These recipes prove that homemade can be just as fast and easy as the boxed versions.
Photo: Roberto Caruso
Think that making macaroni and cheese from a box is the fastest way to get a pasta meal on the table? Think again. This creamy mac and cheese is super easy and yummy. Get the recipe here: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Worried about the sky-high sodium count in your store-bought breaded mix? Go homemade with our easy-peasy baked chicken fingers, so you can keep an eye on the salt. And as an added bonus you can skip the store bought plum sauce and let the kiddies enjoy a homemade lime sour cream dip instead. Get the recipe here: Coconut-crusted chicken fingers with lime sour cream dipping sauce
Brownies and ice cream - could there be a better pairing? Your kids will never crave store bought brownies again once you tempt them with these tasty treats. Get the recipe here: Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Do your kids like to snack on chips? Instead of loading up on chip bags at the grocery store try these carrot chips instead. They're so crunchy and tasty. Beware your kids may become addicted to veggies. Get the recipe here: Carrot Chips
While store bought popsicles look tasty on the box, their ingredient lists don't often look appetizing. These colourful pops use fruits instead of artificial flavours (and other ingredients you can't pronounce). Hello natural and nutritious! And you can get the kids to help you make them. Get the recipe here: Fruity Rocket Pops
Try these fruit- and nut-filled granola bars as an alternative to the boxed ones. You'll thank us (and stay on budget)! Get the recipe here: Blueberry-Cinnamon Granola Bars
Bet you didn’t know how easy it is to make your own fruit leather. With only four simple ingredients, this one is more nutritious and super fun to pack. Get the recipe here: Blueberry-Apple Fruit Leather
When you're sick, it feels like all you can do is tear open a packet of instant chicken noodle soup. But here's the thing: The magical healing power of chicken noodle soup is much stronger when homemade — and we promise that this version is easy to make. Simmer some vegetables, noodles, and chicken in stock, and you'll be curled up again on the couch in no time. Get the recipe here: Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
Put that box of pudding cups back on the shelf. It may be on sale but you'll save more money with this homemade treat and trust us it's yummier. Get the recipe here: Double-Duty Homemade Pudding
Nothing you can buy in a store will ever compare to Mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven. Get the recipe here: Perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Read more: Homemade Alphabet Pasta Cooking with kids: How to make homemade yogurt Cooking with kids: How to make homemade ketchup
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