After School Snacks

This is the last week of school snacks and meals recipes. I thought this week we’d look at some special after school snacks. We have been keeping with the healthy theme but after a long day at school, your child deserves a treat while they do their homework or on their way to after school activities. 

So here are some yummy options for after school snacks that I’m sure young and old will enjoy. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 ¼ cup flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup oats

Beat all of the wet ingredients together. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until mixed. Stir in the chocolate chips and oats. Spoon a tablespoon of dough on cookie sheets and bake for 8 minutes at 375˚

Caramel Popcorn

¾ cup popcorn kernels

2 cups of sugar

1 ¼ tsp. salt

Pop the corn and set aside on two large cookie sheets. 

In a heavy sauce pan, stir in the sugar, ¼ cup of water, and salt. Heat on low until dissolved. Increase the heat and boil without stirring until the sugar mixture is a golden brown color, about 8 minutes.

Working quickly, pour the caramel over the popcorn while tossing it with two wooden spoons. Let the caramel harden and then enjoy!

Indian fry Bread

3 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup hot water

Heat oil to 350 degrees. Sift dry ingredients. Add liquid. Mix until dough pulls from sides of the bowl. Add more flour if too sticky. Knead, roll (don't roll too thin) and deep fry until golden brown.Spread with jam, sprinkle with sugar & cinnamon, or experiment with your favourite toppings!

Nachos

Tortilla chips
Cheese, grated
Toppings such as tomatoes, green onions, red onions, olives, jalapeños, avocado, chicken, ground beef, etc.
Dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream


There are two main ways to bake your nachos, in the oven or in the microwave.


In the Oven:
Choose an oven safe baking dish, such as a cookie sheet or shallow casserole dish. Cover the bottom with a layer of tortilla chips. Evenly sprinkle with your desired toppings and some grated cheese. Depending on how many nachos you want you may wish to add another layer. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese starts to bubble about 5 minutes.


In the Microwave:
This way is best if you have kids who like different toppings on their nachos, because you can make them their own individual plates. First, choose microwave safe plates. Then layer the tortilla chips, toppings and cheese. Repeat with as many layers as you wish. Microwave at medium power until the cheese starts to bubble, about 1 minute (times vary for different microwaves).


Eat with your favourite dipping sauces.
Enjoy!

Links:

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/08/100-easy-after-school-snacks.html

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-after-school-snacks.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/275204/after-school-snacks/@center/277005/back-school

School Lunches

Like breakfast, lunch is an important part of your child’s day. Whether you pack them a warm or cold lunch, you want it to be as healthy and as hearty as possible so that they have energy for the rest of the afternoon. 

We have compiled a bunch of different lunch ideas and some recipes and links for you to take a look at. Some are fresh takes on old favourites and some are new and inventive ideas to get your child eating healthy yummy lunches. 

Sandwiches

When we think of the typical lunch time sandwich we tend to think peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or plain old cheese sandwiches. In a time where kids are acquiring new tastes and when there are so many kids with nut allergies, we have a few new sandwich ideas for you to try out. 

Arnold Palmer Sandwiches (from bonappetit.com)

Combine finely chopped hard-boiled eggs and pickles with mustard and mayonnaise, then spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Combine drained canned tuna, finely chopped celery and onion, mayonnaise and lemon juice, then spread on another slice of bread. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and assemble.

*tuna is optional

Barbecue Chicken Sloppy Joes (from bonappetit.com)

Toss chopped tomatoes and shredded rotisserie chicken and carrots with barbecue sauce and heat through. Toss the mixture with chopped cilantro or parsley and transfer to an airtight container. Pack with a whole wheat hamburger bun for assembly at lunch.

Meatball Sandwich (from bonappetit.com)

Warm frozen meatballs in jarred tomato sauce and transfer to a wide-mouth thermos. Place a slice of provolone cheese in a whole wheat hamburger bun for assembly at lunch.

Pesto Chicken Rolls (from bonappetit.com)

Toss diced roast chicken breast with pesto, diced mozzarella and sliced sugar snap peas. Transfer to an airtight container and pack with a whole wheat hot dog bun.

Cheddar and Apple Sandwich (from realsimple.com)

Ingredients

2 slices of bread (preferably multigrain, Italian, or French)

1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard

1 ounce thinly sliced Cheddar

Several pieces of thinly sliced apple

Directions

1. Spread 2 slices of bread with whole-grain mustard. Top 1 slice with Cheddar and several pieces of apple. Sandwich with the remaining bread.

Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Paprika (from realsimple.com)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon paprika country bread

4 ounces smoked turkey (thinly sliced)

2 roasted red peppers (sliced)

2 ounces manchego cheese (sliced)

1 cup spinach

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and paprika.
2. Spread on 4 slices country bread and form 2 sandwiches with the bread, smoked turkey, roasted red peppers, manchego cheese, and  spinach.

Wraps/Pitas

There are so many combinations and things that you can do with wraps and pitas. Young and old will enjoy these ideas.

 

BLTA Wraps (from bonappetit.com)

Mash an avocado with lemon juice, then spread on a whole wheat wrap. Top with crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced romaine lettuce. Roll up and wrap in parchment or wax paper to secure.

Turkey-Cheese Pita Pockets (from bonappetit.com)

Spread a creamy cheese, such as Boursin, inside a whole wheat pita, then fill with roast turkey slices, baby spinach leaves and cucumber slices.

Asparagus and Gruyere Panini (from bonappetit.com)

Top a large whole wheat tortilla with slices of Gruyere cheese and season with black pepper. Arrange a layer of asparagus (roasted or steamed the night before, or shave raw into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler) on one half, drizzle with lemon juice, and fold to enclose. Cook using a panini press or on a hot skillet until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts.

Roast Beef Pita Pockets (from bonappetit.com)

Spread the inside of a toasted pita pocket with mayonnaise, then fill with thinly sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese and store-bought coleslaw.

California Rollwich (from food.com)

Ingredients:

• 1 flour tortillas (10 inch) or 1 pita bread
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 ounces sliced turkey or 2 ounces ham, thin deli slices
• 1 slice cheese, cut into strips (cheddar, provolone, swiss, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 small avocado

• 1/4 cup fresh tomato, diced
• 1 dash lemon juice or 1 dash lime juice
• 2 tablespoons carrots (diced or shredded) (optional)
• 1 tablespoon green pepper, diced (optional)

Directions:

Avocado Spread:

1. Scoop the flesh from the avocado and mash, mixing with a dash of lemon or lime juice.
2. Mix in diced tomatoes and optional vegetables.
3. Set aside.

Rollwich:.

4. Spread the tortilla or pita with mayonnaise, leaving at least 1/2 inch around the outside.
5. Spread avocado spread over mayonnaise.
6. Top spread with shredded lettuce.
7. Carefully place turkey or ham slices on top of topping (leaving room on the edge for rolling).
8. Add cheese strips down the middle.
9. Carefully roll the tortilla into a wrap.
10. Cut into two pieces.

Soups and Salads

I never was super keen on taking soup or a thermos to school, but over the years I’ve discovered that soup is yummy, keeps you warm, and is very filling. I know not a lot of kids are keen on salads either but these are a good mix of veggies and other things that may seem a bit more appetizing. Have your child give these tasty options a try. 

Thermos Noodle Soup (from food.com)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups spaghetti
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon or 2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon
• 1 teaspoon instant minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to 1 quart thermos that has been heated with additional boiling water. Seal and tilt jar for 15 minutes. This stays warm for 24 hours in a glass or metal thermos, so it can be made in the morning for lunch or dinner. Egg noodles would hold up better during longer "cooking" times.

Lunch Box Taco Soup  (from food.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bacon, diced
• 1 cup mushroom, sliced
• 2/3 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 (12 ounce) can kernel corn
• 2 cups taco sauce or 2 cups salsa
• 1/2-1 tablespoon taco seasoning,

Directions:

1. Cook bacon, until crisp, in a large saucpan.
2. Add vegetables and cook until onion is soft.
3. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Cool completely and then freeze in single serve containers. Defrost overnight, then warm in microwave until heated through. Pour into thermos and pack in lunch.
5. Send along small containers of cheddar and/or montery jack cheese, if desired, for garnish. This soup goes great with tortilla chips!

Bean and Cheese Salad (from bonappetit.com)

Whisk 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts olive oil; season with black pepper. Add finely chopped shallot, let sit for a few minutes, then toss with canned, rinsed cannellini beans (white kidney beans), feta or goat cheese crumbles, thinly sliced cucumber half-moons, and chopped fresh dill or parsley. Pack with multigrain pita chips or pockets.

For more ideas...check out these websites

www.bonappetit.com/recipes/family-meals/slideshow/25-quick-and-easy-school-lunches-to-pack-for-your-kids/?slide=1

http://www.food.com/slideshow/back-to-school-lunch-box-ideas-111/california-rollwich-6

http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/15-school-lunch-ideas-theyll-love/slide/cf_fruitcrepeburritos_1000/