Eliminate The Stress And Make The School Year Fun Again

The school year is a time of great anticipation. You might be starting school, or your children are headed off to a new year to learn. With that comes the extra constraints on your already precious time and the stresses that are associated with it.

One of the things that becomes problematic is feeding yourself and your kid(s) the healthy food, while making it taste good so everyone will eat it. No matter what we like to remember about how strict our parents were and what they made us eat, they had the same dilemma as you do now. Below we will talk about a few of the really healthy, innovative, and tasty dishes you can make for lunches, dinners, and snacks using Mother Earth Products foods. You'll find they are so good that they will soon become fan favorites in your home.

1. Amazingly Easy and Great Tasting Pizza

Meatless • Versatile • Weeknight-Friendly
Serves: 2–4
Total Time: ~25 minutes

This quick, meatless, and versatile pizza uses rehydrated veggies and simple ingredients for a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for all dietary preferences!

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• ½ cup freeze-dried bell peppers
• ½ cup dehydrated tomato flakes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried pesto seasoning or 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
• ½ cup rehydrated lentils (or plant-based protein of choice)
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese (optional)
• Optional toppings: olives, mushrooms, onions, spinach, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies:
   In a small bowl, combine the freeze-dried bell peppers and tomato flakes.
   Cover with olive oil and let soak for 10–15 minutes, or until softened.
   Drain excess oil and toss the rehydrated veggies with pesto or pesto seasoning.

2. Rehydrate the Protein:
   Soak the lentils in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
   Drain well and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pizza:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (or follow instructions on your pizza crust packaging).
   Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
   Layer on the rehydrated veggies, lentils, and any optional toppings.
   If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.

4. Bake:
   Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
   Adjust baking time based on your crust thickness and oven.

5. Cheese-Free Customization:
   Skip the cheese and boost flavor with extra veggies or a second swirl of pizza sauce.

6. Serve:
   Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.

Tips:

• Add chili flakes or crushed garlic to the oil for extra flavor.
• Use naan, flatbread, or gluten-free crusts to match dietary needs.

2. Smoky Lentil Mash Bowl

Hearty • Savory • Thermos-Friendly
Serves: 1–2
Total Time: ~15 minutes

This smoky, protein-packed mash bowl is the ultimate comfort food for busy days. Quick to prepare, loaded with flavor, and easy to pack, it stays warm in a thermos and keeps you full without weighing you down.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dehydrated lentils
• 1 cup freeze-dried potatoes
• 2 cups hot water (divided)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate and Season the Lentils:
   Place lentils in a bowl and cover with 1 cup hot water.
   Let soak for 10 minutes, then drain.
   Stir in smoked paprika, garlic, thyme, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   In another bowl, cover freeze-dried potatoes with 1 cup hot water.
   Let sit for 8–10 minutes, or until fully rehydrated and soft.
   Stir in olive oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine and Serve:
   Fold the seasoned lentils into the potatoes and mix gently.
   Transfer to a thermos or airtight container to keep warm for hours.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or dried chives for brightness
• Stir in nutritional yeast for a cheesy edge
• Top with crispy fried onions if serving at home

3. Wrap It Up, I'll take It

Yes, that may have been referenced straight out of a Fabulous Thunderbirds' song, but the simplicity of this next meal will have you singing along.

These easy and delicious wraps are perfect for meals on-the-go or a quick treat at home. Customize with savory or sweet fillings to match your cravings!

Smoky Lentil & Potato Wrap

Hearty • Portable • Plant-Powered
Makes: 2–3 wraps
Total Time: ~20 minutes

This satisfying wrap combines creamy, rustic potatoes with boldly seasoned lentils to mimic the savory richness of sausage. It's easy to pack, perfect for travel, and makes a filling lunch without the grease—ideal for busy days or casual, comforting meals on the go.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dehydrated lentils
• 1 cup freeze-dried potatoes
• 2–3 white or whole wheat tortillas
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Lentils:
   Place lentils in a bowl and cover with hot water.
   Let soak for 10 minutes, then drain and season with smoked paprika, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   Add freeze-dried potatoes to a bowl and cover with hot water.
   Soak for 8–10 minutes until soft, then stir in olive oil or butter and season to taste.

3. Assemble the Wraps:
   Warm the tortillas if desired. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes across the center, then top with the seasoned lentils.
   Roll into wraps and serve warm—or pack in foil or a thermos container for on-the-go eating.

Add-On Ideas:

• Stir in chopped dried chives or parsley for a fresh note.
• Add a touch of Dijon mustard or hot sauce before rolling for an extra kick.

Sweet Yogurt and Berry Wrap

Fruity • Creamy • Grab-and-Go
Makes: 2–3 wraps
Total Time: ~10 minutes

This wrap blends creamy yogurt with juicy rehydrated berries for a naturally sweet, dessert-like snack that’s high in protein and easy to take anywhere. Perfect for breakfast on the move, a school-safe treat, or a refreshing post-meal bite.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain or flavored yogurt (Greek or regular)
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
• 2–3 soft tortillas (whole wheat, plain, or flavored)

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Berries:
   Place the freeze-dried fruit in a small bowl and cover with just enough warm water to coat.
   Let soak for 5 minutes, then drain and gently pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Mix with Yogurt:
   Fold the softened berries into the yogurt. Adjust sweetness with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.

3. Assemble the Wraps:
   Spoon the berry yogurt mixture down the center of each tortilla.
   Roll into wraps, tucking the edges in as you go. Slice in half if serving as a snack.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Sprinkle with granola or chopped nuts for crunch
• Add a smear of nut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread before the yogurt layer
• Use flavored wraps (like cinnamon or vanilla) for added flair

Pizza Wrap

Cheesy • Portable • Crowd-Pleaser
Makes: 2–3 wraps
Total Time: ~10 minutes

All the flavor of pizza—without the oven. This easy wrap brings together saucy, cheesy goodness and rehydrated veggies for a handheld twist on a favorite comfort food. It’s perfect for quick lunches, road trip snacks, or satisfying after-school bites.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pizza sauce

• ½ cup rehydrated freeze-dried bell peppers and tomato flakes

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese (optional)

• 2–3 soft tortillas (white, wheat, or gluten-free)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies:
   Rehydrate bell peppers and tomato flakes by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes.
   Drain well and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.

2. Assemble the Wraps:
   Lay a tortilla flat and spread with a few tablespoons of pizza sauce.
   Layer on the rehydrated veggies and sprinkle with cheese, if using.

3. Roll It Up:
   Roll the tortilla tightly into a wrap. For warm wraps, heat in a skillet or panini press for 2–3 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the wrap is golden.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Add sliced olives, mushrooms, or cooked lentils for more variety

• Serve with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping

• Try using spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for color and flavor

Head over to Mother Earth Products for your freeze-dried peppers, berries, and other ingredients now.

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