School is officially in session and just as kids may stomp their feet in protest all the way to the bus stop, so, too, might moms and dads as they face another daunting year of keeping their little learners full and healthy. As you think of the new school year and wonder how you’ll be able to do it all, look to Food Network’s Back-to-School Headquarters to help you make the grade. Each week in September FN Dish will share can-do weeknight meals, easy lunchbox picks, after-school snack strategies and more from our best collection of recipes and tips.
This week we’re kicking off the new school year with a classroom party of sorts. We’ve once again partnered with family and friends to host a Communal Table in celebration of all things back-to-school. In this virtual recipe swap, we’re exchanging a mix of kid- and adult-friendly meal ideas, lunchbox must-haves and more.
See what our friends are bringing to the table
If you’re looking for a decadent breakfast sandwich, look no further. This week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week, Food Network Magazine‘s Nutella-Berry Baguette, goes way beyond the traditional bacon, egg and cheese. Split and toast a 4-inch piece of baguette. Spread Nutella on one half and cream cheese on the other. Sandwich with sliced strawberries.
For more recipes that are sure to kick-start your morning off right, visit Food Network’s Let’s Rise & Shine board on Pinterest.
Get the recipe: Nutella-Berry Baguette
The Daily Beast: This summer’s surplus of lobsters is driving down prices and re-branding the delicacy in a campaign to get people to eat more lobster. Lobster rolls for dinner anyone?
Mashable: What are the most innovative home appliances on the market? These three appliances could change your life.
The Salt: Boxed wine is getting a fashionable makeover. Vernissage’s “Bag-in-a-Bag” is making its way to the U.S. soon.
Eater: Forget pop-up restaurants — Muru Pops Down, a Finnish “pop-down” restaurant, is 262 feet underground. Don’t worry, helmets are not required while eating.
National Restaurant News: More and more chefs are reducing time and space requirements demanded by house-cured meats and are dishing out quick hams instead. Quick hams are generally brined or smoked, made with smaller cuts of pork and are still quite tasty.
Food Network tailgating fans: Mark your calendars and get your game faces on. On Friday, September 7, at 2pm/ 1c, we’ll be chatting with Food Network Kitchens’ Charles Granquist about tailgating menu planning and recipes. Charles is also the mastermind behind the Food Network Stadium Fare menus popping up in select NFL stadiums around the country.
Join us on the Food Network Facebook page this Friday at 2pm/ 1c and bring your game-day questions for Food Network Kitchens.
If you’re looking for a super-fast way to start the day, try a breakfast dish like this week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week: Food Network Magazine‘s Maple Toast Sticks. Cut one slice of Texas toast into sticks. Mix one tablespoon each melted butter and maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon and vanilla. Brush on the bread and toast in the oven.
For more recipes that are sure to kick-start your morning off right, visit Food Network’s Let’s Rise & Shine board on Pinterest.
Get the recipe: Maple Toast Sticks
Last week we asked Food Network fans to show us their favorite coffee mug on Instagram. We couldn’t have asked for a better response from fans who have excellent taste in morning sip-ware (not that we expected anything less). Our editors share some of their favorite fan “mug shots” below.
Find out if yours made the cut
Yum Sugar: These nifty tips for peeling peaches will have you baking up delicious peach pies in no time.
The Salt: The thought of eating insects is probably still scary and unappetizing to most. They’re packed with protein, however, environmentally friendly, and they may be a solution to hunger in refugee camps.
LA Times: The hottest trending ingredient in Japan right now is shio koji, and it’s making its way over to the U.S.
Slate: Let’s be honest: not everyone loves to cook. Here are some reasons you should get to work in your kitchen anyway.
Skip store-bought candy and satisfy your cravings with tasty cupcakes that are modeled after candy bars like this week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week: Food Network Magazine‘s Peanut Cupcakes With Nougat-Chocolate Frosting. Whip up this roasted peanut cupcake that combines crunchy nuts with a marshmallow and peanut butter topping.
For more cupcake recipes that are sure to impress, visit Food Network’s Let’s Bake: Cupcakes board on Pinterest.
Get the recipe: Peanut Cupcakes With Nougat-Chocolate Frosting
The classic summer fruit crisp: Fruit is sprinkled with a streusel-like mixture of butter, sugar, flour and often oatmeal or nuts that have been rubbed together (or pulsed in a food processor). They boast a tender fruit center and are quick to prepare, like this week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week: Ree Drummond’s Peach Crisp With Maple Cream Sauce. Ree adds a hint of maple syrup to her easy peach crisp for an unexpected flavor twist.
For more recipes that are sure to kick-start your morning off right, visit Food Network’s Let’s Cook: Recipe of the Day board on Pinterest.
Get the recipe: Peach Crisp With Maple Cream Sauce
Eater: Think you have what it takes to run a food truck? Food Trucks for Dummies has hit the bookshelves and offers the keys to success.
Bon Appétit: America’s 10 Best New Restaurants have been announced.
Gawker: Cinnabon introduces the Pizzabon to fulfill savory cravings and attract new customers. Meanwhile, Domino’s aims to shift its image by dropping the pizza pie from its logo.
The State: Melissa d’Arabian’s resume extends far beyond Food Network Star. As a former financial consultant, her money-saving tips for home cooks are the real deal.
