Hi there! Former latchkey kid Anastasia here. I want to talk about after-school snacks and the beef I have with 98% of information out there on the Internet. I think there is a major misunderstanding about what it’s like to be a kid after school or a working-class parent from the bloggers and listicle professionals out there putting together these “Best After-School Snack Recipes.” The first misconception is that you, the adult, have oodles of time to prepare these snacks ahead of time or do all the prep work. I think we all know that’s a “wildest dream/best case scenario.” But, the other misconception these writers have is that school age children also have prep time. In my household, the time between school getting out and after-school activities beginning was nicknamed “Tornado Time.” Most days, I had less than half an hour to get home, catch a break, change, eat a snack, do any necessary household responsibilities, and dash out to my next activity. No offense, I didn’t want to use my precious time marinating tofu and waiting for the oven to preheat to 400 degrees. Also, I’m 12; I don’t think there was room in my brain for what tofu is, if I like it, and oven safety. I had to leave room in my brain for the important things: boys, lip gloss, and getting to dance class on time. And if you want me to “just eat some cut up veggies” and then go to 5 hours of after-school activity and homework, I have some choice words for you. 

So, here are my suggestions for snack recipes that are quick, simple, and require very little, but mostly no assistance from an already overwhelmed adult. 

English Muffin Mini Pizzas 

I think this is a snack great for any age, because it doesn’t require using a knife, and it can be customized for taste preferences and nutritional needs. All you have to do is spoon some marinara or pizza sauce on both sides of a fork-split english muffin, top with cheese, and microwave until the cheese melts. If you have a toaster oven, you can certainly use that for a more authentic pizza taste. Top with favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or veggies.

 

 

Waffle with Nut Butter and Toppings

Waffle with butter? Breakfast. Waffle with peanut butter and crunchy toppings? Ultimate snack. If you think about it, this is sort of the deconstructed version of those homemade protein bars or energy bites you’re encouraged to make by every Mommy-blogger. Toasting or microwaving a waffle takes all of 60 seconds. I suggest smothering it in peanut butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter) and adding trail mix-like toppings such as shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, etc. Protein, carbohydrates, and a bit of sweetness combine for the energy one needs to finish out the day. 

 

“Sushi” “Dip”

Before you even ask; no, I did not mess up my quotation marks, and yes, you could also do this as a roll up. This is definitely a recipe looking for an audience with a more mature taste palette in a younger body. This snack is basically just combining the dealer’s choice of ingredients that go into a basic sushi roll. The base is cucumbers, cream cheese, and carrot sticks. It can also include smoked salmon pieces (or ham for the less adventurous), seaweed strips, avocado, bell pepper sticks, and a seasoning blend like Everything Bagel or Furikake. The reason I share this as a dip and include the quotations around the word is because it’s much simpler to mix than to measure when you’re in a time crunch. In my mind, “dip” is basically just combining ingredients to the level you see fit. But, if one is partial to food aesthetics, all of these ingredients could be put in a thinly sliced cucumber wrap. Dip with crackers, chips, veggies, seaweed crisps, or anything to your heart’s desire. Or, scooped on top of a pre-cooked rice packet. 

 

Chia Pudding

My adult breakfast of choice would have been a lifesaver as a latchkey kid! Now, this one does require some ahead of time prep (1 tablespoon chia seeds to ¼ cup milk or milk alternative of your choice, mixed and refrigerated overnight or during school). However, I think the payoff is worth it because it will be instantly ready to eat between school and sports or clubs. Add honey, maple syrup, and/or fruit and you have a protein and fiber-packed snack disguised as a sweet treat. In the right container this could totally be hands-free eating for your on the go needs. 

 

Trail Mix

Honestly, this suggestion makes me feel a bit like an “Almond Mom,” but it’s hard to ignore the high protein benefits of nuts, fruits, and seeds. There is no shame in buying pre-made, or even pre-portioned options. However, if you have a little prep time, making your own mix is an easy way to get your student interested in what they’re eating. One prep option is to prepare a batch ahead of time, and store in a large container with a serving size scoop. Or, set up a “trail mix bar” with ingredient options in small containers with suggested serving notes (“add one spoonful of me!”) for a new and personalized option every time. Round out the “healthy stuff” with pretzels and chocolate. 

 

Quesadillas 

Finishing this list like we started it – with the glory of microwaved cheese. Not to be repetitive, but a simple cheese quesadilla is another great and easy option. All one needs to do is grab a flour tortilla, sprinkle shredded or sliced cheese, microwave, and fold. This snack will definitely benefit from being amped-up with the addition of pre-cooked protein options, sliced veggies, or pre-made salsa and guacamole. 

 

Viola! I hope you and your student found something on this list that looks interesting and can fit their (and your) busy schedules. Even more convenient is the fact that you can get all the ingredients to make all of these options right at the Littleton Food Co-op. Find out what’s on sale and start shopping. Happy snacking!