My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Back to School

Back to School Month

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August is Back to School Month at My Plant-Based Family! All of my kids will be in school this year (except the two who have already graduated)!

Back to School Month

My 3 year old will be in preschool 3 mornings a week and my 5 year old is staring kindergarten. I’m pretty sure that will be both the best and worst days of my life. Can you relate? I’m so excited for the new adventure my kids will be on, they are both ready and so am I.

In preparation we have been practicing lunch time. I prepare the boys lunch boxes and they have to open all of the containers themselves. It took a few days for them to get the hang of it. I bought EasyLunchboxes to use this year because the reviews were great. I bought two different lunch bags. This Insulated Lunch Bag may be a little on the small side but I linked that the strap was adjustable and it has an outside pocket. I also go this AllerMates Lunch Bag for my little guy with food allergies. He won’t have to take a lunch to school but we will provide the snack everyday. I plan to make his lunch so it’s ready when we get home from preschool.

Back to School

I hope you’ll join me this month as I bring Easy Meal Plans, Lunch Box Ideas, New Recipes and More Back to School fun! I really want to make YOU a part of the fun. I set up a Back to School with My Plant-Based Family Board on Pinterest. This is your formal invitation to be a part of this community board and contribute all of your favorite Back to School ideas and tips.

To be a contributor you must follow all of my boards on Pinterest and send me your email address so I can invite you. You can leave it as a comment here or send me an email. I look forward to collaborating with you. I may even choose some of your ideas to feature!

So do you have kids in school? When do they start?

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Unfried Black Beans

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I am soooo over refried beans! Who needs to add extra fat to beans anyway? Certainly not me! I have won over many people with my Unfried Beans made with pinto beans but they are a little to garlic-y for my husband so I decided to lighten up on the spices a bit. Also my 2 year old son (the one with multiple food allergies) has reactions to pinto beans but so far has been doing well with black beans.

This recipe is perfect for lunch boxes too! Use these beans in a burrito or as a delicious dip! My son loves taking beans and chips for lunch. I pair it with some red grapes and carrot sticks for a healthy lunch. See more of my Back to School posts here.

unfried black beans

Unfried Black Beans

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked black beans
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt (optional)
  • 1/8 to 1/4 cup water (only as needed, the Blendtec may require more water)

Do

  1. Put beans and spices in food processor or Blendtec. Process 15 to 20 seconds.
  2. Scrape down the sides as needed and process until beans are smooth, add water as needed.

Serve

These beans are incredible by themselves but I love them with Mexican Rice or wrapped up in a tortilla.

Tip: If you only have canned beans drain and rinse them, then make as instructed. Most cans only contain about 1 1/2 cups of beans so you may want to ease up on the spices and omit the salt entirely.

Coming tomorrow…Faux Cheezy Black Bean Quesadillas!

What is your favorite way to eat beans?

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