Chef Catherine McCord Teams Up with McCain Foods to Make Back-to-School Dinners Fun on TipsOnTV

With the back-to-school season in full swing, families everywhere are juggling busy schedules, early mornings, and after-school chaos. To help take one thing off their plate—literally—McCain® Foods has partnered with cookbook author, mom of three, and Food Network star Catherine McCord to share fun, flexible meal inspiration that makes dinnertime less stressful and a whole lot more joyful.

Catherine McCord, founder of Weelicious and author of four cookbooks.:

"Back-to-school can be one of the most overwhelming times of the year for parents. That’s why I love McCain®’s Crispy Mashed Potato Smiles. They’re quick, easy, and bring a little fun to dinner—even on the busiest nights."

McCain® Smiles are made with real potatoes, lightly seasoned with sea salt, and get perfectly crispy in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. Whether served as a simple side or used as the base for creative family meals, McCain® Smiles’ playful shape and savory deliciousness are designed to turn everyday dinners into moments that families can enjoy together.

Bring joy to the table with McCain® Smiles—crispy potato fun turned into bite-sized sliders the whole family will love.

Catherine McCord:

"Smiles aren’t just a side dish—they’re a way to make mealtime more meaningful. My family does a ‘Smile of the Day’ at dinner where we each share something that made us smile. It’s a sweet way to connect after a hectic day."

Chef McCord encourages parents to stock their freezers with go-to staples like McCain® Smiles, which pair effortlessly with weeknight favorites like chicken or fish. For a twist, she suggests building your own dinner creations—like topping chili with Smiles or adding Smiles to a one-pan chicken skillet.

Find McCain® Smiles in the freezer aisle of your local grocer and find simple, delicious recipes the whole family will love at www.McCainFoodsUSA.com/Smiles.