Back To School Snacks

The beginning of September is nearly synonymous with back to school! Whether you have a kiddo returning to the regimented structure of school schedules or you’re just relieved to no longer need to think about it, this week’s blog delivers some after-school snack inspo to stave off that pre-dinner hunger. These “recipes” are meant to be simple and quick to throw together, or prep ahead, but if you are short on time, our gluten free granola serves as a perfect ready-to-go nourishing snack.

1) Nutbutter power balls- not quite dessert, but craveable and filling! Make a double batch and store in the fridge or freezer for a ready-to-eat snack.

Find the recipe here from Monique at Ambitious Kitchen.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/protein-peanut-butter-energy-bites/

2) Make your kids a “girl dinner” or small charcuterie spread- fill a plate with options ranging from cheese, fresh fruit, veggies with dip or hummus, crackers of choice, maybe some Simple Mills Sweet Thins (think minimally processed teddy grahams made without gluten, dairy, or refined sugar), and whatever else you know your kid will love! Presenting the snack plate provides options and variety! If you’d like to serve a crew, fill the cups of a 12-count muffin pan with individual snacks in each compartment for one large sharing board!

3) Chia pudding- this takes truly less than 5 minutes to mix up per batch, and it will be ready to go in a few hours. Make enough for the week on Monday. This really does taste like dessert, but; it’s full of healthy omega 3’s, beneficial fiber for gut bacteria, and anti-inflammatory. I like to make mine with almond milk, white chia seeds, vanilla and cinnamon. You can top the pudding with anything you’d like (granola, fruit, toasted coconut) or just eat it as it! Find the recipe here: 

https://cleananddelicious.com/best-chia-seed-pudding-recipe-4-delicious-flavors/#recipe

4) Pancake mini muffins- did you know you can whip up your favorite pancake batter (from scratch or a bagged mix) fill a cupcake pan, and create the easiest muffins? Feel free to add any of your favorite pancake “toppings” whether it be chocolate chips, sprinkles, blueberries or a cinnamon swirl! You can find hearty whole-foods pancake mixes to accommodate nearly any dietary lifestyles- choose your favorite! 

Find the recipe here from Rachel Masfield’s blog:

https://rachlmansfield.com/gluten-free-mini-pancake-muffins/

Try one (or all) of these snack ideas to satisfy those hunger pangs and bring a little extra pizazz to the humdrum of a post-summer routine!