Welcome to the latest installment in VolunteerSpot's blog series "Views on Back-to-School"! Today, Dot Dorsner, the editor of FoodWhirl, shares fast and tasty ideas that will make weekday dinners a breeze. Thanks Dot!
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Quick Dinner Ideas for the School Year
By Dot Dorsner
The kids are back in school, and with that comes soccer practice, play dates, homework, and countless other things that get in the way of a relaxed dinnertime routine. If you're like us, you need some dinner ideas which can be pulled together quickly, and get everyone fed in a somewhat healthy manner, that doesn't involve pulling out frozen chicken nuggets or grabbing takeout on the way home. Here are 5 tasty, mostly-healthy, cost effective, go-to meals--friendly to both kid and adult alike-- to add to your weeknight repertoire. Generally under 30 minutes to prepare, they rely on quick cooking ingredients and pantry and fridge staples.
1) Pantry Raid: Mini Salmon (or Tuna) Burgers over Spinach Salad

2) Breakfast for Dinner: Broccoli & Cheese Frittata

3) Use those Leftovers: Pork Enchilada Dinner

4) A Make Ahead Favorite: Bean and Sausage Soup

5) Fancy in a Flash: Shrimp and Bacon over Sour Cream Grits
Just because a meal is fast doesn't mean it can't be appealing... this Shrimp and Grits would work equally well for dinner party as for a family dinner night. It takes advantage of the quick cooking nature of it's key ingredients, and while shrimp isn't exactly a pantry staple, plan ahead to have these few simple ingredients on hand, and this meal comes together quickly and easily. Steamed asparagus or broccoli or a green salad would make a lovely, and equally quick, side dish. Go get the recipe: Shrimp and Bacon over Sour Cream Grits
Related: Goat Cheese, Corn, & Shrimp Wraps
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Brought to you by our friends at Foodwhirl and written by Dot Dorsner. Learn more about Dot at:
Dabbled.org – Experiments in Art, Craft & Food
NancyDorsner.com – My art site
DabbledStudios.com – Like Foodwhirl.com? Hire me for Web Design
Dot on Twitter: DotatDabbled