Back-to-school season brings a full calendar, hungry kids and the daily question every family knows: what should we eat? That is where Meredith Kruse, the creator of Our Love Language is Food, offers a practical place to start.
Meredith is a lifelong Midwesterner, home cook, food photographer and recipe developer who believes the best meals do not need to be complicated. Her approach centers on real ingredients, good company and the kind of food that helps people gather around the table. She was born and raised in Minnesota, moved to Wisconsin for college and stayed in the Dairy State, where local produce, dairy and proteins continue to shape the recipes she shares.
Food has always carried meaning in Meredith’s life. She grew up in a tight-knit family where many favorite memories happened around a big table. Her grandma and mom brought her into the kitchen early, making cookies, traditional Czech kolaches and other baked goods before she could see over the counter. After more than 20 years of cooking for herself and nearly 15 years of cooking for her family, Meredith sees cooking as one way she shows up for the people she loves.
That mindset makes Our Love Language is Food a natural fit for families heading into the school year. Meredith develops every recipe in her real home kitchen with everyday cooks in mind. She writes with enough detail to help you feel confident, whether you are trying a recipe for the first time or making it again on a busy weeknight.
One thing that sets Meredith apart is the care she puts into dietary modifications. Her experience cooking for college roommates with celiac disease and vegetarian needs, along with family members who cannot have dairy, taught her to think about who will be at the table. For parents packing lunches, planning dinners and feeding friends after school, that kind of thoughtfulness matters.
This back-to-school recipe roundup brings that same spirit to your kitchen. Look for hearty breakfasts to start the morning, crowd-pleasing desserts for lunchboxes or team treats, and plenty of recipes worth sharing. As your family settles into routines, what recipes could help you spend less time stressing over meals and more time connecting around the table?
For a Balanced Morning Breakfast
Make your mornings a little easier with these simple make-ahead meals that will have the kids fueled and asking for seconds.
To Round Out the Lunch Box
Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables just got a whole lot easier. Meredith has two great dips to make produce not only appetizing but craveable!
For the After School Snacker
After they get home, what kid doesn’t want a sweet, homemade treat? These treats are great to make ahead and keep those hungry tummies full after a long school day.
Follow along with Our Love Language is Food
If you enjoy Meredith’s recipes as much as we do, make sure to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and her website OurLoveLanguageIsFood.com