Easy, Healthy After-School Snacks for Kids

Your kids get home from school and immediately go for the refrigerator, into which they stare absentmindedly while you look on, frustrated that they keep eating all the pudding cups and Lunchables that you bought for their school lunches. You tell them about the pot roast cooking, and try to convince them to wait until dinner, but they are hungry NOW! You finally give in, and hand them each a pack of gushers or a string cheese. Does this sound like the routine at your house?

Kids exert a lot of energy while they are at school. They really are hungry, and if you tell them they can't eat, they may take it upon themselves to stash candy bars or sneak into the fridge to grab when you aren't looking. Providing them with a healthy after school snack every day may sound daunting, but these simple recipes will provide a whole week full of quick, easy, after school snacks.

Even if they don't say it, your kids will appreciate knowing that you took the time to make something special just for them. Many of these recipes are easy enough that your kids can even help you cook, which provides a great time for you to chat about the school day and find out what's going on in their classes or with their friends. Make after-school snacking a routine at your house, and you will be amazed at how much you and your kids will look forward to this part of the day.

1) Banana Rice Pudding: This recipe is great served warm on a cold day. It's also a great way to use up old bananas and leftover rice!

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups skim milk
1 mashed ripe banana (defrost a frozen ripe banana for a minute in the microwave)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp butter or margarine
A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
3-4 finely chopped or thinly sliced unsalted almonds (if desired)
whipped cream (if desired)

Combine rice, milk, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in small saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring very frequently. While you wait for it to boil, mash banana and add to mixture. reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. in the last five minutes, add chopped almonds if desired. Be careful not to burn your mouth! Remove from heat and let cool. Serve warm topped with whipped cream.

2) Fon-Do It: Your kids will love this healthy twist on fondue. It's easy to make and fun to eat. It's also a great way to use stale bread!

4 slices stale bread or buns
1 cup cubed light velveeta cheese
1/4 cup skim milk
raw vegetable pieces such as broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and carrot sticks

Cut bread into bite sized pieces and place on a cookie sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray and toast in oven until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Pour milk over cheese and melt in microwave or in a small saucepan until creamy. Clean and slice vegetables. Give your kids toothpicks to pick up bites to dip into the fondue. No double dipping!

3) Fun Fruit Salad: Have your kids help you pick their favorite fruits at the grocery store to make a fresh fruit salad. This is great for breakfast, too!

1 can mandarin oranges (juice drained)
1 sliced banana
1 can diced pineapple (juice drained)
1 cup washed red seedless grapes
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2 sliced peaches
1 sliced mango
1 cup pieces of your favorite melon

This recipe is pretty self-explanatory. Combine and enjoy! Substitute your own favorite fruits if desired.

4) Frozen Fruit salad: For a frozen variation on the above recipe, use leftover fruit salad for the following recipe.

2 cups leftover fruit salad
1 package softened light cream cheese
1 container light cool-whip

Combine softened cream cheese with cool whip with a hand mixer until smooth. Fold in fruit salad, drained of all juices. Put into individual serving cups and freeze. This treat is best when it's just frozen. If it gets too hard, pop in in the microwave for a few seconds on defrost.

5) Ozark Sushi: Kids will love this quick snack that they can help make.

5 pickle spears
1/2 package softened light cream cheese
5 slices of sliced lunch-meat ham

Spread cream cheese onto ham until it is completely covered with a thin layer. Place pickle inside and roll it up like a burrito. Slice into half-inch segments. Enjoy!