Snack Time

The internet is a wonderful tool for finding (relatively) healthy and fun snack ideas. I found a few great ones that have become staples around my house. For a classic, rice crispy squares are an excellent dairy free, soy free (without margarine) treat. I've been experimenting with different ways of making them. I tried no margarine, as a variant on the original recipe, and found them to be completely brittle. For my next batch I tried canola oil, and it actually worked pretty good. You just use less of the oil when you heat the marshmallows up. I also used more marshmallows, so it would be extra gooey. The kids loved the result.

Kettle corn is another one that the kids love. I found this recipe from Rachel Ray, and haven't altered it one iota. My one recommendation, when doing popcorn on the stove, is to use a pot with a clear lid so you can see what the kernels are doing. The first batch I did of this burned. The pot filled with popcorn, and the kernels on the bottom couldn't circulate. The second attempt I made was much better. I've used both brown sugar and white sugar for this, and either will work. Personally, I prefer the stronger taste of the brown sugar. 

Fresh fruits and veggies are probably the most requested snacks in my house, and there are lots of fun things you can do with them. One of my friends introduced me to the idea of bento box lunches. If you aren't inclined to try all of the food ideas involved in them, the little designs they do with fruits and veggies are super cute. To pique the appetites of picky eaters, try turning oranges into smiles, grapes into eyes, and have your little one build a face before they eat their snack.

Margarine Free Rice Crispy Squares

2 tbsp canola oil

5 cups mini marshmallows

5 cups rice crispies

1 tsp vanilla

1) Heat the marshmallows and the oil in the microwave in 30 second bursts. When they start to run together, add the vanilla and stir the melting marshmallows and oil together quickly.

2) Add the rice crispies and continue stirring until they are all coated in the marshmallow mixture.

3) Transfer the mixture to a parchment or wax paper lined baking dish and chill for about 15 min.