Each school day, more than 28 million students receive meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). That amounts to roughly 95,000 programs delivering over half of many students’ daily calories. These meals are important: research shows students in the NSLP generally have better diet quality than peers who do not participate, largely due to … Read more

Creamy Noodles, Tender Tuna, And A Golden Cheesy Topping Tuna casserole is a classic comfort dish for a reason. This easy, updated version combines creamy noodles, flaky tuna, vegetables, and a crunchy, cheesy topping for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels homemade and comforting. If your family enjoys cozy casseroles, try adapting this approach to … Read more

Start your day with these delicious Blender Banana Oatmeal Muffins. Made with oats and ripe bananas instead of white flour, they’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and stay moist thanks to Greek yogurt. They’re quick to blend, easy to bake, and perfect for breakfasts or snacks. While visiting family in Brazil, I found myself making familiar North … Read more

This BBQ Chicken Salad is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that works for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It features juicy grilled BBQ chicken, a crisp lettuce base, fresh vegetables, shredded cheddar, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy BBQ ranch dressing that ties everything together. Inspired by popular restaurant versions like Bob Evans’ Wildfire … Read more

Be sure and check out Hubby Favorites #2 and Hubby Favorites #3 as well 🙂 Hi everyone — I’m Derek, the lucky taste-tester behind many of the recipes on Chef in Training. I’m taking over this post to share the recipes my family and I keep coming back to. I’m the official food tester, the … Read more

The Easiest Cookies Ever! These thin, crispy oat cookies are flavored with orange and vanilla, then finished with a chocolate drizzle. They’re remarkably simple to make: mix the ingredients, spoon the batter onto parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake. The result is a lacy, caramel-like cookie with a satisfying crunch from the oats and a bright … Read more

Whole wheat sourdough focaccia pizza features a thick, rectangular crust similar to Sicilian or Chicago-style pies. With a soft, airy interior and a crisp, golden bottom, this sheet-pan focaccia pizza is a reliable favorite for family pizza night. It’s an easy, wholesome recipe made with 100% freshly milled hard wheat that you can bake the … Read more

As summer fades and the first hints of fall appear, there’s a familiar mix of reluctance and anticipation. September brings cooler mornings, changing leaves and seasonal comforts: football season, warm apple cider, early Thanksgiving thoughts and, if you’re lucky, the last of the summer fruit—fresh plums. Their deep hues and sweet-tart flavor make them one … Read more

Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor? This ground beef and rice recipe is exactly that — savory with a touch of sweetness and a gentle spicy kick. It’s a one-pan, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. If you enjoy … Read more

This Valentine’s charcuterie board will make your family wake up smiling. It’s a quick, easy breakfast featuring mini pancakes, fresh berries, and an assortment of toppings—maple syrup, chocolate-hazelnut spread, peanut butter, and any pink or red treats you love. It’s fully customizable and a great reason to pick up heart-shaped macarons or mini waffles. If … Read more