After school snacks don’t have to be boring. They can be fun to eat and easy to make. Whether your children are snacking at home or on the go, there is a common thread: growing bodies need fuel to keep them going. It doesn’t matter if they are little ones or teenagers. A hearty snack after a busy day can give that boost to keep your family going until supper.
Try these ideas, some tried-and-true, some totally new:
Fresh fruits and vegetables:
- Peel and/or seed
- Cut into easy to handle pieces
- Hummus, yogurt, and nut butters make fun dips with a protein punch
Fill on-the-go pouches with munchies:
• Granola
• Flavored popcorn
• Finger size cereal
• Dried fruits
• Nuts – peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds
• Tiny pretzel sticks
Crunchy Chickpeas – a perfect snack with that crunch for those with nut allergies
15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (chili powder can be substituted)
¼ teaspoons salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 425° F. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Add chickpeas and toss with cumin, smoked paprika (or chili powder), and salt. Sauté 2 minutes, then transfer skillet to oven and bake 15 – 20 minutes.
Nutty Pretzel Wands
Spread nut butter onto about halfway up the pretzel rods. Roll in chopped nuts and/or dried fruit.
Better Brownies
Prepare your favorite brownie batter, adding 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed dry); divide among greased mini-muffin cups and bake 15 to 18 minutes at 350°F.
Fun and easy after school snacks can keep up with your active family. Maintaining the energy needed to fill the gap between school and supper. Remember to pack clean up wipes and a snack for you – you will need it.
