Seven simple recipes your kids can make on their own
Looking for an easy way to satisfy your child’s cravings for snacks? Here are seven simple recipes they can make on their own.
After a long day of school or play, kids of all ages want one thing: SNACKS. But after a long day of their own, moms and dads just want a moment of downtime before preparing dinner.
Kids as young as elementary age can make their own snacks. It’s a great opportunity for teaching independence.
Add these seven simple recipes to your kids’ growing cooking skills, and consider pairing them with some homemade apple-juice.
1) Peanut butter oatmeal balls: elementary school age
Peanut butter and getting their hands sticky? What more could kids want? No baking involved!
Recipe:
- ½ cup chunky or regular peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup powdered milk
- ½ cup oats
- 3 tablespoons graham cracker crumbles
Directions: Mix all ingredients, roll into 1-inch balls, cover, and refrigerate.
2) Peanut butter sandwich: elementary school age
The peanut butter sandwich is a classic for any age. Two slices of bread and a glob of peanut butter couldn’t be easier to make. It’s not mess-free, but it doesn’t require using any kitchen appliances.
Use a plastic butter knife or a spoon to spread the condiment. Add jelly or bananas to the tasty sandwich for a healthy, filling after-school snack.
3) Cheese quesadilla: middle school age
Spare yourself a trip to the local Mexican restaurant and teach your children how to make cheese quesadillas at home. Since this snack requires using appliances, younger children shouldn’t attempt it independently.
Recipe:
- Flour tortilla
- Cheese blend of your choice (we love a blend of Pepper Jack and Colby cheeses)
- Salsa
Directions: Combine cheese and salsa, and spread over the tortilla. Broil in the oven, grill on the stove, or in an electric quesadilla maker.
4) Texas toast pizza: middle school age
Pizza is a sure hit in any form. Texas Toast Pizzas are individual pizzas to please multiple taste buds. And you don’t have to live in Texas to enjoy it.
Recipe:
- Loaf of Texas toast
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Optional topping: Pepperoni
Place bread slices in a baking pan. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Bake at 425 for 5 minutes.
5) Egg sandwich: high school age
Egg sandwiches aren’t just for breakfast, though this recipe can help on those mornings everyone is late and rushing around before school and work.
Recipe:
- A piece of Canadian bacon
- 1 egg or ¼ cup egg substitute if using a microwave
- 1 English muffin
- 1 tablespoon shredded cheese
Directions for stove: Cook egg in the skillet. Toast English muffin in the toaster. Place cooked egg, cheese, and Canadian bacon on a toasted muffin.
Directions for microwave: Place Canadian bacon, cheese, and egg substitute in a ramekin or custard cup. Microwave for 15-30 seconds. Toast English muffin. Place ramekin contents on the bottom half of the English muffin. Place the other half of the English muffin on top.
6) Tuna melt: high school age
Any type of bread can be used when making tuna melts.
Recipe for tuna:
- 1 can tuna
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions: Mix all ingredients. Place 1 slice of buttered bread in the skillet. Top with tuna mixture and optional cheese slice. Place 2nd slice of buttered bread on top. Heat one side of the sandwich, flip over, and heat the other side until the cheese is melted.
7) Hot dog roll-ups: high school age
Hot dog roll-ups are a fancy version of the hot dog using crescent rolls.
Recipe:
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 1 package hot dogs
- Optional: cheese, bacon
Directions: Place eight individual crescent rolls on a baking sheet, and place a hot dog in the middle of the roll. Add cheese, bacon, or other toppings. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes or until browned.
These seven recipes are sure to hit the snack spot.
Photo by Annie Spratt
