After a long day of class and play, kids often need a little something to hold off hunger pangs before dinner and give them a boost of energy to make it through their homework assignments. Here are ten yummy after-school snacks that will both energize and comfort your kids.
Oatmeal with banana slices, honey and almond slivers
Not only will this dish warm your kids from head to toe, but it will also provide a healthy dose of whole grains, potassium and a little sugar to energize and support muscle function.
Pita pizzas
Pita pizzas provide a single serving of a classic kid favorite. Make this snack interactive, letting your kids dress their pitas with toppings and then broil their creations until the cheese has melted. It’s an easy bite that will never disappoint.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is the ultimate comfort food. Make peanut butter wands by spreading peanut butter around the top half of pretzel rods and then roll in dried apples, raisins, cranberries and blueberries for a colorful treat that will leave your kids spellbound.
Celery boats
Spread cream cheese in celery sticks and let your kids do the rest. Put out cubed chicken or turkey, raisins, sliced salami and almonds, and let your kids add as many passengers as they please to their snack ships.
Homemade bagel chips
Put stale bagels to work at snack time. Slice lengthwise, brush tops with melted butter, season and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 minutes, flip the chips, brush with butter, season and bake for 10 more minutes, or until crispy. Go sweet with cinnamon and sugar as your seasoning, or try using garlic for a savory snack.
Grilled cheese fingers
Grilled cheese fingers are a fun take on an all-American sandwich. Add turkey, roasted red pepper or tomato to the grilled cheese sandwich before cooking. Once it’s ready, remove the crusts and cut into five long strips.
Smoothies
For a healthy, sweet snack that your kids can grab as they run outside to enjoy the last hours of daylight, make smoothies. Combine 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of frozen strawberries, blueberries, peaches or mango, 1 frozen banana, and ½ cup of orange juice of milk for a nutrient-rich and satisfying smoothie.
Cinnamon disks
Quick cinnamon disks are a fun sweet treat. A cross between doughnuts and cinnamon toast, they require only a little prep time. Just slice premade biscuit dough in half and flatten. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake biscuits according to the package directions and enjoy.
Watermelon snow cones
Watermelon snow cones are easy to make and provide instant cool on a hot day. It only takes 1 cup of watermelon, 2 tablespoons of apple juice, 3 cups of ice and a blender for a healthy summer snack.
Yogurt sandwiches
Mini yogurt sandwiches are a fun, bite-sized snack that only needs a few ingredients. Sandwich a dollop of vanilla, strawberry or chocolate frozen yogurt between two vanilla wafers, roll the edges in mini-chocolate chips and freeze.
More after-school snack ideas
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