Forgive me for the prosaic title? I’m sure I could have come up with one better, but my head is still a bit fuzzy from a virus. Okay then, on with it…
It’s a well known parenting law that kids want to eat snacks more than meals. I could never lure my kids into the house from the sandbox by saying “Kids, LUNCH TIME!,” but if I offer them a snack, they’re in before I finish the sentence. Is it the fact that I serve more salty and sweet goodies during snack? Whatever the reason, I’m inclined to make snack time as nutrition-packed as possible. Because I’m not above sneaking healthy foods into my kids’ diet.
So on that note, here they are in no particular order, my top ten favorite snacks to serve the kids. Most of these are self-explanatory, but when I have a tip or a link to a recipe, I include it too. I hope it gives you some inspiration!
1) animal crackers and cocoa
I’ve waxed poetic on my love of this combination before. This doesn’t sound like the healthiest snack, but I happen to think it’s the best remedy for cold hands coming in from some tough play in the back yard.
2) graham crackers and cream cheese
A friend once pointed out this duo tastes like cheesecake. Indeed! Delicious.
3) ants on a log
Even more fun to make than they are to eat. I haven’t seen these make an appearance at school yet in Boston, so in case they are a regionally Southern treat, it’s just either an apple slice or a celery stick plus peanut butter and raisins (ants).
4) cucumbers and hummus
5) haystacks
6) deviled eggs
Simple, really. First make the perfect boiled egg. Combine mayo, lemon juice, mustard, salt, dill or parsley, and a pinch of relish. Whip together with yolks and pipe from a sandwich baggie with the corner cut out into the whites. Sprinkle with paprika.
7) just plain GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts)
If you want to get fancy, throw in some butterscotch chips and coconut flakes.
8) banana with avocado nutella
9) v8 and goldfish or cheese & crackers
10) smoothie and breakfast cookies or muffins (doubles as a great breakfast too)
