Snack Attack

Our kids get home from school and within minutes it can look like a tornado has hit the pantry. Boxes are pulled off of shelves and wrappers are all over the kitchen table. Yes, these kids are hungry when they get home from a day of learning! As parents we can often get in a rut with snacks. Whether it's for after school or even for them to munch on during the day snack time can be challenging. Here are some ideas to help you when you just can't think of something new.

1. Fruit and Chocolate
Okay, you can't get much better than this. By melting some chocolate, preferably dark chocolate,  with a small amount of coconut oil (this varies depending on how much chocolate you are using but start out with just a few drops) you can melt up the perfect pairing for some fruit. My favorite fruit and chocolate combos are bananas, strawberries, pineapple and apples. The coconut oil keeps the chocolate from clumping and can be omitted if you don't have any or have an allergy.

2. Mix It Up
Most kids love snack mixes. By mixing together some cheese crackers or pretzels with nuts, raisins, seeds and chocolate chips you have a great snack that's perfect for busy afternoons. This one is so easy because you can make it just the way your child likes it and they can even help grab their favorite ingredients.

3. Whip It Up
No child can resist whipped cream, many adults can't either! There is no need to save the homemade whipped cream for Thanksgiving. Whip up your own batch and grab some fruit for dipping. Here is a simple recipe that can be made in minutes. This recipe calls for Promised Land Heavy Whipping Cream but I have used it with other brands.

http://www.promisedlanddairy.com/recipe_items/promised-land-dairy-homemade-whipped-cream/

4. Go Nuts
One of my favorite snacks is an apple cut in half (seeds removed) spread with peanut butter or almond butter and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. My kids also like dipping sliced apples in peanut butter but this would work with any nut butter.

5. Kabobs
Fruit and cheese kabobs are a great way to fill kids up after school. With a few wooden skewers, some cheese and fruits of your choice you can create a snack on a stick that is sure to please even picky eaters.

Happy Snacking!