Snack Time: 5 Kid-Friendly Bites with Fruits and Veggies

Grab a notebook and pencil and have a seat in Culinary.net’s Cookin’ Classroom! Every week, we’ll share cooking tips, kitchen hacks and easy ways you can become a better home cook. Whether you’re living on your own for the first time, starting a family or simply expanding your kitchen know-how, join us each week to learn how to sharpen your culinary skills.

If your children’s first move when they get home from school is to head to the pantry, you’re not alone. A long, tiring day in the classroom is sure to leave little ones hungry.

This National Fruits and Vegetables Month, keep those students engaged for homework time without sacrificing nutrition – with a little fresh produce to lend a hand.

• Grab and Go: Replace sugary, prepackaged pantry snacks with fresh fruits like bananas, oranges or apples. Or opt for dried fruit such as apricots, raisins or dates.
• Raw Veggies and Dippers: Chop celery, carrots or bell peppers into “sticks” then pair with dill dip, hummus or ranch dressing.
• Baked Goods with Produce: It’s hard to turn off those cravings for sweets completely! Instead of premade muffins loaded with sugar, bake them at home using carrots, pumpkin, banana, zucchini or other fresh fruits and veggies.
• Pair with Peanut Butter: If your students need a bit of protein for finishing those math assignments, place a dollop of peanut butter on a plate and use it for dipping with banana or apple slices.
• Break Out the Blender: Toe the line between “snack” and “dessert” with a sweet treat as a reward for a hard day’s work. Blend favorite fruits or veggies with a splash of milk for a kid-friendly, nutritious smoothie that fights hunger without ruining dinner appetites.

Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Find them by following on Facebook, subscribing on YouTube or signing up for our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a recipe.