With a set of paints, a box of markers, a pair of scissors, and a bit of imagination, it’s easy to give a simple, ordinary egg carton a whole new life.  From critters to games to science experiments to costumes, get ready for hours of fun and entertainment with just a handful of simple household supplies.

EGG CARTON CRAFTS and ACTIVITIES

A few favorites from BonBon Break:

ANIMALS

INSECTS

FLOWERS

VEHICLES

GAMES & ACTIVITIES

PRINTMAKING

FUNCTIONAL PROJECTS

COSTUME IDEAS

Fairy Crown from Mom to Two Posh Lil Divas (pin it)

EXPERIMENTS

IMAGINATIVE PLAY CRAFTS

FINE MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Find all of these great projects and MANY, MANY MORE on our Egg Carton Crafts and Activities Pinboard:

Follow Bonbon Break’s board Egg Carton Crafts & Activities on Pinterest.

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Here are some great art supplies to have on hand for impromptu projects of all kinds (click to buy now using our affiliate links to Amazon  —  no extra charge to you and a little perk for us):

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Soup’s on!  With cooler weather and darker days, what could be better for warming your heart and soul than soup?

We’ve gathered a flavorful collection of fall soup recipes to help you serve this ultimate comfort food again and again without getting tired of it. Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for — from Asian, to Latin, to Indian, to Italian, and more — you’ll find a full assortment of choices.

If you want to enjoy even more variety with little extra effort on your part, consider teaming up with a friend or two for a soup swap.  Soup recipes often produce large quantities, and it’s easy to fill mason jars to trade with friends.  This small step will make weekly meal planning so much easier!

Dive right in to our…

Fall Soup Recipes

VEGETARIAN SOUPS

 Light Chicken, Quinoa & Vegetable Soup by Cookin Canuk (pin it)

Cheeseburger Soup by Damn Delicious (pin it)  

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Here are some of our FAVORITE soup accessories from Amazon (Click to buy now using our affiliate links. No extra charge to you and a little perk for us.):

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Aside from family meals, dinner bars add something special to parties of all kinds. My sister-in-law set up a pasta bar the last time we gathered at her house. It made preparing dinner for a crowd super simple, but the resulting dinner felt anything but simple. She set out bowls of pasta, various sauces, cheeses, and other toppings, along with French bread and Caesar Salad. This perfect meal reminded me, once again, of the virtues of the dinner bar idea.

And here’s the very best part of the dinner bar meal concept: it doesn’t require recipes or any elaborate preparations (unless, of course, you’re feeling super-ambitious and want to hand make sauces or other ingredients). Aside from preparing your base and toppings and setting them out in a self-serve buffet, there’s really nothing to it. So relax and let your family and friends get creative as they prepare their own meals. Everyone gets what they want, so everyone will be happy!

Use the following ideas as starting places to help you plan some awesome spreads that are bound to become the most requested meals in your household.

10 Ideas for Build-Your-Own Dinner Nights

Rice Bowl Bar

Rice bowls are easy to prepare, but why limit yourself to plain rice? Try using quinoa, couscous, or barley to mix things up a bit. Topping ideas include cilantro, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped red pepper, roasted vegetables, beans or chili, steak, grilled chicken, and salsa. Or you can go for Asian fare with a variety of roasted veggies, chicken, shrimp and a little teriyaki to top it off.

Tortilla Bar

Tortillas come in many forms. Use corn tortillas to make tacos or tostadas, flour tortillas to set up a burrito bar, or corn chips to make nachos. (Here’s a tip for the nacho bar idea: give each diner a piece of parchment paper. Spread chips over the paper and add toppings. Slide the parchment paper onto a baking sheet and warm under the broiler until cheese is melted.) Also, it’s also easier than you think to make tortilla bowls, which your kids will love using these:

However you set up your tortilla bar, here are some topping ideas that work with all of them: chopped chicken, steak, or pork, roasted vegetables, chopped fresh vegetables, black, pinto, or refried beans, grated cheese, chopped cilantro, various salsas and hot sauces.

Mediterranean Flat Bread Bar

Soft, chewy flat bread makes a perfect meal base. Create taco-like sandwiches to hold fillings or tear the flat bread into pieces to scoop up your food. You can even toast pita wedges or buy pita chips to create nachos with a Mediterranean flair. Toppings ideas include hummus, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), falafel, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, chopped mint and parsley, chopped chicken, lamb, or beef.

Potato Bar

With the right toppings, potatoes make for a hearty meal. Prepare baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, oven roasted fries — or a combination — for your diners to customize. Topping ideas include sliced green onions, chopped chives, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, corn, roasted vegetables, chopped bacon, chopped ham (or chicken, or steak), beans, chili, barbecue sauce, salsas, Tabasco sauce, butter, and sour cream.

Pasta Bar

Depending on the size of your crowd and how elaborate you want to get, you can prepare one type of pasta or serve a variety – spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or other fun shapes.  Prepared marinara sauce, pesto, or meat sauces are easy to heat and serve in large bowls. Grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, fresh mozzarella, and feta cheeses work well.  Other toppings include chopped chicken, meatballs, roasted vegetables, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped basil or other herbs.

Salad Bar

Most people don’t think of salad as a main meal, but with the right toppings, a salad bar is both hearty and fulfilling.  Include a variety of fresh lettuces — romaine, baby greens, spinach, or arugula — either in one bowl or separate bowls, and offer chopped grilled chicken or other meat, hard-boiled eggs, grilled vegetables, chopped cheese, and grains like quinoa or barley, along with chopped fresh vegetables to make your salad bar meal-worthy. The addition of sprouts, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, olives, marinated artichoke hearts, chopped herbs, croutons, goldfish crackers, and diced bacon, along with several dressing choices, will enable people to customize to their hearts’ content.

Sandwich Bar

Who doesn’t love a sandwich with all the right fillings and spreads? Since everyone’s idea of the perfect sandwich looks different, creating a sandwich bar ensures that everyone gets that perfect sandwich. Set out rolls or bread (or both), a variety of cold cuts, sliced cheeses, along with sliced tomatoes, sprouts, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, chopped red onion, thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped lettuce, as well as marinated vegetables like pickles, pepperoncini, or sauerkraut to give people plenty of choices. In addition to standard sandwich spreads like mayonnaise and mustard, include hummus, cream cheese, tapenade, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sriracha, or barbecue sauce as well.

Pizza Bar

While creating a pizza bar with homemade dough is a fun treat, it’s easy and delicious to use toasted French bread, English muffins, or prepared Boboli pizza crusts to simplify the pizza bar concept. Including marinara, pesto, barbecue, and hoisin sauces to spread on the crust opens up all kinds of flavor possibilities. Topping ideas include a variety of chopped fresh vegetables, artichoke hearts, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, choppped herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro, meats like pepperoni, chopped chicken, diced bacon, barbecued pork, or chopped ham, as well as fruits like pineapple, sliced stone fruit, or dried cherries. If you like, include a variety of cheeses in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, like cheddar, feta, or Gruyere. For a fresh twist, include fresh arugula or spinach to add on top of the pizzas after they come out of the oven.

Bloody Mary Bar

If you’re hosting brunch anytime soon, consider trying out a cocktail bar so everyone can craft their own perfect Bloody Mary. In addition to vodka, include plenty of tomato juice or V8, and provide Tabasco, sriracha, horseradish, mustard, fresh lemon and lime juice, vinegars, Worcestershire sauce, mirin, and ponzu sauce for mixing. Let people round out the flavors with cracked black pepper, fancy salts, and even soy sauce or fish sauce for adding an interesting salty edge. For garnish, include a variety of fresh vegetables like carrot and celery slices, cucumber wedges, radishes, and cherry tomatoes, as well as pickled veggies, like pepperoncini, pickles, olives, onions, baby corns, and capers.

Ice Cream Bar

This idea is bound to become the most popular food bar idea of all. Offer several ice cream flavors, along with hot fudge, caramel sauce, chopped strawberries, bananas, and other fruit, as well as marshmallows, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and other small (or chopped up) candies. Don’t forget the whipped cream and cherries for the top, and if you want to be a true hero, include as many choices of sprinkles as you can.

***

Once you get started thinking about ways to let diners prepare their own meals, it’s hard to stop. Other great, but slightly more involved ideas include omelet bars, sweet or savory or crepe bars, and even burger bars.

Why not brainstorm food bar ideas with family members? You’re sure to come up with some creative new approaches to the bar concept, like the one my genius kids thought of on our last camping trip — the Hot Cocoa Bar!

Hot Cocoa Bar

Why settle for cocoa with marshmallows when you can add colorful sprinkles, chocolate sauce, caramel, a cinnamon stick, a candy cane, AND whipped cream? Little shakers with espresso powder, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon are great for garnishing, as is fresh nutmeg or a bar of dark chocolate with a small grater. Most importantly, though, why let the kids have all the fun? Let’s add options for grown-ups like Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and Peppermint Schnapps. Cheers!

 MORE INSPIRATION:

• Why I Stopped Saying No to Screen Time
• More Than A Snap Judgement
• Remembering Our Babies
• 3 Tips to Get Kids to Stop Waking the Whole Family

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You’ll find classic pie recipes, like apple, pumpkin, and pecan, often with a twist — an unlikely spice, a miniaturized version, or a unique fruit or nut pairing.  In addition, you’ll find plenty of unconventional holiday pie ideas to keep things interesting, as well as a number of delectable gluten-free pie recipes sure to satisfy guests with or without wheat sensitivities.

And if pie crust makes you nervous, you’ll find tips and tricks for working with pastry dough, including ideas for embellishing pies for showstopping presentation.

Get ready to sweeten the season with these…

Perfect Holiday Pie Recipes

APPLE PIES

PUMPKIN PIES

PECAN PIES

NUTTY PIES

CITRUS PIES

CHOCOLATE PIES

PEAR PIES

GLUTEN-FREE PIES

UNCONVENTIONAL HOLIDAY PIES

PIE TRICKS & TIPS

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Here are some of our FAVORITE pie accessories from Amazon (Click to buy now using our affiliate links. No extra charge to you and a little perk for us.):

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Now that I have kids, the idea of sailing through life without a purse seems impossible.  My wallet bulges with insurance cards, library cards, and other necessities.  I carry two car keys, three bike keys, and a container of hand sanitizer.  I carry a checkbook and chap stick and a small bottle of Advil.  When I clean out my purse, I can usually find a small wadded bag filled with the dust of pulverized goldfish crackers.  And, of course, there’s always a Sharpie.

My husband has kept a Sharpie tucked in his pocket for as long as I’ve known him. I’ve watched him use it in a million different ways over the years — to label his science experiments in the inter-tidal, to jot down part numbers as he’s building equipment, to change his name on conference badges since they always display his given name rather than the one people might recognize.

It didn’t take long for me to start borrowing his Sharpie, and once I finally started carrying a purse, it seemed only obvious that I would tuck one inside. Whenever I pull it out of my purse to use, other moms marvel at what an on-the-ball, organized mama I am.

In truth, I’m usually just barely holding it together, so their amazement always make me laugh.  Having a Sharpie on hand means I don’t have to plan ahead for the following situations:

1. Keeping track of personal items.   It’s a universal law that kids will lose track of their possessions.  They get hot on the playground and take off their sweatshirts or they set down their backpacks at the library before running off to look for books. Once they set something down, they just forget about it.  Here’s the deal, though:  I’m forgetful, too.  I almost never remember to label my kids’ stuff before we leave the house. If I have a Sharpie in my purse, though, I can bust it out at school and add a name and phone number like I did the other day when my daughter wore her brand new coat to school for the first time.

2. Reducing waste.  If you’ve ever cleaned up after a kid birthday party, you’ve picked up a million mostly full juice boxes/water bottles/plastic cups. Kids seem to take one sip of a drink and then run off to play.  They set their beverages down and forget all about them.  When they’re thirsty again, they just grab another.  It’s so easy to reduce this waste by writing kids’ names on drinks. Once kids can write for themselves, they love to label their own drinks.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken out a pen and helped kids label their cups at various events.

3. Entertaining kids.  I have a small purse, and I don’t keep a full compliment of markers in it for my kids to use when we’re out and about. Sharpie will write on anything, though, and kids love to use them. Just make sure your kids know to put a magazine or paper bag under the doodling so it won’t bleed through onto the table or floor.  I’m lucky enough to have the sort of kids I can trust not to start writing on the walls with permanent marker, but I recognize that this isn’t universal.  Please don’t hate me if this one doesn’t work out for you.

4. Helping your kids find you if they get lost.  The first time we went to Disneyland with our kids, we Sharpied our cell phone numbers on their arms.  “If we get separated,” we told them, “find a mom and ask her to to call us.” We started doing this whenever found ourselves in crowded, bustling venues.  On multiple occasions, other parents have looked on in puzzlement as we scribbled with permanent marker on our children. Almost always, though, as soon as they see the phone number taking shape, their jaws drop.  And then they ask to borrow the Sharpie. I love this simple, easy safety-precaution that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or expensive tools. And it works! The one time we lost track of our youngest daughter for a few minutes, we retraced our steps and found her holding out her arm to a mom who was madly punching the digits into her cell phone. We got there before she even had time to call us.

If the idea of writing on your children doesn’t convince you to tuck a Sharpie in your purse immediately, maybe this last one will do it for you.

5. Keeping track of your wine glass.  Like a little kid at a party, I just can’t hang on to my drink.  It’s too hard to hold a plate and feed myself and sip wine and mingle all at the same time. Bringing personal wine charms would make me feel like a lush (and require some advance planning), but it’s easy to label my glass with a Sharpie if need I to set it down for a few minutes. Because I’m a good party guest, I always remove my name when I’m finished — simply scribble over your name with your Sharpie and wipe the surface clean with a paper napkin.  Cheers!

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READ THIS NEXT:

• Have I Become a Helicopter Spouse?
• 3 Things To Consider When Coming Home From Work Exhausted
• Breaking the Dad Stereotype
• Activities to Keep Younger Siblings Busy

 This post was written by Suzanne Cowden exclusively for BonBon Break Media, LLC.

The post 5 Reasons to Keep a Sharpie in Your Purse first appeared on BonBon Break.

If meal planning is a chore for you, you’re going to love this great collection of 31 simple, delicious dinner recipes. We’ve gathered a whole month’s worth of recipes for you all in one place! There’s plenty of variety and lots of room for variation with these recipes. We know you’ll find meals here that will keep your family happy…ones they’re sure to ask for again and again.

Here’s to a month of dining inspiration — happy eating!

31 Days of Easy Dinners

Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Bowls by Back to Her Roots

French Bread Vegetable Pizza by BetsyLife

Sesame & Shitake Soba Noodles by Love & Lemons

Berry Chicken & Feta Salad by Cooking Classy 

Blackened Chicken & Strawberry Salad by Cherry on my Sundae 

Almost Spring Salad by C it Nutritionally

7 Ramen Pack Hacks by The Food Jew

Spicy Peanut Chicken Soba Noodle Salad by Pinch of Yum 

Chicken Pad Thai by Cooking Classy 

Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti by Gimme Some Oven 

Broccolini and Sausage Pasta by Flour Arrangements 

Gnocchi with Bacon, Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella by Jo Cooks

Cheesy Meatball Skillet by The Cooking Jar 

Oven Fried Chicken and Pancakes by French Press

15-Minute Chicken Scallopine by Around My Family Table 

Quick Chicken-Asparagus Lettuce Wraps by Brittany’s Pantry 

Weeknight Chicken Teriyaki by Brittany’s
Pantry 

Rosemary Parmesan Chicken Nuggets by
Baker by Nature 

Baked Chicken Chimichangas by The Girl Who Ate Everything

Easy Indian Spiced Tomato Lime Soup by Droolworthy 

Smoky Coconut & Butternut Squash Soup by Amuse Your Bouche

Stuffed Pepper Soup by Cooking Classy 

Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili by Damn Delicious

White Bean & Chorizo Stew by The Beach House Kitchen

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Potatoes by Pinch of Yum

One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops by Sweet C’s Designs

Thai-Inspired Street Dogs by An Edible Mosaic

Crock Pot Ham by Dining with Alice

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef by Noshing with the Nolands

Slow Cooker Asian Pork Tenderloin by The Food Charlatan

 

Honey Glazed Salmon by Damn
Delicious

 

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When I first heard the news that my friend’s father had died, I didn’t know what I could possibly say to ease her grief. Instead of trying, I offered to bring her family dinner. I hoped that in feeding her family, she would feel my love and support. I hoped that in saving her the time to shop for groceries and prepare food, she would have more energy to take care of herself when so many others were leaning on her. I hoped that by offering a comforting meal, food might help her when — really — nothing else could. I am not alone in feeling this instinct to reach out with food; countless others set up and join meal trains — collective efforts to feed and nurture those in need — every day.

When people we love go through transformative moments — the death of a loved one, serious illness, or bringing a new child into the world — we reach out to help them settle into new life patterns. Sometimes we can connect with sage and comforting advice, but when we can’t, food is usually a welcome offering.

In recent months, more than a few friends have found themselves in life-changing situations. Along with so many others, I’ve reached out to feed them. As I work to prepare meals, questions keep coming up about what and how and when to deliver. It has been awhile since I’ve been on the receiving end of meal sharing, and somehow my memories of what worked best are fuzzy. I know I’m not the only one with questions, so I’ve been asking for advice from friends who’ve recently benefited from shared meals. Their helpful, honest feedback offers plenty of food for thought. Following are some considerations to help deliver comfort and ease rather than any additional burden:

Decide Between Home Made or Prepared Options.  A homemade meal prepared with love that can be easily heated and served is usually the favorite option, but if you don’t like to cook or don’t have the time, don’t kill yourself trying to make something yourself. If you have a hard time pulling off dinner for your own family, preparing a meal for someone else can feel like a burden rather than gift. Picking up or having take-out delivered — especially from a friend’s favorite spot — is a lovely alternative.

One working mom mentioned that she appreciated meals from Munchery and Blue Apron after she had her baby, so she now uses these services to share meals with friends. She especially likes Munchery because “the food is already prepared; you just have to heat it up.” With Blue Apron, “the recipients still have to put all the ingredients together to make the meal,” so she only uses this service “once their babies have outgrown the newborn stage.”

If you’re helping a friend who lives far from you, the delivery option is often the only way to go. A word of caution about using services out of your area: make sure you read reviews or ask for recommendations. One friend received a number of gift-certificates from a frozen entree service, and, while she appreciated the thought, she sheepishly admitted that “those dishes were not great, sadly. Frozen dishes only go so far on taste; it’s better if possible to get a gift certificate from a restaurant delivery service for fresh food.”

Find Out About Food Allergies, Preferences, or Other Dietary Restrictions. Even if you feel sure you know what a friend’s family can eat, food needs change, especially if you are bringing food to a nursing mother or someone with a serious illness in the family. Always double check. If you’ve signed up to bring meals through a site like Meal Train or Food Tidings, this information is usually listed prominently. If not, just ask.

If a friend is undergoing chemotherapy, being mindful of what you bring can be especially important. A cancer-survivor shared that “tastes can change – some people’s palates becomes metallic, or they have dry-mouth, or feel nauseous much of the time.” Consider checking your library for cookbooks specific to cancer patients. Both The Cancer Fighting Cookbook or One Bite at a Time by Rebecca Katz come highly recommended.

If you know a family has food restrictions, including a list of ingredients for each item that you bring will circumvent concerns or problems.

Plan Your Menu. There’s only so much lasagna a person can eat in one week, right? Since certain dishes are easier to transport than others, these meals get repeated frequently. If you rule out the first few recipes that come to mind, you’re probably on the right track. If delivering, remember that pizza is often the first idea that comes to mind for many people. One new mom mentioned receiving pizza for three meals in a row!

Most meal delivery planning websites allow you to check what others have delivered or plan to deliver around your selected date. If not, it’s easy enough to send a quick text or email, but don’t feel disheartened if you don’t get a response.

Many friends mentioned that the best deliveries they received were “complete” meals. In addition to main dishes, people appreciated receiving items like a simple salad, a side vegetable, or a loaf of French bread. And while it’s certainly not expected, almost everyone I talked with said that something sweet for dessert or a bottle of wine made them feel extra pampered.

As you plan, be sure to consider foods that will hold well in the refrigerator or that can be frozen in case they can’t be eaten right away. When delivering home-prepared meals, be sure to include clear and detailed instructions for re-heating or other necessary prep, for example, “toss goat cheese and dressing before serving.” When possible, keep items on the side that diners can add themselves, especially when delivering food to a family with kids. Homemade or purchased build-your-own-dinner options work well for families with food allergies, sensitivities, or picky eaters.

Know Who You’re Feeding. Make sure you know how many people your meal should serve. Keep in mind that what people feel is enough to eat varies, so erring on the side of excess is generally a good idea. One friend mentioned that a meal she received included only “one take-out size container of soup with nothing else.” She’d had a particularly challenging day, and figuring out how feed her family with that small carton of soup didn’t improve anything. “I felt bad for feeling ungrateful but couldn’t help thinking ‘How would we possibly fill up on this for dinner?’ But then again, we were thankful just to have someone take time out of their busy day to help out in any way.”

While planning to leave a family with leftovers is certainly not expected, many people expressed their gratitude about having extra for lunch or dinner the following day. One new mom recounted how she felt hungry all the time. She loved how “it was so convenient to pull a slice of whatever was leftover from the fridge, microwave it, and eat quickly after putting the baby down to sleep,” especially in the middle of the night.

Plan to Part with Your Containers.  Don’t deliver work or worry with your meal; if at all possible, drop off food in containers that are disposable or that you don’t need returned. A seriously ill friend mentioned that she felt too overwhelmed to even wash dishes sometimes, let alone keep track of coordinating their return. “I still have a canvas bag that I have no clue who brought,” she recounted. “In those early days of diagnosis, I really liked the disposable containers that had no strings attached.”

Another friend dealing with a long-term illness decided to place a cooler on her porch where people can leave meals if no one is home. She leaves clean containers in the cooler for people to pick up after a few days if they want them back. Additionally, other meal preparers can swing by and pick up containers for their own meal deliveries instead of adding the expense and waste of using disposable items.

Honor Your Commitment.  When a family knows dinner is taken care of, the weight on their shoulders feels a little bit lighter. If that dinner doesn’t show up — when they’re hungry and without a plan — that weight feels suddenly heavier than it should. One evening, some friends waited and waited after the scheduled drop-off time, but food never arrived. They felt too embarrassed to contact the person who signed up and scrambled to get dinner together for themselves.

If you’ve signed up to bring dinner but find yourself unable to so, make alternate plans as quickly as you can. Switch days with someone else if you have time or simply have take-out delivered. One day when I was supposed to prepare dinner for a friend, I woke up with a high fever, so I had pizza and a salad dropped off from their favorite restaurant. I felt guilty sending a pizza (see “Plan Your Menu,” above), but since I couldn’t get out of bed myself, it was the best I could do. If nothing else, let your friends know that something has come up so they won’t be counting on dinner.

Deliver with Class. Meal delivery planning websites usually list a drop off window for delivering meals, but sending a text or email to let a friend know when you are coming can be helpful. While you shouldn’t expect a reply, your communication will reassure your friend that dinner is on its way. If your friends are home when you drop off the meal, apart from a few brief words, don’t plan to stay unless specifically invited. Families with new babies are often exhausted, and families dealing with serious illness or loss may not feel like putting on a happy face to chat. While you may want to catch up, remember to be as respectful as possible about the families’ needs. A friend shared a story about receiving a food delivery on a day when, in addition to her compromised immune system, she had a terrible cold. She had casually mentioned how crummy she was feeling to the person who was scheduled to deliver that day, and “A few hours later, the doorbell rang, and there was a paper bag of orange juice, chicken soup, and crackers at my door — this doorbell ditch was the perfect response!”

***

Without exception, all the families I talked with, no matter what their circumstances, expressed how the simple act of being fed made them feel supported and connected during a challenging, hectic, or exhausting time. One friend recounted a story about a friend who felt extremely isolated while undergoing cancer treatments: “The homemade meals she got were like receiving cards in the mail – they were thoughtful and so much fun to ‘open.'”  So remember, whenever you deliver food to a friend in need, be it homemade or prepared food, an elaborate spread or simple fare, your efforts to nourish the body will feed the soul as well.

Meal Train Recipe Ideas

Here are some tempting, delicious recipes to help you get you started thinking about how to keep the meal train rotation new and interesting for families. Make it a complete meal by adding a simple salad or side vegetable. For a special treat, throw in a bottle of wine or something sweet. For additional inspiration, check out our 50+ Beautiful Casseroles round up or our collection of 50+ Fall Soup Recipes to Soothe Your Soul.

Creative Casseroles

Healthy Mexican Casserole by Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Reuben Casserole by The Girl Who Ate Everything

Pork Chop Casserole by Bev Cooks

Stuffed Entrees

Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls by Pinch of Yum

Savory Pies

Tomato & Onion Tart by Flour Arrangements

Chicken Pot Pie by Flour Arrangements

Easy Taco Pie by Damn Delicious

Steak & Mushroom Pie by One Sweet Mess

Risotto

Butternut Squash & Leek Risotto by Love & Lemons

Spinach Risotto by Living Lou

Stir Fries

Ginger Beef Stir-Fry by Noshing with the Nolands

Rapini Noodle Bowl by A House in the Hills

Quick Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry by Damn Delicious

Lasagna with a Twist

Chicken Enchilada Lasagna by My Life as a Strawberry

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna by The Girl Who Ate Everything

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This post was written by Suzanne Cowden exclusively for BonBon Break Media, LLC.

The post Food to Share: Meal Train Recipes & Ideas first appeared on BonBon Break.

Whether you love the Oscars for the red carpet glamour, the talent line up of presenters and performers, or simply for the thrill of the awards ceremony itself, it’s time to gear up for this much-anticipated annual event.

If you’re thinking about hosting an Oscars party this year, this collection of tips and tricks from food bloggers should help you host an award-winning evening for your friends and family.

Sharon of The Honour System suggests creating a score card with “all the categories and nominations printed on it so your guests can pick and choose their winners.” If you want to go all out, come up with a prize for the guest with the best score. Mini Oscar statues, anyone?

“We all know the Academy Awards is a long night,” says Sharon, “so find some fun Oscar/movie/actor trivia online and quiz guests during the boring parts of the award ceremonies or the commercials to keep everyone awake and entertained. Oh, and brew some coffee.”

If you’re trying to plan a family-friendly event, consider asking parents to have kids bring pajamas and sleeping bags. Once the show gets going, kids can start their pajama party with an age-appropriate movie so adults can relax and enjoy the show.

To keep the adult portion of your evening lively, Stefany of Making it with Stefany has some great cocktail tips for you: “Come up with a signature drink for your party, but have some beer or basic spirits around in case your guests has specific tastes.” Hint: Stefany’s Mad Max-inspired Ruby Red Grapefruitcello Liqueur is a winner for your Oscars party this year.

Stephany also notes that, “Adding fresh squeezed fruit always makes any standard cocktail a million times more delicious. And if you have a traditional go-to drink recipe, find a way to spice it up or put a twist on it by using a new, local liquor.”

Alice of Dining with Alice also recommends creating a signature cocktail for your party: “It’s a good way to save money; instead of buying multiple bottles of liquor you just buy the ingredients for one signature drink.” Alice then adds this genius twist: “Set up all the ingredients with recipe information (you can print out the recipe and put in a frame next to bar supplies) and have guests make their own cocktails. This becomes a special activity for guests and gives you more time to enjoy the party.”

Alice offers another party suggestion: “Crock-Pot Slow Cookers are great for cooking easy meals, and I love preparing a potluck dish for an event and using the warm function to keep food hot during the party. I also will put appetizers that I baked, like my Baked Ham Sandwiches  inside the slow cooker to keep warm. I just layer tin foil on the bottom and put the sandwiches inside and the hot and buttery ham sandwiches are always ready to grab.” Be sure to check out Alice’s Revenant-inspired  Crock Pot Ribs for this year’s Oscars party.

For those of us with a sweet tooth, a party just doesn’t feel like a party without that happy ending known as dessert. Jessica of Femme Fraîche suggests serving something that’s quick and easy to throw together. “The last thing you want to do toward the end of a party is slave over ganache or assemble cake layers. Desserts I serve at parties have to pass my whipped cream litmus test! If their assembly, or any other last minute needs, requires more time than it would to whip up some cream, then it isn’t a dessert I’d want to make for guests who are waiting on me in the other room.”  Hint for your party this year: Jessica’s Brooklyn-inspired Chocolate Stout Cannoli passes this test with flying colors.

But why wait for people to offer to bring something? Haley of Cheap Recipes Blog suggests a perfect idea for throwing a fabulous party without breaking the bank. “Looking to throw an Oscars party on a budget? Make it a potluck! Have each of your guests bring a dish or drink to share. It’s a win-win for everyone: you will have less to cook, you’ll pay less – and everyone will get to try a variety of dishes.”

Last but not least, serve drinks, appetizers, and desserts inspired by this year’s best picture nominations. Use the creative recipes below or come up with your own. If you plan to have a potluck, challenge your guests to bring food or drink inspired by this year’s movie nominations. If you’re feeling kind, share these ready-to-go ideas your guests.

Roll out the red carpet for these…

Best Picture-Inspired Recipes

The Big Short

Jenga Veggie Tower by Flour Arrangements 

Bridge of Spies

Bitesize “TV Dinner” Meatloaf Appetizer by Pickles Travel Blog 

Brooklyn

Chocolate Stout Cannoli by Femme Fraîche

Mad Max: Fury Road

Ruby Red Grapefruitcello Liqueur by Making it with Stefany 

The Martian

Homemade Cheddar & Chive Tater Tots by The Honour System 

The Revenant

Crock Pot Ribs by Dining with Alice

The post Throw a Winning Oscars Party first appeared on BonBon Break.

Of course we know we’re not going to win. The odds of being struck by lightning three times – probably in the same exact spot balancing on one foot and singing an aria each time – are better than winning the lottery, making it silly, ridiculous, even, to play. But that swelling jackpot keeps calling, and we keep answering by paying two dollars a pop to pencil in our six lucky numbers that will, most probably, never change our lives.

We’re fortunate to have resources to live comfortably, but we’re not extravagant by any means. Picturing that jackpot as ours lets us imagine what it might feel like to have enough money to do whatever we want, whenever we want. We don’t normally talk about living beyond our means, about wishing we have things that we just can’t afford, but when we buy a lottery ticket, until we haven’t won, we suddenly do so with abandon. We can pretend we’re suddenly rich beyond our wildest dreams and discuss, at length, how we’ll enjoy our windfall.

Our kids would have us on the first plane heading toward Disneyland, with Mickey bars, cotton candy, and churros for everyone we meet. When we return, Eliza would get the hedgehog she’s sure would make a perfect pet, and Tessa would pick out the kitten she’s been wanting. Tessa generously suggested that we buy a whole extra house to turn into a kitchen for all of my baking projects. My husband would buy an airplane and set up a workshop with all the fancy tools he’s ever wanted.

Me? I’d add a second bathroom to our house and then maybe buy another house in Friday Harbor, WA, and one in Monterey, CA, so we could spend as much time in these places that we love – mostly because we have great friends there.

Last week, out of nowhere, Eliza moved from talking about fun things to do for our family to how we could use the money to help others. When we asked what she felt would make a difference, she suggested building a hotel to help homeless people, one complete with services to help them turn their lives around.

This game of let’s pretend has helped me realize that I’ve actually already won the best kind of lottery. My family is healthy and safe. We have enough to eat, and we eat well, even. We live in a small house, but one that’s comfortable and in a neighborhood with great schools. While we’ve faced our share of challenges associated with raising kids, we’re a close family, and we enjoy spending time together. We’re lucky enough to live near parents who love us and who are part of our lives. We’ve been lucky, too, to have made many friends over the years, some of whom we now count as family.

We’re lucky in all that we have. I think my kids know it, too, as evidenced by the fact they wanted to share their good fortune with others readily, unlike us, the selfish parents who thought only of making our own lives more comfortable.

Haters will say that buying a lottery ticket is like burning two dollar bills just to watch them go up in flames. I’d say that spending two dollars for hours of fun and a heart full of gratitude is money well spent.

And if — against all odds — we somehow really end up with a spare $1.5 billion, we’ll certainly put it to good use. We’ll put the kids in charge.

This post was written by Suzanne Cowden exclusively for BonBon Break Media LLC.

The post If I Win the Powerball Lottery Jackpot first appeared on BonBon Break.

Honestly, it breaks my heart to “pick” posts because each and every post on here is chosen out of thousands of submissions and suggestions. Each and every post on BonBon Break is handpicked for you.

So, without further ado, we bring you…

BONBON BREAK’s  Top 10 NEW Posts of 2015

1. A Letter to My Children About Fifty Shades of Grey by Michelle Lewsen of They Call Me Mummy
2. Nails, Mascara and Other Reasons I Won’t Unfriend You on Facebook by Laura O’Rourke of Mommy Miracles and (BonBon Break!)
3. Why Your Child’s Teacher is Asking for 45 Glue Sticks by Nicole of Moments that Define Life
4. 10 Sleep-Inducing Activities for Easier Bedtimes by Aradhana Pandey
5. Do’s and Don’ts of Growing Tomatoes by Jeanne of Gardening Jones
6. How to Stop Back Talk! by Ariadne Brill of Positive Parenting Connection
7. Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade by Jessie Johnson of Life As A Strawberry
8. 5 Reasons to Keep a Sharpie in Your Purse by Suzanne Cowden of Flour Arrangements (and BonBon Break!)
9. 20 Top Boots for Fall by Val Curtis of BonBon Break
10.  Why Moms Are Overwhelmed But Won’t Ask For Help by Melinda Means of Mothering from Scratch

HONORABLE MENTIONS FROM OUR EDITORS:

• The Sonogram by Anna Whiston-Donaldson of An Inch of Gray
• Why I Don’t Give 100% to Anything by Alice Seuffert of Dining with Alice
• 5 Things You Probably Don’t Know Teachers Are Thinking by Jennifer Wolfe of mamawolfe
• Re-Entry: Life After Depression by Angie Kinghorn of AngieKinghorn.com
• I’m Not That Kind of Christian by Katie Sluiter of Sluiter Nation
• Walk in My Shoes, White Mom by Keesha Beckford of Mom’s New Stage (and BonBon Break!)
• Stop the Nonsense, and Get Your Life! by C. Imani Williams (onTwitter )
• Philanthropy, Wine, and Chocolate by Nancy Davis Kho of Midlife Mixtape
• Dear Other Woman…Thank You by Kristin Shaw of Two Cannoli
• The Simple Cleaning Tip that Is Hard to Explain by Robyn Welling of Hollow Tree Ventures

While on the topic of our editors, I am ETERNALLY grateful for each and everyone. In addition to finding, vetting, and editing content this year, they contributed their beautiful voices with fantastic pieces to BonBon Break through the year. Check out the content from ALISON, SUZANNE, AMELIA, CERYS and KEESHA‘s…OK, and I wrote a few things as well.

I cannot forget Val R. and Tracy. I adore you two!

We loved hearing so many of our contributors on BonBon Break LIVE this year. Jump in and listen to a few!

…and we can’t forget about the food. Yes, I am putting our fabulous recipes in their own category because Suzanne did such an AMAZING job of rounding up mouthwatering recipes and fantastic cocktails over 2015. Take a peek at the Top 10.

TOP RECIPES OF 2015

1. Easy Gluten Free Pancake Recipe by Val Curtis of BonBon Break
2. Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade by Jessie Johnson of Life As A Strawberry
3. 50 + Fall Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul by Suzanne Cowden of Flour Arrangements (and BonBon Break!)
4. 50+ Perfect Holiday Pie Recipes by Suzanne Cowden of Flour Arrangements (and BonBon Break!)
5. Funnel Cakes by Lisa of The Cooking Bride
6. Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Bake by Tara Noland of Noshing with the Nolands
7. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower Gratin by Faith Gorsky of An Edible Mosaic
8. 150+ Christmas Cookie Recipes by Val Curtis of BonBon Break
9. Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup by Gina Holmolka of SkinnyTaste
10. Savory Pumpkin Rolls by Suzanne Cowden of Flour Arrangements (and BonBon Break!)

Plus 2 of our FAVE cocktails:

Espresso Vodka Martini by Julie and Debbie from Cooks with Cocktails
Raspberry Moscow Mule by Maya Dutta-Linn of Treats and Eats

A couple of thank you’s before I let you go. A HUGE thank you to OurPact for sponsoring THREE of our themes this year: Fill Your Bucket, Inspire, and Connect. We were so thrilled to partner with WaterAid America this year. There couldn’t be a nobler cause and a kinder group of people behind-the-scenes. Thank you to them for sponsoring Giving.

A special thank you to our two dudes behind-the-scenes, Greg and Chad. Without Greg, we wouldn’t have a single podcast and so much more – no popcorn here Greg, I am trying to be concise. Aren’t you proud? And Chad – Chad, Chad, Chad — you all haven’t seen what he is bringing to the table yet, but there are GREAT things ahead that we have been hashing out since Spring. YES, Spring.

To our readers and contributors, your kind words and supportive comments have buoyed us throughout the year. YOU are why we created BonBon Break, and you are why we continue to love this job. You are the ones who let all the mamas know they are NOT alone. Thank you.

Best wishes for the New Year ,and I will leave you with this meme, because I just love my memes.

Besos,

Val Curtis

The post Top 10 Posts of 2015 first appeared on BonBon Break.

Simple, yet super flavorful, this Broccolini and Sausage Pasta is a perfect meal for busy weeknights. The full recipe makes a generous amount, which is convenient if you’re a fan of leftovers or if you need to deliver dinner to a friend in need in addition to feeding your family. If not, the recipe halves easily.

Tender broccolini, slivers of garlic, and Johnsonville Naturals Mild Italian Sausage combine in this kid-friendly pasta dish tossed with Parmesan and lemon zest for extra flavor. Since the sausage is gluten-free, making this a gluten-free meal is as easy as subbing in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Johnsonville Naturals provide a clean and simple label and are made with familiar ingredients. They do not contain artificial ingredients, flavors, colors, or preservatives. The line focuses on high quality, natural ingredients, such as premium cuts of meat and flavorful spices to deliver great taste people expect from America’s leading sausage brand.

Broccolini and Sausage Pasta

Serves 8 to 10. If you’re not planning to feed a crowd, the recipe halves easily.

• 1 pound pappardelle pasta
• 1 pound Johnsonville Naturals Mild Italian Sausage
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 pound broccolini or broccoli rabe
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• salt and pepper, to taste

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and return pasta to the pot.

While pasta cooks, brown the sausage in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon.

Add garlic to the browned sausage and continue cooking until the garlic just begins to brown. Add broccolini and broth, cover the pot, and cook until the broccolini turns bright green, about 2 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the broth evaporates and the broccolini is tender, about 3 more minutes.

Add the sausage mixture, along with olive oil, lemon zest, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the pasta. Toss to combine. Serve immediately. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.

Make it a Meal:

• Tender Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
• Za’atar and Mint Butterbean Salad
• Apple Roses

Pin it for Later

This post was written by Suzanne Cowden exclusively for BonBon Break Media, LLC.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnsonville. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Broccolini and Sausage Pasta first appeared on BonBon Break.

According to Feeding America, a national organization aimed at tackling hunger in the US, food banks serve an estimated one in seven Americans. During the holiday season, it’s easy to contribute to these worthy organizations that help ease challenges around food insecurity for individuals and families. From school food drives to donation bins at local markets to employer matching contribution programs, it is difficult to miss opportunities to feed the hungry during the holiday season.

This tradition of reaching out during the holidays provides needed aid and assistance to organizations that depend on donations and volunteers. “For smaller food banks and pantries that don’t benefit from a development team, this time is crucial for surviving throughout the rest of the year,” explains Sarah Palmer DeFrank, Advocacy Manager for the California Association of Food Banks.

But once school food drives come to a close, once the donation bins at the markets go away, and once the charitable giving programs wrap up at year’s end, what then?

Many of us make food choices during the holiday season that revolve around whether we should eat “just one more” bite of something. Imagine facing the choice of buying food or paying your utility bills. What about food or medical care? How about food or rent? Long after the tree has been kicked to the curb and you’ve stopped worrying about the extra pounds you put on during the holidays, 46.5 million Americans still go hungry.

If you eat well most days of the year, it’s probably hard to imagine what it feels like to worry about your next meal. Food insecurity impacts a person’s ability to learn, to make good decisions, and to function in day-to-day life. “When this worry is taken away, a person can live more fully; their health and quality of life are improved,” explains Palmer DeFrank.

So, if you eat well most days of the year, consider extending the spirit of giving beyond the holiday season. It’s a great way to model the spirit of compassion for your children, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to work together to make a positive difference. While some of the ideas described below may seem small, they’re worth doing. A modest donation can have more impact than you think, especially since food banks leverage contributions by purchasing food in bulk at wholesale prices.

Get the new year off to the right start — both for yourself and others — by trying one or more of the following ideas to help combat food insecurity:

Collect Change for Change. Most of us end up with change jingling in our pockets at the end of the day. Why not collect this change in a jar to donate to a local food bank? It’s as easy as finding a convenient location for a container in your house for collecting coins. If you have small children who don’t spend their money, hand over your change and give them the excitement of dropping coins in the collection. Bring the family along to deliver contributions to your local food bank whenever you fill the jar.

Set a Family Giving Goal. Decide on an amount that your family can contribute each month to help combat food insecurity. If this feels like a reach for you, look for ways to save money to help you meet a giving goal. Talk with your family about making choices that will allow you to redirect funds to help you raise money: eat dinner in rather than going out or watch a movie at home rather than heading out to the theater. There are plenty of ways to save without feeling deprived, and you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing that your contributions will make life easier for others. Before long, your kids will get into the spirit of giving by offering suggestions that you might not have come up with on your own, like making your coffee at home instead of stopping at Starbucks.

Organize Fundraising Events. Help kids organize a lemonade stand or bake sale to raise money on behalf of your local food bank. This fun learning opportunity will give kids experience with food preparation, customer service, and change-making as they work to raise money for a worthy cause. In addition to the boost food banks get from bulk purchasing with the donation, kids often manage to raise more than you might expect. Whenever my kids set up a lemonade stand for charity, passersby frequently tell them to “keep the change” or even donate cash without purchasing because they feel good about the cause.

Donate “Presents.” Ask friends to make donations in place of traditional gift-giving for birthdays or other special events. You could also ask friends to bring non-perishable food items in lieu of gifts if this feels more comfortable. After the party, deliver the gifts to your local food pantry.

Participate in a SNAP Food Challenge. Challenge your family to live on the average daily food stamp benefit (about $4 per day per person) for a week. This eye-opening experience will help participants understand the difficult choices people face trying to make healthy selections on a limited budget. Donate the money you save to a local food bank.

Volunteer at a Local Food Bank. During November and December, food bank volunteer schedules are often booked solid months ahead of time, but come January or February, they still need volunteers to help sort food and provide general office help. Many food banks welcome kids aged 10 or older if they are accompanied by adults. Some even offer family days to accommodate younger children. Contact your local food bank to find out about opportunities in your area. If you have older kids, consider committing to a regular schedule throughout the year as a family project.

To learn more about food insecurity and other ways you can help end it, visit Feeding America or The Food Research and Action Center. You may never know how your contributions — large or small — make a difference for others, but you can read these stories from real people to help you understand why food banks need your help. No one should go hungry during the holidays or at any other time of the year.

READ THIS NEXT:

• The Easiest (and Most Powerful) Way to Give This Holiday Season
• Dear Child, I Will Give
• Why I Cry at Every Holiday, and Why It’s Awesome
• 5 Ways to Give Back to Yourself

READ MORE FROM THE GIVING POSTS

ABOUT SUZANNE: Suzanne focuses on food as centerpiece for both everyday routines and special occasions. Each recipe featured on Flour Arrangements, from simple loaves of bread to fondant decorated birthday cakes, comes with a story that blends life with cooking. Suzanne lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughters.

You can find Suzanne on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Food Banks: Help Beyond the Holidays was written by Suzanne Cowden exclusively for BonBon Break Media LLC.

Would you like to sponsor a theme? Click here.

The post Food Banks: Help Beyond the Holidays first appeared on BonBon Break.