By Sherrie Norris
The calendar tells us that Spring officially arrives this week. The appearance of a few robins and the welcoming sounds of peep frogs along the river banks are all in agreement. And the meteorologists are telling us that we could see snow in the mountains this weekend. At least, those harbingers are among our “normal” expectations, so hopefully we can move forward without any other weather-related surprises. I think we’ve all had enough to do us for a lifetime.
Like many of you, I’m really looking forward to this new season. Springtime usually gives us a feeling of renewal and hope. And, again, I think we’re all about that as we breathe a collective sigh of relief for brighter and better days ahead.
Hopefully, continued repair and rebuilding of our landscape, and lives in general, can be accomplished, with longer, warmer days adding to the success of countless projects that have been in the works for the last five months.
With the longer days, come more outdoor recreational and therapeutic activity — from baseball to gardening and everything in between. And, the need for quick nutritional foods and snacks are always at the forefront of most busy families. How convenient to stop at the drive-through on the way from one event to another. But, it might help to plan ahead and pack a bag with healthier alternatives — from easy-to-make wraps you can fix ahead of time at home, to cereal snacks, fruit, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Homemade Lunchables
- Cheese: Small square cuts of cheese that are the perfect size for a kid’s lunch box, or cut up regular slices of cheese. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or other cheeses, as desired.
- Deli meat: Turkey, ham, salami, or pepperoni are the typical options. You can also use leftover shredded or cubed chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or beans to vary the protein options.
- Produce: Cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Fruit, Apple slices, grapes, or oranges.
- Dips or sauces: Make sure to include those that your kids like: mustard, mayonnaise, salsa, hummus, or ranch. Pour into small container to make packing that easy.
- Desserts: Cookies or other dessert they like.
Simple Wraps
Tortilla, lavash or another thin flatbread
Something sticky to help hold it together ( hummus, mayo, nut or seed butter, Nutella, or cream cheese)
Protein-rich fillings (sliced deli meat, cheese, chicken or tuna salad, and hummus)
Produce (thinly sliced cucumbers or lettuce, thinly sliced or diced fruit like strawberries, peaches or banana
Notes for best wraps:
- Use tortillas labeled “soft” for ones that will be easiest to eat.
- Wraps at room temperature or even very slightly warmed will be easier to roll than cold ones, which may firm up slightly.
- Roll each as tightly as you can to help them hold together.
- Put a little of your condiment or sticky ingredient (like peanut butter or hummus) on the edges of the wrap to help it hold together.
- Slice using a serrated knife.
- Pair with fruit or veggies, or simple sides—as well as water or milk as you like.
Trail Mix Balls
4 to 5 cups uncooked oatmeal
¼ cup raisins, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
¼ cup peanut butter
¼ cup honey
3 to 4 cups M&Ms, or crushed cornflakes, graham crackers, cookie crumbs, etc.
Mix together oatmeal, raisins, nuts. Add in peanut butter and honey; mix and roll into balls. In a bowl or plate covered in crushed M&Ms or cornflakes, etc., roll balls until covered. Place on baking sheet covered with waxed paper and refrigerate until firm.
Cold Cut Appetizers
2 slices ham, cut lengthwise into 3 strips
2 bologna slices, cut in 3 strips
3 pepperoni strips, cut in half lengthwise
2 slices cheese, cut into 4 strips
Start with ham. Make a tight roll. Roll the bologna strip around the ham, and so on. Save the pepperoni for last. Pierce with a toothpick to hold the roll together. Place them in a baggie.
Note: Can be made the night before needed and refrigerated. Any combination of cold cuts will work.
Cheerios Squares
½ cup sugar
½ cup crunchy peanut butter
½ cup salted peanuts
½ cup honey or maple syrup
3 cups Cheerios
Cook sugar and honey/syrup in medium pan until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Stir in Cheerios and peanuts. Pat in a 9 x 13-inch well buttered pan. Cut while still a little warm.
Ants On A Log:
Take a celery stick, wash and trim. Fill the hollow with peanut butter or cream cheese. Put raisins on the top of the peanut butter or cream cheese.
Apple Pin Wheels
Core an apple and stuff opening with peanut butter, cream cheese or cheese spread. Chill. To serve, cut crosswise slices.
Cereal Snack Mix
5 cup cereal like Crispix
½ cup raisins
½ cup peanuts
1 cup pretzels, stick or twist
Combine all ingredients; store in tightly covered container or individual plastic bags.