After a hard day of learning, hungry kids may not make it to dinner without a quick snack to tide them over. Have these snacks ready when kids come home from school, or enlist their help in making them as a way to unwind for a few minutes when they come in. The snacks will help them keep their focus and energy to do homework until dinner time—helping keep them in school. Remember, for more ways to help kids stay in school, check out P&G’s GIVE Education!
Whole Wheat Cheddar Crackers
Okay, so cheese and butter may not be 100% healthy. But we guarantee that these crackers are much better for your body than the processed, artificially flavored ones you’ll find in the grocery store!
Serves about 8 as a snack.
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
¾ cup finely grated cheddar cheese
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp baking powder
½ cup cold water
Pulse all ingredients in food processor until they come together and form a ball, then remove, set on wax paper, and let rest for at least 30 minutes. If the mixture seems loose at all, let it rest in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, then separate dough into two pieces (for easier workability if you don’t have a large surface) and use a rolling pin to flatten it on a clean, floured surface. The dough should be about 1/8 in thick and even all over. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, then use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into pieces (or 1-inch cookie cutters for fun shapes). Carefully transfer to a nonstick baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Crackers should come out crisp and golden. If you want them crisper, return them to the oven for another minute or two. Store in an airtight container until serving.
Nutritional info per serving: 173 calories, 8.5 g fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 161 mg sodium, 45 mg potassium, 20 mg carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 5.6 g protein
Yogurty Fruit Salad
You can make this salad out of any fruit you have around, not just the ingredients listed. Alternatively, just pour all these ingredients into a blender with a handful of ice cubes or half cup of sherbet to turn it into a smoothie!
Serves 6 as a snack.
1 container vanilla yogurt (about ¾ cup)
1 cup diced strawberry
½ cup blueberries
1 cup pineapple chunks (drained of juices if using canned)
1 cup seedless red and/or green grapes
Gently mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, then serve in individual bowls when the kids come home. That easy! And so healthy.
Nutritional info per serving: 62 calories, .8 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 18 mg sodium, 166 mg potassium, 16 carbohydrates, 1.5 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 2 g protein. 38% DV Vitamin C.
Cinnamon Candied Peanuts
Peanuts contain protein that will keep your child’s energy up to finish homework—and they’re a great source of antioxidants. You could use any nut for this recipe, too. Try it with almonds or pecans!
Serves about 6 as a snack.
2 cups dry, roasted peanuts
1 cup sugar
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tsp vanilla
Spread some wax paper over your countertop so it’s ready for the final step. Then heat sugar and milk over medium heat in a heavy saucepan, stirring to combine. When the mixture turns amber, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. When those are incorporated, add the peanuts and stir until they’re coated with the sugar and the coating crystallizes.
Turn the whole mixture onto the wax paper and gently separate into clumps with a few forks or large spoons, trying not to devour the whole divine-smelling pot in one go. Let cool and then store in an airtight container.
Nutritional info per serving: 421 calories, 24.5 g fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 8.2 mg sodium, 323 mg potassium, 44 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 35 g sugar, 12 g protein, 19% Vitamin E.
Dress Up a Plain Suit
