Seven Summer Snacks

These seven snacks are easy to make, fun for the kids and a few of them even sneak in some healthy ingredients along the way. Be sure to keep on hand some inexpensive plastic bowls and plates for outside snacking, plus small resealable plastic bags for those times you need to take these with you. I don't know about your kids, but mine act like they need army rations for a trip to the nature center, which is 5 minutes away. These recipes are perfect for field trips, school lunches or after school snacks.

Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Mash 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1 large or 2 small very ripe bananas with a fork. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and mash again. Spread on one graham cracker square and top with the other for a fun treat. You can also use this as a dip with teddy bear shaped graham crackers.

Munching Goldfish and Friends

3/4 cup Corn Chex
11/2 cups goldfish crackers
3/4 cup Cheerios
1/2 cup Graham Cracker Teddy Bears
3/4 fpretzel nuggets
11/2 tbsp. soy sauce (regular or light)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder

Lightly spray a 10x15x1 inch baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all snack ingredients except soy, mustard and spices. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until blended. Pour sauce over cereal mixture; spread into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350 oven 5 minutes. Remove mixture from oven and mix lightly. Return to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Great for trips to the zoo, nature center or other field trips!

A Fun Nature Snack!

Bugs and Dirt

Chocolate Graham Crackers
Chocolate Sprinkles-Ants
Gummy Worms
Raisins-Beetles

Crush the graham crackers with a rolling pin. Place into a bowl then add the ants, beetles and worms to the "dirt". Place the bowl in the middle of the table with a clean sand shovel and let each child scoop up a cup of dirt and bugs. You can let them eat with their hands or spoons. This is also great for outside at the picnic table, using small paper cups or plastic bags for their treats. The real backyard critters will help clean up the mess on the grass!

Honey Crispies

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup multi-colored sprinkles

Place a piece of waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Combine powdered sugar, honey and peanut butter in a bowl and mix well. Stir in cereal and raisins. Using hands, shape mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in sprinkles and place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Store in a covered container. Makes about 30.

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

5 cups popcorn, popped
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, toffee chips or mini M&Ms
1/3 cups peanuts
2 tablespoons margarine --softened
3 cups miniature marshmallows

In a prepared mixing bowl, combine popcorn, candy coated pieces, and peanuts. Place margarine and marshmallows in a 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring once halfway through cooking. Pour over popcorn mixture; stir quickly to coat. With buttered hands, quickly shape mixture into balls. Place on waxed paper. Let stand for 1 hour.

Nacho Popcorn

1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup melted butter
10 cups freshly popped popcorn
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl, stir paprika, chili powder, and cumin into melted butter. Gently toss butter mixture with popcorn, coating evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss until coated. Makes 10 cups.

Snack Mix Squares

2 1/2 cups broken pretzel sticks
2 cups crispy rice or Rice Chex
1 1/2 cups M&Ms or Reeses Pieces
1/2 cup peanuts
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup peanut butter
5 cups miniature marshmallows

In a large bowl combine pretzels, cereal and candy. In a large saucepan, over low heat, melt butter and peanut butter. Add marshmallows and cook, stirring until all is melted and smooth. Pour over snack mixture and stir to coat. Press into a buttered 9x13 pan and cool until firm. Cut into squares. Makes about 24 squares.