It’s the all-important back-to-school time!

Around my house, we like it but then we don’t like it.

We DON’T like it because that means summer is over and colder weather is looming. 🙁

Also? Hectic, hectic schedules. Homework, activities . . .

We DO like it because it’s a new school year full of exciting new beginnings. And the arguing between kids goes way down. We’re simply too busy.

Which gets me to my next subject. DINNER.

That’s always a tough one when we’re going in four different directions at night.

But that’s why I love Bake & Serve Gourmet meals when school starts. Literally, you pop them in the oven and then serve.

Plus, they’re really delicious! One of my all-time faves is Beef Wellington. So, so yummy.

There are lots of other great options like brisket, ham, baby back ribs, etc.

Check ’em out and save yourself some back-to-school headaches! I will be stocking up for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com. 

Behold the cronut. It’s a work of food artistry and masterful advertising all at the same time.

It’s a croissant and donut; thus, a cronut.

BUT NOW, as is the way with these things, a Canadian thinker thought to himself, “I must build upon this tidal wave. I shall add a burger to the mix.”

And now we have the Burger Cronut. This one in particular is a “Maple Bacon Jam Cronut Burger.” Read more about it here.

Delicious.

Your thoughts? Is this genius? Or a shameful ride on a cresting wave?

Either way, I’ll take one!

Photo courtesy of CNWGroup/LeDolci via theatlantic.com.

Here’s my deal. I love wonderful home-cooked meals.

I even love cooking them.

But I don’t always have the time to spend making our favorites to enjoy all week long.

That’s why I like shortcuts and ways to maximize my work.

Leftovers.

I like leftovers. But only if I can spruce them up and make them more enjoyable than just a rewarmed meal.

Here’s one of my favorite ways to achieve this seemingly impossible feat.

This amazing recipe for Honey Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Salad is a great first meal. It’s delicious and I try to make more than I think my family will eat in one sitting.

Then, the next night I grill up some favorite veggies – peppers, onions – on skewers and then warm up the leftover beef from the salad. I put the beef on the skewers with the veggies and we have a reimagined meal that took very little time.

I truly, truly believe great food doesn’t have to take forever in the kitchen! Yum!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.