• August 2015
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• Web Exclusive

Eight Kid-Friendly After-School Snacks

These simple treats will make your evenings less stressful while keeping your kids full and happy.

Web Exclusive

The new school year is approaching and parents are about to have a lot on their agenda. Coming home to hungry kids begging for snacks is enough to make any mom or dad go crazy, especially at the end of a long day. Kids need something to hold them over until dinner, but sometimes it’s difficult to come up with a quick snack they will actually eat. Stay-at-home parents and working parents alike can save time by preparing these convenient after-school snacks or letting the older kids make them on their own.

 

Rice cakes

Rice cakes are a go-to snack that your kids can get very creative with. Take their favorite rice-cake variety and top it with cream cheese or peanut butter (or almond butter, honey or Nutella). Add fruit, chocolate chips or any of their favorite toppings. This is a snack that is easy for them to prepare on their own, making your evening a little more relaxed.

 

Baked apple chips

Apple chips are a healthy alternative to potato chips and other salty snacks. These crunchy goodies have all the sweet flavor your kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 apples
• Ground cinnamon
• Sugar

Directions:

Thinly slice the apples and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and sugar on each side. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until crisp, turning halfway through. Let the apples cool then store them in an airtight container for up to one week.

 

Smoothies

Your kids will love having smoothies for a quick afternoon snack. Fruit smoothies can satisfy their sweet tooth and help them avoid sugary snacks and drinks before dinner. Plus, you can add vegetables and greens, and they will never notice the difference. Almond milk and soy milk are great alternatives to milk and yogurt. Water will work just as well to give you the desired consistency. Freeze over-ripe bananas, strawberries, blueberries or other fruits so you can quickly toss them in the blender when you are in a hurry. Add honey or agave for extra sweetener.

 

Trail mix (nut-free)

Something about the sweet and salty taste of trail mix is irresistible. It’s tasty, easy to make and you can store it for later. Here are a few ingredients to start with. (Nuts are not included, but feel free to add them if desired.)

• Chocolate chips
• Mini pretzel sticks
• Banana chips
• Dried cranberries
• Raisins
• Mini marshmallows
• Popcorn
• Toasted oats
• Granola
• Coconut flakes
• Dried pineapple

 

No-bake peanut butter crunch cookies

These treats are easy to prepare and adaptable to your kids’ diets. Make them at the beginning of the school week and keep them in the cookie jar for a quick sweet fix.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup peanut butter (or alternative)
• 6 cups corn flakes (or old-fashioned oats, if preferred)
• 1 cup raisins or 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Set the corn flakes aside in a large bowl. Heat the corn syrup in a sauce pan on medium heat, add the peanut butter and stir until the peanut butter is fully melted. Immediately remove from heat and pour over the corn flakes, tossing gently so as not to crush them. Place heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow cookies to cool for 30 minutes and store in an airtight container.

 

Frozen grapes

This snack couldn’t be simpler. Keep snack-size bags of grapes in the freezer during the school day, and they’re ready to eat when your kids get home. Grapes are a healthy alternative to sugary snacks and even the pickiest eater will enjoy the crunchy texture.

 

Fruit salad

Fruit salad is a convenient snack that you can make in the morning, refrigerate during the school day and it’s ready to eat after school. The possibilities are endless with this tasty treat.

 

Fruit kabobs

If you have extra time in the afternoon, put a special twist on fruit salad by putting the sliced fruit on skewers. For an extra treat, drizzle the skewered fruit with honey and roll them in coconut flakes, crushed graham cracker or chopped nuts. Kids can make these on their own with some supervision.

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