I think buying convenience snack foods can leave a big dent in anyone's grocery budget. My kids always want a snack after they come home from school, but I don't always want to give them junk - and they don't always want to eat an apple or something too "healthy." What are some fun kid-friendly homemade snack ideas?

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Well...what kind of snacks are we talking about here?

Luckily, my kids like fruit and veggies, so they eat a piece of fruit every day after school and sometimes some cut up veggies too. Do they like the occasional pretzel or crackers with cheese? Sure!

Otherwise, I don't buy prepackaged junk food...it tends to go stale here before it's gone, so it makes me crazy to toss out half empty bags. I do make muffins for the kids, cookies etc It's easy, tastes a lot better than the packaged stuff etc

I always try to time my baking so it comes out just in time for the kids getting off the bus. Yesterday, for example I made yummy fresh Sunflower Oatmeal Bread. They walked in the door commenting on the wonderful smell and finished off one whole healthy loaf of bread.

I bake muffins and cookies but my boys are mad about cheese so I do tend to buy in block and shred or cube myself for them! Its a favorite snack after school.

Did you ever re-try home made granola? I think that would be a great snack if I could perfect a recipe for it that we all liked.


I am bad though as I do tend to buy chips (sun mostly) and tortilla chips with Salsa I try to stock up when they are having a good sale!

After school snacks, I guess.... are there more than one type of snacks? I find that my kids DO eat healthier stuff like banana bread, popcorn, apples, homemade tortilla chips, etc... but what do you do when other kids come over? I just don't have a lot of crackers/cookies on hand, but I've had other kids complain about our "snack" situation! It kind of irks me that I offer these kids food and they complain. But, whatever... that's a whole other thread.

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My daughter usually had fruit and/or graham crackers spread with peanut butter or Nutella and a glass of milk after school. When she brought friends home, I offered them the same thing. If they didn't like what I had, too bad.

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Isn't it amazing how rude some kids can be You would think they would appreciate the homemade stuff! Most of ds play dates have liked my banana bread and muffins the best!

what about a home made trail mix? with raisins, m&M's cashews, cheerios etc...

I also do banana's on a stick, spread pb on one side and dip em in sprinkles~ kids have fun making those

or pizza toast, just a piece of toast/english muffin with spag sauce and some cheese, nuke it til the cheese melts

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married 8 years to a crazy Brit, mommy to a banana, she is 5 and a pineapple who is just about 2 , mommy to 4 ~angel~ babies

I don't think you could really go wrong with cookies, brownies or even puppy chow. Teenage girls all seem to love puppy chow and it makes a lot! We have actually had our kids friends ask if we always sit down for a family meal. I find that really sad.

How about homemade Cheezits?

6 slices Kraft singles (or other sliced cheese)
place on wax paper to cut and season with
taco seasoning or garlic powder, onion powder,and chili powder
cut each slice into 16 squares
place on a foil (non-stick) lined cookie sheet
and bake 5-7 min depending on your oven
@ 400 degrees