Spring Snacks For After School

Spring has officially sprung! I promise. I have the tulip buds to prove it. I’m hoping that it keeps going and the warmer temps are here to stay. To help my kids celebrate the coming season, I’ve been working on some fun after school snacks to fill their bellies. The key to a good after school snack is something that’s mildly sweet to give them a boost before dinner paired with something that’s got some protein to fill them up after a long day of school and play. With that in mind, here are some of my favorites:

Recipe 01: Spring Yogurt Parfaits

The protein from the yogurt mixed with the crunch of granola makes for a perfect after school snack. Tossing in the fruit made carrots is a great way to add a little sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 c. vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 c. granola, divided
• Cantaloupe, sliced with seeds removed
• 6 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 6 toothpicks

Process:

1. Start by sprinkling granola into the bottom of 6 cups. Next, put a 1/3 c. of Greek yogurt on top of the granola before topping with another sprinkling of granola.
2. Next, make your carrots by cutting triangles out of your cantaloupe.
3. To make your carrot tops, start by slicing the kiwis lengthwise into long slices. Next, using a pairing knife, cut the tops of the carrots into a “w” shape.
4. Lastly, attach your tops to your carrots with a toothpick. Then put the carrot in the top and enjoy!

Recipe 02: Fruit Palm Trees

These are a great treat, especially because it’s so bright and sunny. The bananas will fill those bellies while the oranges and kiwis add a little sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• 2 kiwis
• 1 tangerine

Process:

1. First, start by peeling your kiwis. Next, slice them into wedges lengthwise to create your palm leaves.
2. Second, peel and cut your bananas into slices for your trunk before you arrange them in the shape of your choosing.
3. Last, peel your tangerine and arrange the wedges into your beach. Ta da!

Recipe 03: Beary Peanut Butter Toast

This recipe is a great one for kids who come home starving because it combines the filling wheat toast with your favorite nut butter, and tops it off with some sweet bananas and dried fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices wheat bread
• 3 Tbsp. nut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1/4 c. dried fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.)

Process:

1. Start by toasting your bread. Meanwhile, while your bread is toasting, peel and slice your banana. After your bread is done toasting, spread your nut butter on the toast.
2. Lastly, top with banana ears and a nose followed by dried fruit for eyes and a nose. Ta da!

I hope that these simple and quick recipes help inspire you this spring to up your after school snack game! Now get out and enjoy that sunshine. 🙂