Whether you have a savoury or sweet tooth, it’s easy to fall short on fresh ideas for afternoon nibbles, especially when it comes to choosing a wholesome snack.
Fortunately, we have some solutions that are sure to inspire busy moms to create easy, flavourful and delicious bites for the whole family without adding too much time to their already full to-do lists.
Masterchef contestant, food blogger and busy mom-of-two, Julie Miguel, has snack time covered. “I’m constantly on the lookout for quick and easy snacks to give my boys before dinner time. As someone who is passionate about making time in the kitchen enjoyable and approachable, there are so many ways we can make easy, delicious snacks that keep us and our families satisfied. My go-to is the humble rice cake – airy, crunchy and flavourful. Often I’ll reach for Crispy Minis Large Rice Cakes, which provide the perfect base for a variety of toppings including fruit, veggies and creamy spreads. From white cheddar and tomato basil to caramel chocolate chip and caramel corn, there are endless possibilities for when the pre-dinner hunger strikes.”
Read on for a list of clever ideas for you to try at home.
Flavoured Rice Cakes with Tasty Toppings. Thanks to bagels, “everything” flavoured food is having a moment. Fortunately, the mouth-watering combination of sesame, garlic, onion and sea salt can be found in Crispy Minis Everything Large Rice Cakes. Containing less than 60 calories per serving, you can top one with mashed avocado, a fried or hard-boiled egg, and a generous drizzle of hot sauce for a hearty snack that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Or, take some inspiration from Julie Miguel and make it Greek with a spread of Tzatziki, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers and crumbled feta. Top it off with a drizzle of balsamic.
Homemade Trail Mix. Skip the bags of pre-packaged trail mix and make your own homemade blend instead. Choose a variety of ingredients like pretzels, pecans, almonds, oat cereal, pumpkin seeds, and maybe even mini chocolate chips, and toss in a large resealable container to store. Portion out in small servings to stave off afternoon hunger pains.
Nut Butter & Chia Jam. Peanut butter and jam are a beloved combination, but not always the healthiest concoction. On a Crispy Minis Original Large Rice Cake, spread natural nut butter instead of the sweetened commercial kind, and berry chia jam in lieu of the traditional sugar-laden variety to create a light everyday snack that’s as delicious as it is healthy.
Caramel Apple Twist. If you’re looking for a sweet treat and a taste of the funfair at home, look no further than Julie Miguel’s Caramel Apple Recipe. Start with a Crispy Minis Caramel Corn flavour Large Rice Cake, spread some cream cheese and top with a few apple slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon, add a drizzle of honey, and finish off with granola or nuts. There you have it! A better-for-you version of the caramel apple!
Dainty Cucumber Cups. Remove the seeds from a cucumber and it turns into a satisfying savoury snack when stuffed with a zippy, roasted red pepper hummus. Add a pretzel or two into the top for a complete and simple everyday snack.
Oat Bites. It’s hard to overlook the convenience of oat bites, especially when they come loaded with good-for-you grains and hunger-preventing protein. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and keep them on hand for those moments that require a pop-in-the-mouth bite to help you power through the afternoon.
PB & Banana Treat. For a yummy twist on this classic pair, start with a Crispy Minis Caramel Chocolate Chip flavour Large Rice Cake, slather it with peanut butter, add some sweet sautéed bananas and then top it with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and granola or nuts. The rice cakes are made with whole-grain brown rice, so this savoury snack from Julie Miguel is one you can feel good about choosing!
Berry Granola Parfait. We love this seasonal snack that’s perfect for afternoon energy slumps. Layer Greek yogurt, berries, granola (about 2 Tbsp. per parfait) and a sprinkling of wheat germ in a bowl or mason jar and devour whenever hunger strikes. Pro Tip: Make these in the morning and tuck in the fridge until later in the day for an easy on-the-go snack. One word of caution: we don’t recommend making these the night before as the granola is sure to go soggy sitting with the yogurt overnight.
Peanut Butter Banana Freezer Bites. Another simple, delicious make-ahead snack, these are so easy to put together. Slice one banana and top half the pieces with a teaspoon of natural nut butter. Cover with the remaining banana slices, wrap tightly and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.
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Thanks to Crispy Minis for partnering with us on this fun post! Available in Original, White Cheddar, Butter Popcorn, Tomato Basil, Caramel Chocolate Chip, Caramel Corn and Everything flavours, pick your favourite and share your delicious creations with other busy moms on social by using #CrispyMinisCreations.
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