Take a Break from Your Traditional Supper Plans with these Breakfast for Dinner Delights

Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized

By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry

Some of the best and most delicious meals are classified as breakfast foods. From french toast and omelets to breakfast sandwiches and crepes, there’s a breakfast food for everyone to enjoy, but why constrain breakfast foods to the morning hours? Why not take your favorite breakfast foods and elevate them to the title of “dinner classics?” Try starting with these eight suggestions!

1. Breakfast Grilled Cheese

When there’s gray-colored skies and storms sweep into town, who doesn’t enjoy savory comfort food — like grilled cheese sandwiches — as a tasty treat? Pennsylvania gets hit with its fair share of storms, which leaves many opportunities to eat our favorite melted-cheese meal.

However, the next time we’re expecting summer thunderstorms and rain showers, consider whipping up some breakfast grilled cheese sandwiches. Beyond cheese, butter and bread, make a breakfast grilled cheese variation by adding scrambled eggs, a breakfast protein of your choice, tater tots and kale to the cheesy dish. 

You can add breakfast elements to almost any dish, so why not start with the beloved grilled cheese sandwich?

2. Bacon Fried Rice

If you like regular fried rice, why not try the breakfast version that includes a breakfast fan-favorite food — bacon? Besides the traditional rice, eggs, peas, carrots, onions, oil, and soy sauce that goes into fried rice, add some crispy bacon.

If you live in household filled with breakfast lovers, then you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Everything is better with bacon.” So, why not try adding it into your next fried rice dinner? 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

3. Pancakes & Waffles

If I asked you to think of your favorite breakfast foods, pancakes and waffles ought to make the list, but if you’re tired of eating normal pastries, we have the tricks for you. Rather than eating traditional pancakes or waffles, spice up the traditional breakfast treat with these suggestions.  

Foremost, you can incorporate almost any fresh or dried fruit into your next pancake or waffle mix. If you’d prefer making regular pancakes and waffles — rather than altering the traditional recipe — consider topping your dish with fruit like bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, blackberries, apples, cherries, pineapple, kiwi, coconuts and cranberries. Fruit toppled over whipped cream will certainly take your breakfast-for-dinner dish up a notch.  

If you aren’t a fan of sweet breakfast foods, then you should make a savory variation. Consider creating your savory pancakes by topping the pastry with sliced avocado, which is a heart-healthy fruit. You can also place a fried egg and chopped cheese onto the top of your dish to make it more filling. Plus, if you desiring a meal with southern flare, top the dish with protein like fried chicken. 

To make a healthier treat, incorporate finely chopped spinach, crushed bananas, a helping of applesauce, or shredded carrots into your pancake mixture for added freshness and color. 

You can never have too many add-ins when making waffles or pancakes. To customize your breakfast, you could consider adding the following items to the batter:  

• Peanut Butter Chips 
• Chocolate Chips 
• Sprinkles 
• Mini Marshmallows 
• Crushed Candy Bar 
• Orange Juice or Lemon Zest 
• Protein Powder 
• Cocoa Powder 
• Spices like Nutmeg and Cinnamon 
• Nuts  
• Honey 
• Pumpkin Puree  

You could also top your pancakes or waffles with these flavorful additions:  

• Nut Butters and Jams 
• Granola 
• Graham Cracker Crumbs 
• Salsa 
• Whipped Cream 
• Canned Fruit 
• Chocolate, Caramel, and Peanut Butter Syrup 

You’ll never run out of ideas to try when making pancakes and waffles for breakfast…or dinner! There’s always something new to test out and experiment with.  

4. Corned Beef Hash

Whip up some quick and easy corned beef hash for a filling dinner. Including onions, potatoes, butter, corned beef as well as optional scrambled eggs. This nutritious dish will be perfect when meal planning and portioning for the week. 

If you’d like a more complex dinner, you could also turn traditional corned beef hash into a casserole filled with flavor and complexity.

5. Breakfast Pizza

When planning your next movie night with friends or family, add breakfast pizza to your meal plan for the evening. Who needs pepperoni and cheese pizza when you can make your own breakfast pizza with bacon, eggs, mozzarella cheese and more?  

Be creative and put your favorite early morning treats onto the dish.  

If you’re a fan of tater tots, add them. Do you enjoy some good old-fashioned hash browns or breakfast potatoes? Then consider sprinkling them on your pizza for added flavor and enjoyment. The options are endless when making pizza, and you can have too many goodies on top. 

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels

6. Homemade Bagels 

Depending on your skill level in the kitchen and availability to cook, there are a variety of bagel recipes that you could make — some that take only a few ingredients and others that are more complex.

If you decide to make homemade bagels for dinner, you could easily transform them into scrumptious sandwiches filled with eggs, bacon and cheese. Even if baking isn’t your specialty, you could always make a delicious breakfast sandwich with prepackaged products.

7. Oatmeal

Similar to fan-favorite pancakes and waffles, you can always have fun with a traditional oatmeal recipe and customize the dish to your liking with new add-ins. 

For instance, you could enhance your traditional oatmeal by adding your favorite fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, apples, blackberries and blueberries. If you have dry fruits at your convenience, you could also utilize raisins or cranberries, which add flavor, color and texture.  

Spices and seasonings are another way to change the typical flavors associated with oatmeal and take the dish to the next level. Regardless of whether you have a sweet tooth or a desire for savory goodies, you will find something perfect to sprinkle in like brown sugar, nutmeg, turmeric or cinnamon and sugar. 

Add a healthy source of protein and fibers to your oatmeal by incorporating nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds as well as nut butters like peanut butter, Nutella and almond butter.  

8. Omelet

As a light and healthy dinner option, you could eat an omelet after spending the day in the sun, lounging around relaxing, or working hard on an assortment of projects. If you have any fresh vegetables lying around your kitchen — whether it be mushrooms and peppers or broccoli and avocado — prepare them to be placed inside an omelet. The same could be said about any cheeses and meat items that could be chopped and spread within the egg-dish.

What are your favorite breakfast for dinner meals to whip up in a flash? Share your recommendations with us.

Kick Off the Summer With Foil Packs

Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized

By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry

Foil packs are a traditional summer meal at campgrounds and backyard bonfires. Filled with an assortment of meats, veggies and seasonings and cooked in tightly wrapped aluminum foil, this meal can be fun to make, customize and eat. The great thing about foil packs is that you can include as many — or as few — items as you’d like in the mix and personalize the dinner to your liking.  

Even if you don’t have access to a grill or bonfire, you could also make this meal in a traditional oven or toaster oven. Foil packs are a versatile meal option for people of all age groups and backgrounds.   

Making and Customizing Your Own Foil Pack Dinner

When constructing your foil pack, include as many proteins as you’d like! If you are not a meat lover, there are many alternate foods to add to a foil pack that are equally filling and nutritious. If fresh protein or seafood is in your budget, consider adding the following items into your dinner:  

• Chicken, Beef, Sausage, Steak 
• Seafood like fish or shrimp 
• Meat Alternatives like Tofu 

Beyond your typical proteins, you could also use the following items as the main feature within your foiling pack: beans, noodles, rice and quinoa. 

Fruits and vegetables act as another prominent feature within foil pack dinners. Consider adding the following ingredients into your next foil pack meal:  

• Artichoke 
• Avocado 
• Broccoli 
• Canned Green Beans 
• Carrots 
• Cauliflower 
• Corn 
• Lemon or Lime 
• Mushrooms 
• Onions 
• Peas 
• Peppers 
• Potatoes 
• Squash  
• Tomatoes 
• Zucchini 

When making a foil pack, it’s important to remember to use a substantial amount of butter to ensure adequate flavor when cooking and to incorporate your favorite seasonings. You can use whatever you have in your cupboard to add flavor to your pack.  

Some other items to consider incorporating into your foil pack include cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips depending on one’s preferences and flavor pallet.  

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Pexels

If you don’t feel like customizing your meal, try these 11 recipe ideas!

1. Grilled Green Beans

This is a great way to put your green beans to good use. Try adding some lemon juice, seasonings and breadcrumbs. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, you could also make a garlic-flavored variation!

2. Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob 

All you really need is some corn, seasonings and some butter, and you will be able to enjoy some roasted corn with your dinner.

When making foil packs, be sure to use a generous helping of butter and oil to allow proper cooking and flavor distribution.

3. Campfire Filled Ice Cream Cones 

Rather than making a savory meal, you could also make a foil pack dessert. There are many treats that you could whip up over a fire, but this one may be great to hanker your sweet tooth. Fill an ice cream cone with an assortment of candies, nuts, syrups, sauces and marshmallows. Then, wrap the cone in aluminum foil, and cook to your liking. When you take it off the heat, your meal will be gooey and delicious.

4. Breakfast Pack 

Who doesn’t like breakfast? Try adding eggs, ham, potatoes and peppers into your foil pack for a yummy breakfast-style meal. It doesn’t matter what time it is when it comes to eating an egg-filled dish!

It’s important to note that cutting vegetables, like potatoes, thinly will allow them to cook and soften quicker, which allows for a shorter cooking time.

5. Veggie Pack 

Even if you don’t like meat, foil packs provide meal options. Add broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots to your pack along with butter and your favorite seasonings. You’ll get many of your daily nutrients through this dinner plan.

6. Philly Cheesesteak Foil Pack

A Philly cheesesteak is a classic dinner beloved by many Pennsylvanians. We suggest using ground beef, finely chopped potatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, seasonings and provolone cheese.

7. Taco Chicken Foil Pack

What would you include in a taco chicken foil pack? Everything you love in your traditional tacos! For instance, you could add in drained black beans and tomatoes, frozen or fresh corn, rice, mixed cheese, and chicken. For added flavor, sprinkle some taco seasoning mix on your ingredients.

Once your taco chicken comes off the fire, you could also incorporate your desired toppings, like avocado, guacamole, hot sauce, and tortilla chips.

8. Seafood and Veggie Pack

If you are a seafood lover, pick your favorite item to include in the pack — whether it be fish, shrimp or some other option. Then, use some zucchini and squash to keep your meal light and to add extra flavor.

9. Baked Potato Foil Pack

The number one ingredient for this meal is potato. Once you cut it open, pour in your favorite baked potato toppings — cheese, garlic butter, bacon, and seasonings. Add your sour cream on top at the end!

10. Barbecue Chicken Foil Pack

All you’ll need is 5 ingredients for this meal, and they are chicken, barbecue sauce, drained pineapple, red onions and red peppers. It’s quick, easy and full of flavor.

11. Pasta Foil Pack 

Pour in your favorite type of pasta, whether it be gnocchi or the traditional spaghetti noodles. Top the pack with your favorite sauces and melted cheese.

What’s your favorite foil pack recipe? Be sure to share your tips and tricks with us.

11 Ways to Creatively Use Your Stored Canned Beans

Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized

By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry

Many students stop by The Lion’s Pantry and pick up beans to use for their everyday meals. However, there are a variety of ways to use beans to enhance one’s meal plan.  

To gain some new cooking — and baking — inspiration, check out these 11 suggestions on how to use your next load of canned beans.  

1. Beans and Rice  

Why not make the traditional bean dish that comes to many people’s minds? Beans and Rice may be the perfect meal for you.  

2. Tacos  

Beans are an easy and traditional ingredient for yummy tacos. You’ll likely want them on hand for your next Taco Tuesday dinner party.  

3. Incorporate beans into your next quesadilla.  

Besides your typical ingredients of cheese or chicken, consider adding beans to your next quesadilla.  

Photo by Tim Toomey on Unsplash

4. Create homemade salsa or hummus.  

Rather than picking up a jar of salsa or hummus at the store, try to make your own using canned beans.  

Serve some homemade Black Bean Salsa with tortilla chips at your next get-together with family or friends. You could also pick up some crackers and veggies to enjoy White Bean Hummus.  

Salsa is also a healthy snack to enjoy throughout the week, especially on hot days.  

5. Bean-based Soups  

A wide array of soups include beans — ranging from Ham and Bean Soup to Potato Bean Soup. Making soup in a Crockpot, or even on the stove, allows for easy meal planning.  

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

6. Add some beans to your next salad for extra flavor and protein. 

If you’re tired of traditional garden salads, try adding some beans to your next dish.  

7. Beans on Toast 

Try out the British specialty “Beans on Toast” — a typical dish eaten for quick breakfasts, lunches and dinners. This is a comfort food that can help students through the rough exam periods and long shifts at work. 

Another positive about making beans on toast is the recipe yields a large amount of food. There are many recipes for this treat if you would want to elevate the dish further.  

Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash

8. Add beans to your breakfast.  

If you make yourself a breakfast sandwich in the morning, why not add some beans for added flavor?  

Making breakfast burritos allows for creative freedom. You can choose your ingredients and the extent you add them in. When adding egg, cheese, potatoes, and other ingredients to your burrito, consider beans as a potential addition.  

You could also incorporate beans into your next omelet or egg-based dish if feeling adventurous.  

9. Loaded Nachos 

Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or simply want an enjoyable treat on the weekend, loaded nachos may be the quick treat for you. With quick prep and cooking time, this meal will be a go-to treat for many college students. 

Photo by Deryn Macey on Unsplash

10. Use beans as a topping for your next burger.  

Besides adding cheese, ketchup, mustard, lettuce or onions to your burger, consider adding some beans. 

You could even make bean burgers, rather than using traditional meat-based products, following recipes as such. For vegetarians and vegans, bean burgers may be a great treat to make for summer picnics or parties.  

11. Use beans in your next dessert.  

Whether you want to try Black Bean Brownies or Pinto Bean Cake, canned beans may be the secret ingredient in your next favorite sweet.  

We hope you enjoy the following recipe ideas and add them into your weekly meal planning. What is your favorite way to use canned beans? Share your favorite canned bean recipes with us!

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners

Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized

By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry

After a long day of work and school, you will likely head to your kitchen looking for something to heat up in a flash. Like many college students, your eyes may land on the box of gooey macaroni and cheese. It’s a staple dish for college students trying to eat on a budget. However, after a while, the quick and easy dinner option may become a little repetitive.

Here are five tips to elevate your next dinner to include extra flavor and texture.  

1. Add extra cheese to your dish.  

You can never go wrong with cheese! So, sprinkle some additional mozzarella or American cheese to the mix. 

2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n’ cheese.  

Whether you enjoy rotisserie chicken, fried chicken or a meat alternative, buffalo mac n’ cheese may be the perfect evening treat for you. With few additional ingredients and a bucket-load full of flavor, there are many variations to this classic treat.  

For instance, if you’re not a fan of chicken, pick up some ham to add into the mix. Buffalo ham mac n’ cheese may be your new favorite treat.  

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels

3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.  

Adding vegetables to your dinner not only increases the nutritional value but also adds flavor and texture. Pick up your favorite leafy greens and go from there!

4. Similar to the buffalo chicken suggestion, try adding barbecue sauce and a protein of your choice to your dinner for added flavor. 

If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken, you can use that as inspiration for your next mac n’ cheese dinner. Pour in a generous helping of sauce and the other ingredients you feel like including. 

5. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.  

If you need a crunch on the top of your pasta, add some bacon bits or breadcrumbs.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

6. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish. 

Are you a fan of garlic? Try adding it to your dish. Like some paprika? Sprinkle some into your next bowl of pasta. Simply add in the spices and herbs that you have and see how it tastes. 

7. Use your leftovers for extra flavor in your dish.  

Have leftover pulled pork from a community dinner? It may be the perfect opportunity to combine the sweet and savory flavors of pork with your cheesy macaroni meal.

Did you treat yourself to your favorite restaurant dinner or attend a picnic with your friends? Use the leftovers in your macaroni and cheese. Simply be creative. 

8. Mix in some jalapeños for some spice and heat. 

Hot sauce isn’t the only way to add some heat to your macaroni and cheese. Try adding some peppers to your dish for added oomph. 

Do you know someone who may be tired of eating the same boxed macaroni and cheese for dinner a few times a week? Share this article with them to spread both joy and yummy meal ideas their way.  

What is your favorite way to enhance your macaroni and cheese recipes? Be sure to share them with us!