The kids race in the front door famished after a long day at school and they immediately begin to forage through the cupboards and refrigerator for a snack. These recipes will help tame their hunger and put a little fun into their afternoon.
Nutty Grapes
A fun twist on grapes and cheese. Putting their clay modeling skills to the test, the kids will enjoy making these tasty treats.
Equipment • Clean hands • Tablespoon • BowlIngredients • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese • 2 dozen seedless grapes, any variety, washed and patted dry • 1 cup chopped nuts, almonds, peanuts, etc.
Directions
Flatten 1 Tbsp. portion of cream cheese in the palm of your hand. Place a grape over the cream cheese; roll to cover grape with cream cheese. Roll in chopped nuts and serve.
Cheesecake Dippers
We love cheesecake but hardly ever make it because of the time involved. This simple and delicious recipe curbs that cheesecake craving in no time.
Equipment • Mixing bowl • Hand mixer • Serving bowlIngredients • 1 (8 oz.) container low-fat cream cheese, softened • 1 (8 oz.) container low-fat strawberry yogurt • ½ cup sliced strawberries • Several graham cracker rectangles or fun-shaped cookies for dipping
Directions
Beat the cream cheese until fluffy; mix in yogurt and strawberries. Place in a serving bowl. Arrange graham crackers around bowl and enjoy.
Math Facts Gorp!
This “non-recipe” recipe will get the kids back into practicing their math facts. Then they get to eat the tasty results.
Equipment • 1 sandwich-size zip-top bag per child • 1 set of math facts flash cards (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division)Ingredients Any of the following: •Dry roasted peanuts •Popped popcorn •Corn nuts •Candies •Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, apricots, apples, etc. •Sunflower seeds •Chocolate chips •Banana chips •Cereal O's or squares
Directions
Place all food items in individual bowls on work surface. Each child draws a flash card and gives the answer by counting the corresponding number of food items they want to add to their zip-top bag. If they get the answer correct, they add the food into their bag, if not, it goes back into the bowl. Play as long as the kids are engaged.
Michelle Ann Anderson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her love of food with those around her. Her blog can be found by visiting www.MichelleAnnAnderson.com .
