Your A+ Year Starts Now

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at the back to school hustle or facing first-day jitters alongside a little one, this year’s going to be different. We’re here to help make weeknight dinners less chaotic, grocery shopping more strategic and school days more memorable. From clever cooking shortcuts that turn one recipe into three delicious meals to dietitian-approved food swaps that boost nutrition without battles, we have your back. Plus, we’re sharing whimsical traditions that’ll have kids looking forward to school. Consider this your ultimate playbook for a year filled with less stress and more joy — starting right now.

Discover how two super-simple recipes can be transformed into six easy meals.

Make it a Meal:

Chicken Tacos: Warm corn or flour tortillas. Fill with prepared chicken, then top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with salsa, guacamole and lime wedges.

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls: Layer cooked white rice with prepared chicken, then top with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Toss 2 cups prepared chicken with ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce. Serve on toasted buns with blue cheese dressing or ranch, sliced tomato and shredded lettuce.

Make it a Meal

Cream of Tomato Soup: Combine 2½ cups prepared tomato sauce with 3 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon sugar. Simmer until hot. Serve, topped with cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese and chopped, fresh basil.

Pizza Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Whisk in 1 cup prepared tomato sauce and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce thickens.

Pasta Sauce: Enjoy prepared tomato sauce as a simple marinara. Or cook 1 pound ground Italian sausage with chopped green bell pepper and onion, stir in 3 cups prepared tomato sauce and simmer.

Create traditions that make ordinary school days feel special — and build memories that last long after backpacks are hung up.

1. Study Buddy Picnics

Once a month, let a child invite a friend over for a “study picnic.” Spread a blanket in the backyard or living room, serve fun snacks, and make reviewing spelling words or math facts feel like a party.

2. The Homework High-five Wall

Dedicate a wall to displaying great work. Include not just A+ tests, but also rough drafts that show improvement or math problems that took extra persistence. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes.

3. First-day Pencil Cookies

Transform wafer cookies into pencils by cutting a point at one end and dipping the opposite end in pink icing or melted candy coating for the eraser. Dip the pointed end in white icing or melted candy coating, and immediately attach a chocolate chip for the tip. Serve as an after-school surprise or right after breakfast (hey, it’s a special day!).

4. Good News Dinner Circle

Start each dinner with everyone sharing one good thing from their day, no matter how small. It sets a positive tone and helps kids learn to spot silver linings.

5. Friday Adventure Dinners

Make Friday nights special with themed dinners that transport you somewhere new. Try breakfast for dinner, Japanese-inspired bentos or a build-your-own taco bar. The rule? Everyone helps cook and no one complains about trying something new.

Extra Credit

Pick two or three ideas that resonate most with your style. It’s better to build a few solid traditions than to try everything at once. Remember, the goal isn’t Instagram-worthy perfection — it’s creating little moments of connection throughout the school year.

While scratch cooking is great, sometimes spending a few extra dollars on prepped ingredients is money well spent. If buying precut vegetables or cooked quinoa helps you serve a balanced meal instead of ordering takeout, that’s a win. Here’s your guide to some convenience faves that truly earn their place in your cart:

Protein Power Players

Roasted chicken: Shred and portion into containers for quick quesadillas, grain bowls and salads.

Pregrilled chicken strips: Look for minimal ingredients and no artificial preservatives.

Cooked turkey meatballs: Great for quick Italian- and Asian-inspired meals.

Canned beans: Perfect for a last-minute protein boost, plus rinsing beans can reduce sodium by 40%.

Grain and Vegetable Victories

Microwavable quinoa or brown rice: Look for varieties without added sauces or seasonings to fit a variety of meals.

Prechopped onions and mirepoix: These are the secret to starting meals in seconds.

Shredded carrots: This versatile veggie is great for quick slaws and salads.

Trimmed green beans: The steam-in-bag varieties maintain nutrients and couldn’t be simpler to prepare.

Stir-fry veggies: Enjoy in grain bowls or stir-fries.

These simple switches can make family favorites more nutritious (and just as delicious).

Walnuts for Croutons

Add a satisfying crunch to salads with chopped walnuts that provide brain-boosting nutrients.

Avocado for Cheese

Avocados are a dairy-free way to add creamy texture to sandwiches while providing healthy fats that help growing bodies.

Popcorn for Chips

Air-popped popcorn makes a fun, whole-grain snack that kids can help season with their favorite spices.

Quinoa or Brown Rice for White Rice

These whole-grain alternatives pack more nutrients into favorite rice dishes while adding a delicious nutty flavor.

Nonfat Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream

Creamy Greek yogurt makes a perfect tangy topping for tacos and potatoes while adding an extra punch of protein.

Salt-free Seasonings for Salt

Let kids explore exciting flavors by sprinkling salt-free herb blends on their favorite dish.

Mushrooms for Ground Meat

Give burgers and meatballs a nutritious boost by replacing some of the beef with finely chopped mushrooms. Kids won’t even notice!

Olive Oil Mayo for Regular Mayo

Make sandwiches and slaws more heart-healthy with olive oil mayo, which has the same creamy taste as regular mayo.