Snacks for Children

The kids just came home from soccer practice, band rehearsal, school, or a friend's house - and they just have to eat something. These growing children are hungry! The problem is that you're busy working yet and don't have a chance to stop and make something for them; since it is only a couple hours until mealtime, you don't want to spoil their dinners; and you don't want them to eat "junk" food. What's a parent to do? Well, I've been collecting some ideas for snacks that my children like that are easy to make, and wanted to share them with you. : ) Perhaps you have a few awesome ideas to share! Let's go dig into some yummy, healthful snacks!

Photo from Wikipedia.

Veggies & Meat

One item that is always on our shopping list is tortillas! They may be used for so many snack options! Our local grocery story carries them in 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch varieties. The children prefer "plain", but hubby and I like the wheat and vegetable based ones. Almost anything your heart desires may be "wrapped" up in a tortilla easily, but here are a few of our favorites.

Salad Wrap ~ Getting kids to eat vegetables can be a challenge! If I put a salad in front of my kids, they complain, but for some reason will eat the same ingredients in a salad wrap! ??

Lay your tortilla flat on the plate. Spread about one tablespoon of salad dressing over the inside. Layer with a few piece of lettuce, carrots, tomato slices, or whatever other veggie you have in the house. They all sort of blend together in one yummy taste! Do not overfill the tortilla because it will be hard to close and will fall apart. Carefully turn the bottom edge up, then roll the sides around the salad. I usually wrap a paper towel around the bottom half as a way to hold it together and collect falling pieces. : )

Sandwich Wrap ~ Make a mini sandwich in a wrap! Spread a little mustard or salad dressing on the tortilla, layer with a few pieces of lettuce and some lunch meat such as ham or turkey, and wrap! We have also used and tuna fish leftover chicken to fill. Simple and tasty!

Photo Credits to Wikipedia.

Warm & Tasty!

Quesadilla ~ If your child is old enough to use the stove (teens), he can make a warm quesadilla. Simply set a tortilla in the frying pan, place a layer of your favorite cheese on top, then cover with another tortilla. It doesn't take long, so watch it carefully. When it it lightly browned on one side, carefully filp it over to brown the other side, and voila! We use a non-stick pan to make it easier to work with and to clean. Another option is to warm them in the microwave for 30 - 45 seconds. Slice your quesadilla into small "pie pieces".

Options

~ Try different types of cheeses: American, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper-Jack, cheddar ...

~ Add some leftover chicken or beef after cutting it into small strips or pieces.

~ Add some vegetables to the inside such as peppers and onions.

~ Dip the quesadilla into Mexican salsa or barbecue sauce.

Just use a simple can of refrigerated biscuits!

Warm Cheese Sandwiches ~ Slice a biscuit in half, fold a slice of cheese into quarters, place in the center of the biscuit, push top and bottom pieces together gently, and bake in a toaster oven.

Cinnamon Surprise ~ Slice biscuit in half, sprinkle center with cinnamon sugar, place a few chocolate chips (or a Hershey kiss) in the center, push the pieces back together, sprinkle the top with more cinnamon sugar, and bake.

Mini Pizzas ~ Cut either a bagel or English muffin in half as your pizza crust. Top with tomato or spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Bake in a toaster oven until is is warm and the cheese is melted. Easy!

Lunchbox Ideas from Kraft

Recipes for Kids from About.com