Handy Trail Mix

Our family does a lot of hiking. When we're out on a hot day, having a trail mix that won't go stale or melt is a must! And now that school is starting, Handy Trail Mix makes a good classroom snack, too. It holds up great in lunches and packs a balance of protein and carbs to keep my kids going through the day.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup lightly salted peanuts
1 cup raisins
1 box (14 oz.) low-fat granola cereal
12 oz. mixed dried fruit (I use the "Fit & Active" brand from Aldi)

Measure out ingredients and pour into a large mixing bowl. (I have my kids do this -- it's great practice at measuring.) Mix thoroughly with clean hands. (Another kid job!) Store in a gallon-sized ziploc bag or other airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

*Note: I use a dixie cup or 1/2 cup scoop to measure out servings. It's just enough to fit in a snack-size bag for my children's classroom or lunchbox.

Nathaniel's Soccer Snack

Soccer season is on the way, and in our family, we make this high-energy snack only for soccer. It is easy and colorful and packed with energy. It is a great snack for after school or as a fun addition to the menu for children's parties. My kids love it.

Ingredients:

One box granola cereal
One jar lightly salted peanuts
1 half-pound bag M&M candies
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup toasted sunflower seeds

Get a big bowl. Have the kids dump the ingredients in and mix thoroughly (with clean hands). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. (Ours is eaten *way* before that!)

Enjoy!

Ants on a Log

My kids asked me to add this recipe. It's one of their favorite recipes to make all by themselves. I don't mind because it's healthy and fun to do. This recipe also makes a fantastic classroom snack!

Ingredients:

1 package celery hearts
1 jar peanut butter
dried cranberries
raisins
dried cherries
lightly salted peanuts

Wash the celery and trim into 3-inch pieces. Fill each piece of celery with peanut butter. That is your "log". Use cranberries, cherries, raisins, or peanuts as "ants" by lining them up along the peanut butter.

If your child has an allergy to peanut butter, try using softened cream cheese instead. I have even used spreadable strawberry cream cheese. Delicious!

Enjoy!

Butterscotch Haystacks

This is such a simple cookie to do with the kids. It requires no baking (so you don't have to heat up the oven in hot weather) and it's a great activity for rainy days on summer vacation! Hint: make lots! These will disappear!

Ingredients:

2 cups butterscotch chips
1 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky as you prefer
1 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
4 cups crispy chow mein noodles

Combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking. Stir again until smooth. Place peanuts and chow mein noodles in a large mixing bowl. Pour warm butterscotch mixture over noodles as you stir, coating them thoroughly. Place by spoonfuls on wax paper and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!