect opportunity for those back-to-school or holiday themed photos.

23995 S.W. Pacific Hwy.
Sherwood, OR
Online: sherwoodorchards.com

Related: Get Lost! Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall

 

These family-friendly apple orchards along the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop (& beyond) are worth the drive

Kiyokawa Orchards

 

Family-owned and operated in Parkdale, this orchard produces apples your family won’t be able to resist, and did we mention it’s the largest in the Hood River Valley? No wonder it’s been a standing favorite for Portland families looking to get their fresh fruit fix for years. As it happens with Mother Nature, the usual apple picking schedule is a bit off this year. Currently, they’re running about two to three weeks behind, but have plans to open in early September. Rest assured that when the apples are ripe, families will be filling their baskets with any number of the nearly 150 different varieties of fruits they offer during the harvest season. That’s right, you can also score some sweet pears when you pick here. Be sure to keep an eye on their website or social media accounts to find out when the time is ripe to head over.

5625 Hutson Rd.
Parkdale, OR
Online: mthoodfruit.com

Mountain View Orchards

Three generations in and this 50-acre orchard near Portland is still producing stellar fruit that goes above and beyond apples. August and September see peaches, plums, pears, apples, nectarines, late blueberries, and even dahlias, corn, carrots, and beets. Make it whole day with a hayride later in the season, topped off with fresh cider and donuts. And the adults in the group should check out their special hard cider on tap or in bottles to take home. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and pups are happily allowed on a leash.

6670 Trout Creek Ridge Rd.
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: mtvieworchards.com

Related: We Picked the Best Fall Farms Around

Beilke Family Farm

Near Salem, Beilke Family Farm boasts up to 15 varieties of irresistible apples like Ruby Mac, Cripps Pink, and Gold Rush available for picking between late August and mid-November. Four generations have worked these trees, and the care shines through in well-organized rows that are easy to navigate so you can find your favorite fruit. The dwarf trees make it a cinch for kids to pick and fill their buckets. Please bring your own buckets or boxes to take home your picked apples; the farm’s five gallon plastic buckets are only for use in the orchard. Opening times are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4925 Rockdale St. N.E.
Brooks, OR
Online: beilkefamilyfarm.com

Hood River U-Pick Organic

Bask in the shadow of Mt. Hood at this scenic farm that offers organic U-pick apples around the middle of September. Relaxing is the farm vibe here, and kids will love interacting with the many animals that roam the farm. We’re talking chickens, pigs, and even alpacas. Enjoy a picnic under the shade of the farm trees, or let the kids roam when they’ve had their fill of pickin’.

4320 Royal Anne Dr.
Hood River, OR
Online: hoodriverupick.com

Draper Girls’ Country Farm

Even on a rainy or overcast day, you can head to this Hood River Valley farm to go apple picking in the fall. After you check in and grab a bucket for picking, it’s as easy as finding ripe fruit within reach. You’ll find apples and maybe some peaches, depending on how late in the apple-picking season you head over. Charming goats may be there to greet your kids, and they’ll love swinging on the tree swing when they’re done. Apples are priced based on weight, and they keep for a long time, so have a few recipe ideas on hand for the coming weeks.

6200 OR-35
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: drapergirlsfarm.com

Smith Berry Barn

Head to Hillsboro, just a short drive from Portland, where this charming farm offers the most delicious fresh produce. Stroll through the picturesque orchard and pick from rows upon rows of apple trees bursting with fantastic fruit. Your kids will have a blast exploring the farm and enjoying the fresh country air.

24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road
Hillsboro, OR
Online: smithberrybarn.com

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15 Genius Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

by Susie Foresman

10 lbs. of turkey look a lot more appetizing when you’ve got Thanksgiving leftover recipes to try

If you’re looking at a mountain of leftovers without any idea of what to do, we’ve got you covered. Transform all that food with our Thanksgiving leftover recipes. We’re talking Thanksgiving leftover casseroles, recipes with mashed potato leftovers, and everything in between. And if you are just totally over it, check out our favorite frozen foods from Trader Joe’s that take almost no time to prepare. 

Turkey Tetrazzini

leftover thanksgiving recipes
Greens & Chocolate

Transform your leftover turkey into the ultimate comfort food inspired by Greens & Chocolate. Egg noodles, turkey, and mushrooms are bathed in a deliciously cheesy sauce, then it’s all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. 

Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

leftover Thanksgiving recipes
Connoisseurus Veg

Turkey Day leftovers aren’t just for meat-eaters! Take inspiration from Connoisseurs Veg to whip up this vegetarian-friendly dish with your leftover mashed potatoes. We’re drooling over that perfectly crispy crust. 

Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese

turkey grilled cheese is a good thanksgiving leftover recipe
Whitney Bond

When in doubt, add buffalo sauce! This simple idea from Whitney Bond is a great way to refresh those leftovers. Plus, you can sneak some veggies in for crunch. 

Turkey Nachos

Turkey nachos are a good Thanksgiving leftover recipe
Bless Her Heart Y’all

These nachos from Bless Her Heart Y’all are the perfect accompaniment for those post-Thanksgiving football games or movie nights. With plenty of melty cheese and veggies, they’re also a nice change of pace from typical holiday food.

Cheesy Cranberry, Bacon and Turkey Sliders

Simple Seasonal

These drool-worthy sliders from Simple Seasonal can knock out three types of leftovers at once: dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and turkey. If you’ve got guests sticking around on Black Friday and beyond, this is the perfect way to feed a crowd.

Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

Thanksgiving casserole is a good Thanksgiving leftover recipe
Make-Ahead Meal Mom

When you’re so sick of turkey you can’t look at it anymore, that’s when you should prep this genius casserole from Make-Ahead Meal Mom. Once it’s assembled, just throw it in the freezer, and it’s ready to go once you’re ready for a mini Thanksgiving feast in a month or two. 

Cranberry Turkey Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread

Whitney Bond

This pull-apart bread from Whitney Bond is the stuff of snacking dreams. Sourdough bread is filled with mozzarella cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then baked until it’s melty and delicious. Drooling yet?

Thanksgiving Leftover Bagel Sandwiches

Thanksgiving Leftover Bagel Sandwiches
Leah Nolan

For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pair your leftover turkey with pesto and cranberries to make this drool-worthy bagel sandwich from Glitter and Bubbles. Topped off with cream cheese and butter lettuce, it’s sure to be a winning combination. 

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Turkey and wild rice soup is a great Thanksgiving leftover recipe
The Skinny Fork

Warm up with a big bowl of turkey and wild rice soup. This recipe from The Skinny Fork is hearty but healthy, not to mention the perfect weeknight dinner for picky kids. 

White Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a good thanksgiving leftover reicpe
Juanita's Cocina

Try out a twist on your classic chili with this recipe from Juanita's Cocina. It's easy to adjust to your family's tastes, making it spicier or milder as needed. 

Orange Cranberry Muffins

Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

We're always left with half a bag of fresh cranberries after Thanksgiving, and now we've finally found the perfect use for them: these tasty muffins from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen. 

Turkey and Stuffing Turnovers

A Family Feast

These turnovers look pretty impressive (read: hard to make), but they'll actually come together quickly with the help of frozen puff pastry sheets. Fill the pastry with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, and you'll have a mini feast ready in no time. Check out the recipe at A Family Feast.

Turkey Pot Pie

A Taste of Madness

When in doubt, make a pie! A pot pie, that is. Cathleen over at A Taste of Madness came up with a delicious solution to those turkey leftovers. All it takes is some prepared pie crusts, and butter, and you'll have a completely different meal in 60 minutes. 

 

Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets

Toni via Boulder Locavore

Take your leftover sandwiches to the next level with Toni from Boulder Locavore. You'll love her combo of turkey, cranberry sauce, and her secret weapon: bacon! 

Turkey Tetrazzini

Sara via Bitz N Giggles

When you still don't know how to use up the extra turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, Sara from Bitz N Giggles has a great idea to transform those leftovers into something totally new. Her recipe for turkey tetrazzini is just the ticket, and it couldn't be simpler.

 

 

 

 

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3 Foodie Moms Share Their Meal Time Winners

by Jodi Cohen
Partner Content

It’s meal time and all eyes are on you. Perhaps a familiar feeling?

Some of us meal prep, some of us wing it—either way meal time stacks up for us all. We’re talking three times a day, 21 times a week, and (with some fast math) that’s over 1,000 meals a year. No biggie, right?

If you’re the one in charge of filling those meals with quality, tasty and kid-approved options, the challenge can feel like…a challenge.

Recipe swapping is a great way to rotate new dishes into your weekly lineup. So, we asked three foodie moms to share their family favorites using Smithfield Foods, and boy did they deliver with flavor.

Browse below for breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner recipe ideas, featuring the brands you know and love from Smithfield, including Original Nathan’s Franks⁣, Smithfield® Bacon and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage. Be sure not to skip over their creative tips to level up the leftovers!

For Breakfast/Brunch: Bacon Puff Pastry Twists

Crunchy, savory and fun to make with your kids! Food content creator and author Carlena Davis (@Spilling_the_sweet_tea) knows how to check every box. Her substantial bacon puff pastry twists use only three simple ingredients, which is perfect for when you’re short on time. Carlena and her daughter enjoy these twists as an afternoon snack, but we think this could be a yummy brunch bite, too.

Level Up Your Leftovers: For a nutritional spin on your lunch or day the following day, Carlena recommends adding your crispy, leftover Smithfield® Bacon on top of a refreshing iceberg wedge salad. Top with your preferred dressing then dig in.

For Lunch: Homemade Chili Dogs

Chelsea Lords (@chelseasmessyapron), a Utah-based recipe developer and photographer, shares her go-to for her family of five: Homemade chili dogs. It’s almost a treat to eat chili dogs at home, and with Chelsea’s easy recipe, you’ll be able to whip up these simple, hearty and fully customizable dogs in no time.
When it’s time to gather around the table, let your kiddos’ food imaginations run wild. They can load up their hot dog with their favorite toppings, which is the perfect win-win if you have picky eaters in the home. Everyone can top their dogs how they’d like!

Level Up Your Leftovers: Chelsea loves to repurpose her leftover Beef Franks and chili topping into a hearty chili for the next day—and served with cornbread, of course. Another great dish for families big or small.

For Dinner: Smoked Sausage and Veggies

We love a plate full of color and thanks to foodie mom Heather Castillo (@The_Super_Mom_Life) you can pack in your veggies with this flavor-filled smoked sausage dinner. Another reason why we love this weeknight main is you only need one pan, making clean-up easy.

Level Up Your Leftovers: Heather shares two ways to level up your remaining ingredients: (1) Add whole wheat pasta into your leftovers for a pasta refresh or (2) add your leftovers into a low carb tortilla as a wrap for lunch the next day.

 

Get ahead of your family’s next meal time with these tasty, nutritional and easy-to-make recipes, thanks to these impressive moms and Smithfield Foods.

In need of more inspiration for the coming weeks? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time.

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Grilled Cheese With Apple & Jam

by Erin Lem

 

Take your sandwich to the next level with two ingredients you already have in your kitchen

Tired of your go-to sliced cheddar on white bread? Mix up your routine with this no-brainer recipe from the food bloggers Jennie and Corelyn of Garlic My Soul. With two ingredients we bet you already have in your kitchen–apples and jam–the classic grilled cheese gets a major upgrade. The cooks’ secret to this delicious sandwich? Use Fontina cheese, which Jennie and Corelyn swear takes this dish to the next level.

Serves 1

Grilled Cheese with Apple and Jam Ingredients:

2 slices sourdough bread
2-3 oz fontina cheese
2 tbsp blueberry jam
¼ an apple, thiny sliced
4-5 basil leaves, chopped thinly sliced
butter
soup of your choice, optional

Method:

1. Butter both sides of your bread.

2. Spread the jam on the inside of both pieces of bread, then layer on the cheese, with the basil in the center.

3. Heat a pan over medium heat, and butter well.

4. Cook over medium heat on each side until the bread is well browned. Pro tip: if you want to, you can use a cast iron bacon press or another cast iron to put weight on the sandwich so everyone gets nice and melty.

5. Serve hot with soup!

 

This recipe was created by Jennie and Corelyn of the food blog, Garlic My Soul. East Coasters now living on the West Coast these foodies can be found adventuring around LA or cooking up something delicious. Visit Garlic My Soul for more fabulous recipe ideas that use in-season ingredients. 

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Want to Send a Hot Lunch to School? Here’s How You Do It

By Alexandra Gabalda

Some schools used to let their students reheat their lunch with microwaves in the lunchroom. But the COVID-19 crisis has changed the game. A lot of parents are now looking for alternatives and best practices to make sure their kids can still enjoy a hot lunch at school.

What food can we pack in an insulated lunchbox container that will actually look appetizing? And, How to keep food warm in an insulated container until lunchtime? We asked Jessica, CEO, and co-founder of Teuko.com. She is a mom of 2 children who attend The Lycee Francais de San Francisco, where the microwaves were banned last year. She had to reinvent lunch packing and use an insulated container daily. Follow her real-life tips and tricks to prepare hot, easy, and delicious lunches for the kids at school.

Tips & Tricks to Keep Food Warm until Lunchtime
If you have decided to use an insulated container, there are a few tricks to know that will ensure that the food you send to school stays warm until lunchtime.

1. Prepare dinner with extra servings or prepare dinner and lunch at the same time, so that you can set portions aside in a food storage container overnight in the fridge. Match the capacity of the food storage container (glass container if possible) with the capacity of the insulated lunch container. It will make the transfer easier the following morning, and it will help avoid food waste!

We noticed that the small Glasslock containers had the same capacity as the Thermos Funtainer (10oz). Bigger Glasslock containers have the same capacity as other Thermos or containers like S’nack by Swell 24oz. We like to use smaller insulated lunch boxes when we add an extra side, and bigger insulated containers when there is only one main dish.

2. In the morning, reheat the insulated lunch container first. When you wake up, reheat your insulated lunch container. Boil water, 212C/100C (very easy with an electric kettle). Fill your insulated lunch container at full capacity, close it, and let it stand. You’ll have then plenty of time to eat your breakfast, get ready and or finish preparing the rest of the lunch.

3. Before leaving the house, reheat the lunch. Take what you prepared out of the fridge and reheat it until it’s super hot. We like to use a pan or saucepan, which takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave, which takes about 2-3 minutes, but depending on your microwave oven, the final result (your kid getting a hot lunch) may not be as expected.

4. Transfer the hot food to the hot insulated container. Empty the hot water from the insulated container. Pour the hot food into the insulated container. Note that liquids tend to stay warmer than solid foods and that solid foods tend to stay warmer if you compress well and fill in the insulated container at maximum capacity.

5. Place everything in the lunch bag, close carefully, and voilà! Your kids will be very happy to enjoy a warm meal, especially during cold, windy, foggy days like what we have in San Francisco.

What Food Should You Pack In an Insulated Container?
Here are kid-approved hot lunch ideas popular on Teuko.com that are easy to prepare and that hold up well in an insulated container.

1. Hot Lunch Idea #1: Soup
If you are looking for nutritious and stress-free hot lunch recipe ideas, soups are a must-try. They actually allow you to get a nutritious and tasty meal in no time while not requiring any specific culinary know-how nor a recipe. Find below 4 of the most popular soup ideas you need to know for the lunchbox:

  • Hot or cold, tomato soups are perfect with grilled cheese for the lunchbox.
  • Peas and spinach make a simple and healthy green soup.
  • Mix zucchinis with your kids’ favorite cheese and enjoy. Our kids learned to love zucchinis by mixing the Laughing Cow creamy cheese, or brie.
  • The sweet taste of carrots will welcome any other vegetable or spice. Start easy with our carrot pumpkin puree.

2. Hot Lunch Idea #2: Pasta
It’s a no-brainer, pasta lunches will always make meal preparation simpler than ever. The good news is that pasta will always look appetizing to your kids, including in an insulated container. No need to make it complicated, think about mac and cheese, pesto pasta, bolognese, tuna pasta. Families like to add some veggies like carrots or peas to plain pasta. In any case, go and have fun trying all the varieties of pasta available: alphabet pasta, penne, shells…

3. Hot Lunch Idea #3: Scrambled eggs with cheese
Add a salad and some fruits, and you’ll get one of the kids’ favorite breakfast for lunch ideas that holds perfectly in any insulated container. Pro tip: scrambled eggs can be prepared at the very last minute in the morning, on the stovetop, or with a microwave if you are in a rush.

4. Hot Lunch Idea #4: Lentils or beans
It’s easy to enhance the taste of these foods by combining sausages, meat, carrots, tomatoes…Dinner leftovers work usually greatly mixed all together with beans or lentils!

5. Hot Lunch Idea #5: Rice, couscous, or quinoa
The most adventurous kids will certainly appreciate a mix of veggies like carrots, zucchinis, broccoli, and peas, combined with grains such as rice, couscous, or quinoa. This is also a great way to reuse leftovers of veggies at home. No time to cut and prepare veggies? Use tomato sauce that you can always improve with garlic, onions, or any meat left.

Isn’t it easier than you thought to send a hot and tasty lunch to school?

Photo: @learningandlovingtolunch

 

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week. 

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Why Soup Is a Must-Have on Your Table

By Alexandra Gabalda

If you are looking for nutritious and stress-free recipe ideas, soups are a must-have at the family table. The idea of homemade soup can be intimidating at first. And yet, they actually allow you to get a nutritious and tasty meal on the table in no time while not requiring any specific culinary know-how nor a recipe. Discover all the benefits of making soup, as well as easy recipe ideas for the lunchbox!

Soups are inexpensive and so easy to make.

Whether you use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker, you can prepare a savory soup in five minutes, and let the cooker do the rest of the work. If you like to meal prep, you will love to make soups as they can be prepared in batch and allow freezing for days when you are too tired or have no time.

What we like best about soups is that you can create your own soup every day with any veggie you have at hand. Options are unlimited, which makes it easier to limit food waste while exposing your family to a wide area of foods, taste, and texture too. Poor in fresh vegetables? Frozen vegetables work perfectly too.

Soups are by far the easiest way we found to teach the kids the love of vegetables, one soup at a time. Vary the textures and play at the dinner table with the seasoning. Kids love to season a soup to their taste by adding cheese, breadcrumbs, butter, or cream.

Soups are the ultimate winter comfort food.

There’s nothing like a nourishing bowl of soup to keep the kids warm, full, and hydrated during the winter season. That’s why it’s always a great idea to make a soup to ease the first symptoms of a cold. Tip: load it up with fresh garlic, onions, celery, or carrots for a powerful immune boost.

Easy soup ideas for the kids’ lunchbox

1. Hot or cold, tomato soups are perfect with grilled cheese for the lunchbox.

2. Peas and spinach make a simple and healthy green soup.

3. Mix zucchinis with your kids’ favorite cheese and enjoy. Our kids learned to love zucchinis by mixing the laughing caw or brie.

4. The sweet taste of carrots will welcome any other vegetable or spice. Start easy with our carrot pumpkin puree.

5. Add one potato, one onion, and some garlic cloves to any combo of vegetables, and you are all set!

Pro Tip: Grill brioche rolls and you’ll get savory croutons that kids love.

Want to get more ideas of soups that kids love? Find out what soups kids are having for lunch on Teuko.com, and share your own creations by uploading a photo or commenting below.

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week. 

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Mommy Screen Time: Chicago Mom Bloggers to Put on Your Radar

by Wendy Altschuler

This is a city teeming with highly talented mamas. They work in and out of the home, cook, craft, PTA, keep the carpool ticking and the kids entertained—all with an upbeat attitude and their sanity intact. Mostly. Oh, and they blog, too. Whether you’re looking for practical parenting tips, honest product reviews, the neighborhood scoop or just a hilarious story or two, you’ll find a local blog worth bookmarking. Read on for a few of our favorite Chicago Mom bloggers to get you through the winter.

Second City Mom Leyla writes all about life in Chicago, from the perspective of a working mom. You’ll find urban highlights for what to do with littles around the city as well as off-the-beaten-path adventures.

730 Sage Street The mama behind this blog is Kim, a self-proclaimed health geek who doesn’t promote products that contain preservatives or GMOs. She loves to cook and share recipes (a large number being low carb and Keto), as well as workout routines.

A_dose_of_Melissa Wife and mom Melissa Diep is also an incredible photographer, which makes her Instagram a fun follow. She snaps pics of her family all over Chicago and shares relatable tales of momming three boys.

Making Time for Mommy Blogging mama Alicia covers a lot of ground with ease. She writes about frugal shopping, local events, homemaking, giveaways, recipes and her experiences with her two special-needs kids.

Mom and More A stay-at-home mom to three kids, Cher offers product reviews and giveaways because she wants to help others make educated purchases and save money. Also on her radar: tasty recipes, hot deals at local businesses and book reviews.

Toddling Around Chicagoland While looking for things to do with her boys, full-time mom Sarah was surprised at the lack of information. She started her blog as a resource for other Chicago-area parents to find fun local adventures.

Chicago Foodie Sisters Keep up with the adventures of two food-loving sisters as they share their culinary adventures. We like them for the wide variety of restaurants and events they report on, from the uber fancy to wear-your-flip-flops casual. And, they’re as friendly as they come.

West of the Loop Follow Emily on a journey through the ups and downs of parenting and feeding her family. She dishes techniques and recipes and makes a special effort to explore new ingredients. Also on her radar: books and fashion.

Chefdruk The talented mom behind this blog is a French foodie transplanted from the New York area to Chicago with her husband and four kids. She grew up in France, but has lived all over and her joie de vivre extends to her love of cooking and family fun. Look for easy and delicious recipes, travel adventures and musings on parenting. She hasn’t updated her blog in over a year, but her index of recipes merits a mention.

Momma Cuisine Johanna M. Cook hosts a food-related video series. Her site shows families that great everyday meals can be done with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. Check out her recipes (including special kid-friendly and gluten-free options), as well as parenting, healthy living, and home and garden posts.

The Night Owl Mama This blog is the place to go for no-holds-barred reviews and consumer tips. Blogger Tricia shares her opinions on products she and her family use, and also doles out advice on topics like recovering lost gift cards. Family photos and videos help you make a more informed decision about the way you shop.

Monstruitomom Check out “Little Monster Mom” on Instagram for adorable snaps of her kids, product recommendations, giveaways and DIY ideas. All of her content is written in both English and Spanish.

ChiIL Mama Bonnie is a bona fide culture vulture. She blogs about Chicago theater, multicultural events and live concerts. She also hosts giveaways and seeks out products and places of interest to tweens. Consider her the authority on the offbeat, alternative and eco-friendly.

This_lovely_life_of-mine Shannon is a mom and clothing designer with a goal to inspire you to create your own style, in an affordable way. Her Instagram is filled with design and style inspiration.

My Crafty Life Jen is a crafty, 30-something mom of three and wife of a truck driver. Her blog includes product reviews, giveaways, book reviews, recipes and crafts.

Clark and Stone The site that covers it all: fashion, food, lifestyle, travel and, of course, kids. This site is full of colorful and fashionable photographs, taken around the city, and insight on how this mom, Ceta Walters, has carved out a life for herself beyond parenthood.

My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings This blog is run by work-at-home mom Lisa, who lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two children. She started blogging to keep in touch with long-distance family and friends and learned she could help others with her experiences.

The Windy City Mama Jessica Roe chats about everything from must-know sales to recipes and motherhood to fashion trends. She hopes to inspire other young parents to savor the journey, while sharing her own experiences raising a family in the city.

Mom Fuse Jessica started Mom Fuse while she was pregnant and on bedrest with her twins in 2008. The blog quickly grew and today is a resource for recipes, honest reviews and fabulous finds. Jessica also strives to promote moms who own their own businesses.

Everything Erica Erica is your insider-y helpful hand in the world of food, children and family, health and fitness and travel. She made a move to Florida, but we’re keeping her on the list because once a Chicagoan, always a Chicagoan. And, she has amazing recipe ideas on her Instagram page.

The Working Mom’s Travels Francesca created her blog to share her travel experiences and prove it’s possible for a working mom to hit the road with her family in a meaningful way. When she became pregnant in 2008, she heard variations of the same sentiment: “Your traveling days are over.” Her blog proves this wrong and is a great resource for moms who love to jetset.

All Dressed Up with Nothing to Drink Creator Cheryl Leahy is a millennial mom living on Chicago’s North Shore doling out date night advice, party ideas, parenting tips and mom-fashion that’s too cool to really be considered mom-fashion.

Tiaras & Tantrums In addition to being a blogger, Theresa is a photographer, homeschooler, social media expert and self-proclaimed city girl. Her blog showcases her beautiful photography and her musings about the highs, lows and adventures of motherhood.

—Wendy Altschuler and Abigail Matsumoto

Featured photo: Sai De Silva via Unsplash

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All the Pie Recipes You’ll Ever Need for the Holidays

by Susie Foresman

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a pie (or two … or three …)! To help you get ready for the season, we’ve rounded up our top picks for everything from apple pie recipes to pecan and pumpkin pie recipes, too. Looking for something different? You’ll find a gingerbread cream, eggnog and apple rhubarb pies that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to find the best and brightest for this holiday season.

Razzleberry Pie

I Heart Naptime

Feeling adventurous? If you're determined to make a splash this holiday with some pie magic, then you'll want to try out I Heart Naptime's triple berry Razzleberry Pie. Made using frozen berries (so you don't have to worry about what's in season), this sweet and tart pie is a nice break from the traditional cream desserts you might see this time of year.

Biscoff Pie

Gimme Some Oven

If you're craving the European biscuit then you'll want to whip up this surprisingly easy pie this holiday. Gimme Some Oven's Biscoff Pie is made with a buttery crust, a la Biscoff's and is filled with a fluffy and creamy middle. Pop in the fridge for chilling and enjoy this no-bake pie you'll want to make again and again.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Sugar & Charm

On pie duty for the holidays? Now you don't have to sacrifice your love of chocolate cookies with this delicious dessert from Sugar & Charm. A cookie shortbread crust on the bottom with a rich chocolate chip cookie filling on top makes for an ooey-gooey pie that's best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream.

Gingerbread Cream Pie

Lauren's Latest

Nothing says the holidays like gingerbread! Lauren's Latest whips up a delightful Gingerbread Cream Pie that takes 10 minutes to put together and will change the way you think about gingerbread forever.

No Bake OREO Cream Pie

Princess Pinky Girl

Goodbye hours spent slaving in the kitchen, hello No Bake OREO Cream Pie! Princess Pinky Girl is saving your holiday with this five-ingredient dessert that's all about your fave dunking cookie. OREO cookie crust and a creamy filling packed with even more of the crispy cookie come together in just 20 minutes––just in time for your holiday shindig.

Easy Reese's Peanut Butter Pie

Eating on a Dime

If you're trying to avoid spending a ton of time in the kitchen, then Eating On a Dime's Easy Reese's Peanut Butter Pie is for you. The four-ingredient, no-bake dessert sets up in the fridge in just 30 minutes before it's ready to be devoured. Not a fan of peanut butter? You can easily swap for your fave candy bar!

Eggnog Pie

Boulder Locavore

Eggnog and the holidays are practically synonymous, and that's why Eggnog Pie owns a spot at your dinner table this year. Boulder Locavore whips up this eggnog and rum treat before laying in a buttery pie crust. 

Apple & Rhubarb Pie

Wondermom Wannabe

Step up your apple pie game this year with Wondermom Wannabe's Apple & Rhubarb Pie. The tart delicacy is mixed with store-bought crust and apple pie filling to make this new dessert easy as pie.

Frank’s Apple Pie

LEi Design via Foodiesfeed

Homey and delicious, it just doesn’t get any better than the classic apple pie. Click here to get our favorite recipe, which is laced with plenty of butter and warming spices.

Lemon Meringue Pie

jules via Flickr

Your guests are sure to fall in love with this jaw-dropping lemon meringue pie from Food Nouveau. You can use a classic pie crust or try out her cookie-like hazelnut crust—either way, it’ll be absolutely delicious. Click here to get the recipe.

Pecan Pie

Regan Jones via Flickr

A southern staple, you can’t go wrong with a classic pecan pie. This recipe from Sugar & Soul Co. uses all brown sugar to give it a deeper flavor that goes great with the pecans. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Vegan Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Avocado Pie

no bake desserts
A Taste of Madness

Hear us out. This rich and fudgy dessert is made even better by some sneaky avocado. It’s also a no-bake masterpiece so you can whip it up in no time for any party, potluck, or mid-week treat. For the recipe, head to A Taste of Madness. Need more vegan recipe ideas? Click here. 

 

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crust

Valerie Cogswell

Gluten-free guests don’t have to miss out on dessert thanks to this genius recipe from Valerie Cogswell. The crust is made with a simple walnut mixture, and mascarpone cheese gives the filling a creamy, indulgent taste. Check out this recipe and more simple pumpkin pie recipes by clicking here. 

Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie

Brown Sugar

There are bacon lovers. And there are pie lovers. And bourbon lovers, too. What if you combined all of these things into one luxurious dish? Nicole at Brown Sugar has done just that with her decadent Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie, a dessert just as comfortable on the table of a southern farmhouse as it is on the counter at a chic coffee shop. It’s the pie that keeps on giving! Get her full how-to at Brown Sugar. Like your bacon combined with sweet? Check out these other bacon-baking recipes. 

Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Inside Bru Crew Life

If you can’t decide what kind of pie to make, why not go for three in one? Inside Bru Crew Life’s genius recipe combines a pumpkin cheesecake base with a pecan pie topping to make a dessert that will disappear from your table in no time. Snag the recipe and more pumpkin pie recipes by clicking here. 

Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart

red white and blue recipe for vanilla cream fruit tart
Homemade Food Junkie

We love how this fruit tart is equal parts sweet and creamy and think this is a nice "lighter" alternative to the more traditional pie recipes served this time of year.  (Psst! The crust uses coconut oil, which adds an extra dose of delicious flavor.) Visit Homemade Food Junkie for the full recipe details.

French Silk Pie

Don Heller via Flickr

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This French silk (aka chocolate cream) pie from Amanda’s Cravings will be the star of your dessert table. Be sure to bake it the day before you want to serve it, so it has plenty of time to rest overnight. To get the recipe, click here.

Super Easy Key Lime Pie

Henry_Rico/Pixabay via Canva

Because not everybody likes pumpkin (yeah, we know, but it's true!) try your hand at the world's easiest key lime pie. We love this recipe our Managing Editor swears by (and she's terrible at making pies). 

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

My Life Cookbook

For an after-school snack that satisfies a sweet tooth without being unhealthy, you’ve got to try this pumpkin pie pudding from My Life Cookbook. It comes together in the blender in less than 10 minutes, and tastes great topped with coconut cream or whipped cream. Find out how it’s made by clicking here.

Skillet Apple Pie

LearningLark via Flickr

We’ve all been there: as you try to piece together your broken pie crust with ice water, your frustration skyrockets and you swear that you’ll never make a pie crust ever again. For anyone who has ever cursed their pie crust, we’ve got a great solution for you—an apple pie made in a skillet! Click here to get the recipe.

Pie for Breakfast

Dishing Delish

If you’ve got any leftover canned pumpkin on your hands, this smoothie recipe from Dishing Delish is the perfect way to use it up. It’s the next best thing to having a slice of pumpkin pie for breakfast. To get the recipe, click here.

The Wonderland Tart

The Piebrary

We love this Alice-inspired tart from The Piebrary—with a cookie crust, a rose-infused custard filling and fresh raspberries studded throughout, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. The red and white color scheme pays homage to the infamous Queen of Hearts. To grab the recipe, click here.  Got an Alice fan in the house? We've got a ton more adorable and yummy ideas here. 

—Susie Foresman & Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES:
27 Incredible Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pie)
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13 Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

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