Back to school means the return of busier schedules, lunches to prepare, activities, and weekday dinners to get on the table after a long day. After the more spontaneous pace of summer, getting back into a routine can take a little organization.
There’s no need, however, to plan every meal of the week down to the minute. Having a few versatile pantry essentials on hand and preparing certain basics ahead of time can already make a big difference.
A well stocked pantry makes it easier to improvise, save time, and, most importantly, avoid the inevitable “What are we having for dinner?” when 5 p.m. comes around a little too quickly.
1. Choose Versatile Essentials for Weekday Meals
To make busy weeks easier, versatile products can be especially useful. A good oil for cooking and vinaigrettes, a few condiments, staple ingredients, and easy to prepare options can help you put together a variety of meals without starting from scratch every evening.
Extra virgin olive oil, for example, can be used to sauté vegetables, prepare a homemade vinaigrette, drizzle over a dish before putting it in the oven, or simply add the finishing touch to a meal.
The goal isn’t to have a pantry filled to the brim, but rather to have the right essentials on hand when you need them.
2. Keep Easy Options on Hand for Busy Days
Even with the best organization, some days simply get busier than expected. Having a few easy to prepare options on hand can make dinner much simpler when time is short.
Our Maison Orphée Ready to Bake Mixes make it easier to prepare something homemade. Our Focaccia Mix can become a side for dinner, the base for a sandwich, or simply a focaccia to share.
Preparing a few things ahead of time on the weekend can also make the days ahead easier. A focaccia, homemade vinaigrette, chopped vegetables, or a few prepared portions can quickly become the starting point for several lunches and dinners.
3. Prepare Lunches Without Starting from Scratch Every Day
Back to school inevitably means getting back into packing lunches. Here again, a few well chosen ingredients can help add variety without having to reinvent everything each day.
Fresh mayonnaise for sandwiches, homemade vinaigrette to turn leftovers into a salad, a good oil for roasting vegetables, or focaccia as an alternative to traditional bread, these little things can make preparing lunches much easier.
Another practical tip is to think about tomorrow’s lunch while preparing dinner. Making a few extra portions or preparing additional sides can save valuable time in the morning.
4. Keep a Few Easy Meal Ideas Handy
Even with a well organized pantry, figuring out what to make can sometimes be the hardest part. Keeping a few easy recipes handy makes it easier to find inspiration when the week gets busy.
Meal salads, focaccia sandwiches, roasted vegetables, pasta, bowls, or meals made for sharing, a few versatile recipes can easily be adapted based on what you already have in the fridge.
An Easier Back to School Season Starts in the Pantry
Preparing for back to school doesn’t necessarily mean cooking all your meals on Sunday or following a perfect routine. It’s about planning for busier days and having products on hand that you can rely on.
With a few versatile essentials, simple recipes, and a little preparation, getting back into a routine can become much easier.
After all, there’s already plenty to think about during back to school season. Dinner can stay simple. 😊
