PREP School

Class is in session! And here's the lesson: an easy-A meal plan for six make-ahead dishes built for busy days. So set aside a little Sunday time to chop, dice, and slice away, then earn high marks from your family later on.

the homework:

SCHOOL SHOPPING: Take a glance at the ingredients for these recipes and take stock of what you may already have on hand before hitting the grocery store. Then make a list of the items you need to pick up.

LABEL LESSONS: To take out guesswork later, write the recipe name, prepped-on date and reheat instructions on bright masking tape. Place a label on each prepped recipe's container.

COOKING CLASSMATES: Make it a family activity! Kids can help pull out tools, chop veggies, and mix ingredients while your spouse stays safely stationed at the stovetop.

the school supplies:

Pull out these tools before you start prepping so all things are on hand when you need them:

• CUTTING BOARD
• ALUMINUM FOIL
• MEASURING SPOONS
• MEASURING CUPS
• CHEF'S KNIFE
• PARING KNIFE
• MIXING BOWLS
• WHISK & SPATULA
• TWO 13X9-IN. BAKING DISHES
• 8-IN. SQUARE BAKING DISH
• FOUR TO FIVE 28-OZ. AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS

Pancake & Waffle Mix

This terrific blend pairs the ease of a boxed pancake mix with the homemade goodness of light, fluffy pancakes and waffles. Both come out so tender and golden. -Deb Poitz, Fort Morgan, CO

Takes: 10 min. Makes: about 6 pancakes or 13 waffles (about 4 in.) per batch

• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups buttermilk blend powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 8 tsp. baking powder
• 4 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. salt

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

FOR PANCAKES