Holiday Hours

Make Ahead Recipes Perfect For Enjoying Time With Your Family

All moms need a break. 

Labor Day is the perfect time to take a break from all the extra things you normally do – like extra cooking – and enjoy a special moment with your family. 

Feeding your family can sometimes seem like an all-day event. Mom’s know that kids always seem hungry, and if you aren’t making  breakfast, it’s a snack (or two) and then dinner. Mom’s also need a break. That’s why we have come up with a super easy holiday weekend menu that lets moms take a break and enjoy the holiday.

Pick a few of these recipes below to make ahead of time, giving you extra time to spend with your family. They are super easy recipes the entire family will enjoy. 

ONE PAN CHILI MAC

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. cumin 

2 tsp. onion powder

2 tsp. garlic powder

Salt to taste

2 cups water

1 8 oz. can of  tomato sauce

8 oz. whole wheat elbow macaroni

8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese or other cheese of your choice

Heat oil in a pan. Add water, tomato sauce, pasta and seasonings, cook on medium-high to bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10  minutes, stirring until pasta is tender. Sprinkle cheese on top and put the lid on the pan until the cheese is melted. 

CEREAL BAR SNACK

4 cups of WIC-approved cereal of your choice

¾ cup peanut butter

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons butter

Line a square pan with foil or parchment paper. Spray foil with cooking spray. In a large saucepan, heat peanut butter, honey and butter until mixture is boiling and slightly thickened. Place cereal in a bowl. Stir heated peanut butter sauce over cereal. stir until evenly coated. Using the buttered back of the spoon, press the mixture very firmly in a square pan. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm enough to cut. Make and place in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

This recipe makes 4 snack boxes you can store in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are great for snacks or lunch.

SNACK IN A BOX

Boil 4 eggs

Cheese slices

1 peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread

Cut fruit

Boil four eggs in hot water for about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Peel eggs and slice in half. Slice cheese into bite sized pieces. Make a peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread and cut into 4 pieces. Sliced fruit. Assemble snack boxes and put in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!