Special Snacks Stack Up Well Nutritionally (NAPSA)—Oneof the most important meals you or your child eats during the day may not be a mealat all. It may be a snack. Nutritious snacks such as peanuts can help meet daily nutrient needs. Protein-packed snacks can also help maintain energy levels while keeping hunger in check, thereby reducing overeating at mealtimes. But don’t just settle for the usual. When you and your kids are ready for a snack, there are some easy ways to turn the child- pleasing version into the “mommy special.” With one or two extra ingredi- A snack of peanut butter, whole kid snack into a more exotic adult snack. Such “double duty” snacks can become the basis for lunches and even dinners a few times a week. The approach caters to everyone’s taste and makes food prep and cleanup breeze. and dried cherries makes a nutri- ents, you can make a nutritious Here are a few you may enjoy: Peanut Butter and Crackers 8 whole grain crackers 2 T creamy peanut butter 1 T mini dark chocolate chips 1 T dried cherries, diced Start by spreading peanut butter on 6 crackers. “The Usual”: Top two of the crackers with a second cracker. “MommySpecial”: Top the other four crackers with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and a few dried cherries. Cheese and Tomatoes 2 portions string cheese 8 cherry tomatoes grain crackers, chocolate chips tious, energy-boosting meal. 2 basil leaves, torn into 1” pieces 1 T balsamic vinaigrette 4 long toothpicks Cut string cheese into 1” chunks. “The Usual”: Alternate cheese with tomato on two toothpicks. “Mommy Special”: Alternate cheese, tomato and basil pieces, drizzle with vinaigrette. Peanut Mix 2 oz. peanuts 2 oz. raisins 1 oz. wasabi peas Toss together peanuts and raisins. Divide in half. “The Usual”: Peanuts and raisins. “Mommy Special”: Add wasabi peas. For morerecipes andtips, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.
