Information for Parents

June Snack Ideas

Apple Sandwich

Who ever heard of an apple sandwich? Try this for something different.

What you need:

1 apple
Peanut butter, cream cheese, or cheddar cheese spread
Dull knife for spreading

What to do:

Slice apple across, making six to eight slices
Spread peanut butter or cheese spread on one slice, then top with a second slice to make a sandwich.

*Please note: Infants and young children can choke easily on some foods, such as nuts, popcorn, fruit seeds or pits, pieces of hot dogs or bacon, and some raw vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, celery, apples, and grapes. Using grated or finely chopped foods may reduce the risk of choking. Never leave an infant or young child alone while eating.

Fruit 'n Cream Pie

This yummy concoction is full of good things to eat.

What you need:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup margarine or butter - softened
1 to 2 cups fresh fruit – strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.
2 eight ounce containers of flavored yogurt
Bowl, spoon, pie pan

What to do:

Mix graham cracker crumbs and softened margarine or butter in bowl.
Press the crumb mixture into a pie pan.
Place the fruit on the crust in the pan.
Pour yogurt over the fruit in to pie pan.
Place in freezer for at least an hour until yogurt is firm.

When ready to serve, cut slices, and allow to thaw for a bit until ready to eat.

Pick-and-Choose Popcorn — Add some variety when making popcorn for family snacks.

*Caution: Be aware that infants and young children can choke easily on some foods, such as nuts, popcorn, fruit seeds or pits, pieces of hot dogs or bacon, and some raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Using grated or finely chopped foods may reduce the risk of choking.

What you need:

4 to 6 cups popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped)

Parmesan cheese

Taco seasoning

Cheese seasoning

Margarine

Parmesan Seasoning

Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with warm popped popcorn.

Taco Seasoning

Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix. Toss with warm popped popcorn.

Cheese Seasoning

Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 1 tablespoon grated American cheese food. Toss with warm popped popcorn.

Taco-Cheese Popcorn

Mix some of the taco seasoning mix with the American cheese mix and toss with the warm popped popcorn.

Pudding Pops

What you need:

1 small package instant pudding mix

2 cups skim or low-fat milk

6 three-ounce size paper cups

Aluminum foil

Wooden sticks

What to do:

Prepare pudding according to directions and pour into three-ounce paper cups.

Cover each cup with a small piece of foil and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Remove the cups from the freezer. Insert a wooden stick through the foil covering each cup and push to the bottom of the cup.

Return the cups to the freezer and freeze until the pudding is hard.

When ready to eat, peel off the paper cup. If necessary, run hot tap water over the cup to loosen the pop.

Makes 6 pops.

(For vanilla/chocolate pops, make both vanilla and chocolate puddings and pour equal amounts into each cup. For a marbled effect, stir gently with the end of a spoon.)

Applesauce Pops
2 (16 ounce) cans of apple sauce

Spoon applesauce into 5-6 oz. paper cups (1/2 cup applesauce per cup). Insert a plastic spoon for a handle. Cover and freeze until firm. To remove the pop, hold the paper cup under hot water for a few seconds. Enjoy! Makes 7 servings.

Cheese Spread
1 pound American cheese, cubed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chives

Blend the cheese and yogurt together in a blender until smooth. Add seasoning and mix thoroughly. Allow your children to practice spreading their own cheese spread onto bread or crackers.

Orange Milk Drink
2 cups fluid milk
2 cups water
1 (6 ounce) can orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Combine all ingredients together in a covered pitcher. Beat or shake the ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Serve immediately. Serves 5-6.