Nineteen days. The official countdown to back to school has begun at our house! I can’t believe how quickly summer has flown by and I also cannot believe my daughter is going into second grade. I so clearly remember the first day she stepped on that big yellow school bus for the first time to head off to kindergarten. And now, well now she’s one of those “big kids” that the newbies look up to. She’s excited about going back to school. And also a little nervous. She will have a new principal, a new teacher (who we don’t even know the name of yet) and she has no idea yet which of her friends from grade one will be in her split class. But she’s a smart, social kid and I know she will do just fine!
Because my husband and I both work fulltime outside of the home, summer break isn’t a monumental change in our routine. But some things are different, and a little easier. Summer means Molly eats lunch at daycare and this is one less task I have to worry about during the week. And let me tell you, by June of grade one I was wracking my brain (and Pinterest) constantly trying to come up with new and tasty lunch ideas that she would eat. Molly’s not even really what you would call a picky eater, but after 10 months of boxed lunches, even the best eater tends to get a little bored. Summer also means I have a little more time to spend on making meals in the evening. I don’t have to rush all the way across town and pick her up from the after school program within the half an hour window I have to get there. I don’t have to take her to singing lessons or cheer practice. I also tend to take on a little less extra work during the summer. But all of that is going to change in a matter of weeks. Once again there will be lunches to make, lessons to shuttle Molly too, cut off times to pick her up and less time to spend in the kitchen doing what I love to do – cook tasty and healthy meals for my family.
The good news is there is help out there. I know that Canadian Turkey and Lentils.org have my back when it comes to transitioning into back to school season (and they have yours too – keep reading for a great giveaway!). Want to start the school year off on the right foot? Of course you do. And ensuring that your and your family are eating right is high on most parent’s priority list. Keeping your body fuelled with good food is important for both parents and kids. Choosing healthy, nutritious foods like Canadian turkey and lentils is just a smart choice. Both are packed full of protein and nutrients and are incredibly versatile. Here’s a few tips to make back to school easy with Canadian turkey and lentils:
Batch It!
Turkey and lentils are the perfect choice for batch cooking. Cook a little extra turkey to provide planned leftovers, so you can cook once and eat twice! And lentils can be cooked in large batches and refrigerated or frozen in pre-set amounts, so that they’re ready to thaw and use for your next recipe.
Get Healthy!
Both lentils and turkey are a great source of protein and important minerals, and lentils are a great source of fiber, too. Combine the two, and you’ll power up your plate!
Keep It Simple!
Lentils are quick and easy to cook, and they don’t require pre-soaking. Both turkey and lentils can be cooked ahead of time and freeze well, so they’re ready when you are!
Versatility Plus!
Turkey adapts to all of your favourite flavour profiles and spice combinations, and with so many cuts to choose from you can find choices that please the whole family. With lentils, the options are endless since they can be used in countless different recipes, including salads, smoothies and even desserts! Turkey and lentils are delicious at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and everything in between. Both can be enjoyed hot or cold, and taste great the next day, too!
Boost It!
Add lentils and turkey to your favourite dishes for an instant protein boost! Salads, soups, pasta sauces and casseroles all benefit from the added nutrients lentils and turkey contribute.
Put Canadian turkey and lentils on your plate every day and you can feel good knowing that you are feeding your family healthy and nutritious food that will get everyone through their days filled with energy and good-for-you fuel!
Need some recipe inspiration? You’re in luck! Check out the kid’s favourite recipes section at Canadian Turkey and see what exciting things you can do with lentils in the Lentils.org recipe area. If you are looking for breakfast ideas (and who isn’t?) then I’ve got just the thing for you. This Hearty Turkey Lentil Breakfast Bowl is packed full of protein and flavour and a perfect way for the whole family to start their day. Of course there is also nothing wrong with breakfast for dinner either…
- 3 Canadian turkey sausages
- 2 cups (500 ml) cooked whole green lentils
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium sized butternut squash, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 1 large zucchini, cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5ml) sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 eggs
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.
- Remove sausage from casings.
- Add onions, sausage and squash to pan and cook through, 10 - 12 minutes. Break up sausage into chunks while cooking.
- Add zucchini, peppers, and lentils. Cook an additional 3 - 5 minutes until zucchini and peppers are browned and softened, and the lentils are warmed through.
- Add seasonings and salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, top with fried eggs.
Enter to Win!
With the new school year just around the corner you probably have a nice big shopping list you need to check off. Whether it’s school supplies, back to school clothes (my kid outgrew ALL of her shoes this summer) or getting the fridge and pantry stocked, the expenses never seem to end. That’s why I am excited that Canadian Turkey and Lentils.org are sponsoring a giveaway right here on the blog for a $75 prepaid Visa gift card!
Giveaway is open to Canadian residents age 18 and over. One main entry per household. Enter using the form below. Good luck!
Turkey quesadillas! We love making quesadillas.
At Lentils.org, I think we might like to try the Breakfast Tacos. What a fun idea!
The one that would become our family favorite is the APPLE MAC AND CHEESE BAKE
From the Lentils site – I would love to make the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns.
I’m all about the dessert so I checked that out first, who knew you could make so many delicious desserts with lentils! My family would love Strawberry Cheesecake & Ice Cream Pie and it looks so simple and delicious
My kids would,love the turkey quesadillas, that was easy as my kids devour any quesadilla lol
the TURKEY QUESADILLAS would be a big hit in out house
Well the TURKEY APPLE MEATLOAF MUFFINS are sure to be a hit,can’t wait to make these.Thanks for the recipe!
I think Zucchini Carpaccio with Lentils will help me use up my PLETHORA of zuchinni in a tasty and different way!
the one pan thai turkey bowls look great and would love to try them
I really love the Basil Shrimp & Lentil Lettuce Cups
I could see the TURKEY TORTILLA PIE becoming a fave here.
I think my kids would love the mini meat loaves, although I think the turkey quesadillas will come a close second.
GOOD MORNING CASSEROLE – this would be a hit in our house
My family would love the breakfast tacos!
Breakfast Tacos is a recipe I would try from Lentils.org. We are a big breakfast kind of family.
I think the Apple-Turkey Sausage Rolls will become one of my families favourites!
My guys will love the TURKEY TORTILLA PIE. It looks so yummy !
I think my family will love the Moroccan Braised Chicken, with Lentils, Smoked Paprika & Tomato.
The lentil recipe that I am going to try is One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls
I want to try the breakfast tacos. I like to make a nice brunch when we are all home.
Turkey tacos would be a big hit in my family. We love Mexican food
The PIRI PIRI GRILLED TURKEY DRUMMETTES would be a big hit in our home!
The Turkey Quesadillas look fantastic!
We’d also love the Chili Stewed Squash & Chicken!
I’d love to try the Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner.
I think everyone would go for the GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS
The breakfast tacos caught my eye right away.
The SMOKED TURKEY WRAPS look yummy
The Cream of Celery & Red Lentil Soup sounds delish!
Turkey tacos. I think my family would enjoy the One pan turkey bowels. Thanks!
The turkey tacos for sure 🙂
The Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns from the lentils site.
Turkey Quesadillas!
Oh these TURKEY QUESADILLAS could become a fast favorite in out home !
My family would be sure to love One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls,it has all our favorite ingredients !
Sweet & Smoky Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
and
I think my family would like the Southern Tex Mex Spiced Lentils recipe
The Turkey Quesadillas look pretty awesome. I don’t think anyone would turn their noses up at that for supper.
The One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls look awesome. I am guilty of buying bags of lentils and then never using them. Maybe this will inspire me :0
The Best Ever Turkey Chili would become a family favourite for us!
I would love to try the Chili Stewed Squash and Chicken from the lentils.org website.
I think the Club Omelette would become a family favourite.
I think my family would really love the Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe.
My family would love the TURKEY QUESADILLAS
From the Lentils site I would love to try the breakfast tacos
I’d like to try the lemony lentils and the thai turkey bowls!
We’ll be making the turkey bagel burgers!
My family would love the piri piri grilled turkey drummettes!
The Cheddar Couscous & Lentils looks delish!
Our family would love the Turkey Tacos!
Turkey Souvlaki would be a great meal for my family.
Lemony Lentil looks tasty!
We would love the Turkey Quesadillas !!
The Chili Stewed Squash and Chicken from the lentils.org sounds amazing!
I think the TURKEY TORTILLA PIE would definitely become a family favourite.
I think they would like the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls recipe.
My family would like the Grilled Turkey Tacos.
I love shrimp so I would go with the Basil Shrimp & Lentil Lettuce Cups.
I like the sound of the Grilled Apple ‘n’ Honey Turkey.
For the lentils, I like the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls.
I think this grilled cheese recipe sounds good! https://www.canadianturkey.ca/recipes/grilled-che…
The breakfast tacos look yummy! http://www.lentils.org/recipe/breakfast-tacos/
The PIRI PIRI GRILLED TURKEY DRUMMETTES look like something my family would really enjoy.
The Lentil & Ham Frittata sounds fantastic for family breakfast.
TURKEY QUESADILLAS yummy .
I think PIRI PIRI GRILLED TURKEY DRUMMETTES would be a favourite!
The breakfast tacos sound delicious!
HONEY GARLIC TURKEY CASSEROLE sounds very interesting!!
The Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner is one I could probably get my family to eat!
The SMOKED TURKEY WRAPS would be a easy and mess free meal
The Pan Thai Turkey Bowls looks good.
Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffins look pretty tasty!
Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner really sounds yummy!
My grandson would love the BATCH TURKEY MEATBALLS.
My family would love the breakfast tacos.
My kids would love the turkey quesadillas!
Cheddar couscous and lentils sounds delish!
We would love Turkey quesadillas!
We would try the Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner looks delecious!
Family would probably love the turkey quesadillas!
From the lentils site, the Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner looks sooo good. Thanks!
ooo I would have to say the Turkey Quesadillas !!
I think my family would love the breakfast tacos! great way to start the day
I think the Tortilla Pizza Melt would be a big hit!
I think the family would love the Strawberry Cheesecake & Ice Cream Pie from lentils.org! I need to make this!
The honey garlic turkey casserole would be a hit in my household.
The breakfast tacos would be a hit from the lentil page.
The BEST EVER TURKEY CHILI is one of our favourites already.
I think my family would love the Coconut Cream Overnight Oats & Lentils.
Definitely the Turkey Quesadillas!
I think my family would love the Zucchini Carpaccio with Lentil from the Lentils.org site!
turkey quesadillas
breakfast tacos
Turkey QUESADILLAS look amazing!!
The shredded turkey tacos would be a family favourite.
We would definitely love the breakfast tacos.
turkey tortilla pie
the breakfast tacos look delicious
the https://www.canadianturkey.ca/recipes/piri-piri-grilled-turkey-drummettes/ for sure
i think my family would love the lentil recipe http://www.lentils.org/recipe/strawberry-cheeseca…
the TURKEY QUESADILLAS would be very popular in our home!
My kids would love the Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
The HONEY GARLIC TURKEY CASSEROLE looks good
With 4 kids & 3 that are boys, the TURKEY QUESADILLAS are ALWAYS a huge hit in our home.
Thanks @mommyoutsidethebox.ca
We would like the Breakfast Tacos
From the Lentils page I know my family would LOVE the Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner as we all love broccoli & especially shrimp
Thanks @mommyoutsidethebox.ca
The turkey quesadillas would be popular here!
My sons would go for the no bake walnut and date brownies, they sound good! I like the addition of the lentils too
The kids would love the MINI PIZZA MEATLOAVES! They look good , i think the adults will love them to !
Breakfast Tacos look awesome ! My kids love taco’s , i think they will flip for this at breakfast !
The Piri Piri grilled drummettes will be enjoyed in our for a long time to come.
I think the family would like the Lentil Chili & Macaroni Skillet.
It would be great to
win a $75 Prepaid Visa Gift Card.
In response to your requirement to
visit the Canadian Turkey Kids’ Favourites Recipe Section
and tell you which turkey recipe is sure to become a family favourite.
The Porcupine Meat Balls are sure to become a family favourite.
Thank you for having this contest.
It would be great to
win a $75 Prepaid Visa Gift Card.
In response to your requirement to
visit the Lentils.org Recipes section
and tell you which recipe i think my family will love.
I think my family will love The Lentil Zucchini Lasagna.
Thank you for having this contest.
The SAUCY TURKEY MEATBALL SUBS would be my family’s favourite
I think my family will love the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls
I know hands down my kids would devour the Honey Garlic Turkey Tenders with Sweet and Smoky Dipping Sauce! Nice crunch on them & fun to dip!
It’s so awesome to get creative with tacos! That’s why the twist of the Roasted Lentil & Cauliflower Tacos would be a new, interesting dinner for my family!
I love the idea and ingredients of Crunchy Turkey Cutlets. Surely will be making them soon!
No-Bake Walnut & Date Brownies look very interesting.
The TURKEY LASAGNA WITH RICOTTA AND BASIL sounds really good
The recipe for Indian-Spiced Red Lentil Bites sound great
The BBQ Turkey Burgers are sure to become a family favourite.
I think my family would love the Garden Pasta Salad.
The One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls look easy to make and I think everyone would enjoy.
I think the MINI PIZZA MEATLOAVES would become a favourite.
Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffins
Picture of Batch Turkey Meatballs
from the Kids’ Favourites menu
Breakfast Tacos
The breakfast tacos looks so delicious!
I would love to try the turkey tortilla pie!
My whole family would love turkey quesadillas
I think my family would love Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner
Turkey anything is a favourite it our house. My kids would love the meatballs and I can make bagel burgers at the same time. Win, win!
We eat a lot of lentils in our house. My son has a little cup of sprouted ones almost every day (He also likes yellow peas). I would love to try the Herbed Lentil Skillet with Spinach, Tomatoes, Feta & Egg. Looks like something that even this amateur cook could make.
Turkey bagel burgers! Perfect for BBQs at home in the summer.
Basil Shrimp & Lentil Lettuce Cups. This sounds really cool.
My kids would love the turkey quesadillas.
I think my family would like the Indian-Spiced Red Lentil Bites recipe.
batch turkey meatballs would be great
breakfast tacos sounds like a great lentil recipe!
The turkey quesadillas (made with gf tortilla shells) would be a HIT!
The lemony lentils sound delicious!
I htink my family would love the mini pizza meatloaves
oooohh the lentils , I think we could really like the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns
the HONEY GARLIC TURKEY CASSEROLE would be a family favourite
the Lemony Lentils sounds delicious!
Turkey quesadillas
TURKEY APPLE MEATLOAF MUFFINS
The lemony lentils sound good
From the Lentils site – I would love to make the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns
My kids would love the turkey quesadillas
The turkey quesadillas is sure to become a family favourite.
My family would love the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls!
Shredded turkey tacos!!
Garden pasta salad
The Zucchini Carpaccio with Lentils looks really good!
I don’t even like meatloaf but the Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffins sound amazing!
The mini pizza meatloaf look like something the kids would really enjoy.
Likely could get them to try the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls.
PIRI PIRI GRILLED TURKEY DRUMMETTES will be our family’s next favourite dish
My family would love a twist to our traditional lasagna by cooking the Lentil Zucchini Lasagna.
I can’t wait to try the Italian Turkey and Spinach Pie!
It looks so good and I just know my family will love it too.
The Lentil & Quinoa Salad with BBQ Corn looks so good and I know my family would enjoy it often.
I would love to try the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns.
The Breakfast Tacos would definitely become family favourite
My family would surely love the HONEY GARLIC TURKEY CASSEROLE.
My family would love the Broccoli, Lentil & Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner.
Breakfast Tacos!
we would love the TURKEY QUESADILLAS
we would love the love the Basil Shrimp & Lentil Lettuce Cups
My family would love the Alberta Turkey burgers.
The lentil zucchini lasagna looks good and sounds super healthy , which is always a plus.
On the Canadian Turkey website we would love: SAUCY TURKEY MEATBALL SUBS
On the Lentils website we love the One Pan Thai Turkey Bowls
i would say the turkey quesadillas
the one pan thai turkey bowls might be an option for us
My family would love Lentils.org’s Southern Tex Mex Spiced Lentils recipe!
The Canadian Turkey Kids’ Favourite Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffins are sure to be a hit!
The Turkey Quesadilla would be a big favourite here.
The Chili stewed Squash and Chicken sounds good.
HONEY GARLIC TURKEY CASSEROLE looks delicious! so does Lentil Zucchini Lasagna
I think the Apple-Turkey Sausage Rolls will become a favourite!
I think my family would also enjoy the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Buns.