(Culinary.net) Running short on time from a busy schedule shouldn’t mean skipping out on your favorite desserts. In fact, it should be all the more reason to enjoy a sweet treat as a reward for all that hard work.

When you’re due for a bite into dark chocolate goodness, all it takes is a few minutes out of your day to make 5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars. This quick and simple dessert makes it easy to celebrate the day’s accomplishments without added stress.

As a fun way for little ones to help in the kitchen, you can cook together the butter, marshmallows, peanut butter and cereal then let the kiddos drizzle the key ingredient: melted chocolate. All that’s left to do is cut and serve or pack a few off to school and work for an afternoon treat.  

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5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars

Recipe adapted from ScrummyLane.com

• 4          tablespoons butter
• 10        ounces marshmallows
• 1/2       cup peanut butter
• 6          cups cereal
• 4          ounces milk chocolate, melted
• 4          ounces dark chocolate, melted

1. Heat saucepan over low heat. Add butter, marshmallows and peanut butter; stir to combine. Add cereal; mix until coated.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. Add cereal mixture to pan.
3. In bowl, mix milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over cereal mixture; spread evenly then allow to cool.
4. Cut into bars and serve.

Source:

Culinary.net

(Family Features) As summer comes to an end and the reality of back-to-school season sets in, it can be challenging to get organized and jump back into your day-to-day routine. But even as things get hectic, it's still possible to create delicious dishes that leave you plenty of time to savor meals together as a family using a few simple tips and tricks.

Whether the weeknight dinner rush puts you in a panic or you're simply looking to spice up the same old lunchbox staples, these three steps will make it easy to assemble quick, flavorful dishes ideal for the busy back-to-school season.

1. Plan a weekly menu and shop accordingly so you can avoid scrounging to piece together a meal from the odds and ends in the pantry on a night when you're already pressed for time. Meal planning eliminates all of the guesswork, so your family can enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals while also saving time, money and stress.

2. Rely on a versatile, easy meal-helper that lends itself to a variety of preparations, such as Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork. Packed with protein and already seasoned with juicy, delicious flavor, it's the perfect base for any weeknight meal. For a hassle-free dinner, try Pork with Balsamic Glaze and Rosemary, which is ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish - less time than it takes the kids to finish their homework.

3. Opt for simple, flavorful dishes that don't require a ton of ingredients or multiple sides. A zesty take on a traditional favorite, this South of the Border Pizza is convenient, kid-friendly and a great way to banish lunchtime boredom. Use this recipe as a starting point then experiment with more toppings to create your own unique family recipe.

Find more family friendly and time-saving recipe ideas at Smithfield.com.

Pork with Balsamic Glaze and Rosemary

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch thick chops
• 1/4 cup prepared balsamic vinegar glaze
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1. In large, nonstick skillet, heat half the oil over medium heat.
2. Working in two batches, cook pork chops 4-5 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 150 F. Remove pork from skillet and place on rimmed serving platter; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and pork chops.
3. Serve pork chops drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with rosemary.

South of the Border Pizza

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

• 2 French bread sandwich rolls, halved
• 8 tablespoons refried black beans
• 8 tablespoons (2 ounces) Smithfield Anytime Favorites Hickory Smoked Diced Ham
• 8 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 tablespoons picante sauce
• 4 tablespoons low-fat sour cream

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. Place four French bread halves on ungreased sheet pan. Spread 2 tablespoons beans evenly over each bread half.
3. Top each half with 2 tablespoons ham and two cheese slices.
4. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven; top each pizza with 1 tablespoon picante sauce and 1 tablespoon sour cream.

Source: Smithfield