Back to School!

Busy nights call for simple dinners. With school back in session, it’s a delicate balance between “what will feed my family” and “what will preserve my sanity.” Before pulling through the drive thru, here are 6 simple weeknight meals that will keep your family fueled – and your head sane. 

 

Broccoli Mushroom Noodle Casserole

Benefits: Casserole always means less dishes. 

Local food: You can substitute any local in-season vegetable that’s at your farmers market!

Fried Blue Catfish Tacos

Benefits: Not your typical catfish, these filets are white and flaky and make an excellent taco. Make sure it’s Wild-Caught Blue Catfish; These catfish are taking over the Bay and destroying other species like our beloved crabs and oysters, when you eat these you are also helping the Bay!

Local Food: Wild-Caught Blue Catfish can be found at many grocery stores near you!

Tip: To make it even easier, buy a pre-made aioli from the store. 

Grilled Steak and Vegetable Kabobs

Benefits: After cutting just slide the food on to a stick and fire up the grill!

Local food: Find local beef and there are plenty of peppers and mushrooms available this time of year. 

Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole 

Benefits: Everything in one dish for less clean-up.

Local food: Find chicken and in season vegetables at your local farmers market or grocery stores (make sure it’s Maryland!).

Parmesan Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Provided by: Yumly

Benefits: CHEESE!! Need we say more? 

Local Food: Find delicious local pork and find plenty of local summer squash this time of year at farmers markets. 

One Pot Lions Mane Mushroom & Veggie Pasta

Provided By: Sara Servin, FMNP Coordinator

Benefits: One pot means simple & less dishes. 

Local food: Local mushrooms and veggies galore to be found in season at your farmers market. 

Almond Butter & Jelly Tacos

Provided By: Rasheed Abdurrahman, Executive Chef, Food & Friends

Benefits: New take on an old classic. 

Local food: Local fruits and local jelly promise to take this simple meal up a notch. 

Bonus Meal: Vegetable Tortilla Pizza!

Provided by: Elisa Frazee, daughter of Jeannie Frazee, Garrett Soil Conservation District

Benefits: All you need is tortillas, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Local Food: Find cheese and vegetables that are in season and experiment with new ones like kohlrabi (featured in the video and Elisa’s favorite!)


Have a week night meal using local ingredients you swear by? Send it to [email protected] with a photo and have it featured on our social media pages!