Sure we could go out to Target and load up on pre-wrapped and pre-boxed snacks for the kids, but that quickly gets expensive. Plus those snacks can get boring pretty quickly. This is why manufacturers are constantly reinventing the packaging, or the colors or the flavors of their standard snacks in order to spark new interest in their products.
With the kids being close to being out of school, we are going to need some seriously cheap snacks around here for them and for their friends. They have to be cheap, too. With summer, I can be more flexible, since the kids are out of school and can eat both hot and cold snacks, there are no allergy considerations for the classroom, and packing isn’t an issue. Even if we decide to do an outing for the day, I can bring a cooler with us.
I consider this an ongoing and evolving list, depending on what is on sale, the last time I went to the store, and what the kids taste trends tend to be.
Mozzarella sticks: I buy whole mozzarella, cut it into sticks and then store them in an air tight container in the fridge. This is must cheaper than buying them prepackaged.
Mini muffins: I bought a set of mini muffin pans from a yard sale, and I use them all of the time to back batches of muffins that I can freeze for quick snacks. I stock a variety. Frozen mini muffins can be left to thaw on the counter or microwaved for a few seconds before eating.
Crudite: Cut up their favorite veggies and make a quick dip (or use ranch dressing). Most vegetables will store in the fridge for several days.
Tortillas: Tortillas are great because there is so much that can be done with them. Spread them with cream cheese, fill with vegetables and wrap. Put American or cheddar cheese between two of them, grill them in a pan and turn them into quesadillas.
Mini pizza: Add pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese to English muffins then broil in the toaster oven.
Fruit salad: In my house fruit salad is exotic and easier to eat that whole fruit. At least that is what my kids tell me. This is best made fresh in the morning or at snack time.
Muffin Tin Buffet: Take a standard muffin tin and fill each cup with a different and easy snack. Kids love the choice. Include items such as raisins, pretzels, cubed cheese, nuts, banana chunks, vegetables, etc.
Jello: You can make your own version by using fruit juice and gelatin. Pour it into individual servings before chilling it.
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