Shaking Up Those Fall Recipes

BY now most will be tired of those fall staples -namely everything apple or everything pumpkinspice amongst other ingredients and flavors. Why not try shaking things up with new twists and variations.

instead of apples tyr the other harvest of the season  - pears. There are the BArtlett, Bosc and  Asian to name a few.Instead of baking an apple puie try these beauties in a tart. Add a fragrant frangipane filling ad a buttey crust for a truly different and elegant dessert.Another fun and different idea for alloween is candied pears. This is much the same recipe as with apples but dipping the fruit into a red candy syrup . A stick is inserted in the top part of pear for wasy immersion.You could then roll the bottom in chopped almonds. Grapes are another fall fruit  that's makes for a good snack or dessert. They're full of iron , perfect for fortifying the body for the flu season ahead.Of course these grapes make the perfect jellies.it's surprisingly an easy make.The only problem comes with deseeding the grpaes since Concords are loaded with them. You also have to skin them too which is just a simple pinch . This gets the pulp out.Don;t discrd the skinds though.Their rich purple color is what gives the jam that deep aubergine color.

What about the different spices to use?Pumpkin spice  is a mix of allspice , cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. What about deconstructing this and using the spices individually? Keep in mins that individually mos tof these spices can easily flavor coffee.Use ground ginger to spike chai tea.Allpsice cna be used in savory recipes like jerk chicken or chili.It's great in such diverse dishes as the Pennsylvania Dutch chow chow and a Moroccan couscous. It's a main spcie in carrot cake. Keep in mind that it cna be used in ginger snaps and spice cookies. Cinnamon is another versatile  spice Start a chilly fall morning with ooey gooey cinnamon rolls. THis is a great fall bake and a perfect use of the spice You could also bake a smaller version with cinnamon roll bites which are llke doughnut holes. Cinnamon cna also be used on pork to heighten its' flavor. Ginger can be used in so many Asian dishes. Think a veggie stir fry with slivers of fresh ginger. You could also create a tasty carrot ginger soup.Nutmeg is great sprinkled on Indian pudding or junket, amix of milk sugar and rennet which gives a very creamy dessert.It;s also good on creamed spinach too.

Shake up those fall recipes. Try other fruits of the season. Deconstruct pumpkin spice mix. The end result is tarty recipes that are also true to fall.

Careful Planting

 Everyone should start thinking about planting their gardens right now. It's the best ammunition we have to fight high prices which will definitely go up by the beginning of summer. Growing our own fruits and veggies will help in whittling down the food bill.

City , suburban and country families can benefit from growing their own food. Many cities have their own community gardens where all sorts of fruits and veggies are grown. There are even exotic ones like bok choy and Scotch bonnet peppers. However apartment dwellers can also benefit from their own little farms. Pots of tomatoes can be raised on balconies along with lettuce and spinach. You can also grow Meyer lemons and strawberries too, The key to success is placing them in plenty of bright sunshine and watering them on a regular basis. Feeding them is also crucial. Use a water soluble fertilizer. Of course these may be tempting to animal companions and kids so try to keep them out of harm's way. Luckily brownstones have small gardens where you can even keep chickens for eggs. These are perfect for gardens but just be warned There is shade and some veggies like tomatoes and strawberries won't give you a full harvest. There are veggies that can thrive in cool shady areas. Think collard greens , broccoli and any of the root vegetables. Carrots, potatoes , yams and turnips are great and they are versatile for all sorts of dishes.

Suburban and country gardens can be as big as you  want. Start with a list of the most versatile fruits and veggies. Strawberries and  blueberries can be used in a variety of recipes from jam to salad dressings to pies and cakes. Set aside a portion of your yard fro them. Tomatoes are a must. You can eat them fresh but also make everything from salsa, and ketchup to sauces and even jams. Bell peppers are also a good choice. These can be stuffed or turned into a tasty summery gazpacho. If you have a lot of space think about starting your own cornfield or melon field, It will take a few years for an orchard to produce. Apple trees take two to three years as do peach trees. You can plant them now and wait for the return. The same is true with grapes. Vines will take at least three years for a full harvest. If not them then think about growing fig, apricots and cherries. The second step is creating a plan and a key to your garden. Think about what areas are sunny and shady and plant accordingly. It;'s then getting the right soil and fertilizer as well as fencing to keep out the wild life.

Prices are going up. Food bills will be astronomical. Cut them by growing your own fruits and veggies. It's not only economical but fun too.

Getting IntoThe School Lunch Groove

 It's been almost a year and a half away from school. There are going to be a lot of catching up and remembering what to do. That also applies to school lunches too. What to do? Take a crash course in mid day meals.

Some kids are pretty steadfast in their culinary likes and dislikes. If they were into peanut butter and jelly sandwiches then. they;ll still be into them now. Maybe change it up a bit by putting the age old combo on a bagel or croissant. Kids may also want the traditional bologna or ham sandwich.This is good save for the cold cuts, Try putting them on healthier whole grain or brown breads. Use vegan mayo or mustard for healthier condiments.Stick in some slice.Add some sliced bell peppers or grape tomatoes instead of potato chips. A few pretzels would also be appreciated too. What about what to drink? Tropicana has Farmstead Tropical Green orange juice that's a refreshing sip. There's also Ocean Spray's No Sugar Added  cranberry juice. The classic brand WElch's has a superberry one, sure to be a fast favorite,

What about those young food snobs? They've got to eat too. Think about a healthy and fun kale salad mixed with shredded rotisserie chicken and extras like almonds and walnuts. If all they want is pizza compromise. TRy a plum tomatoes and mozzarella on Italian bread. Drizzle with olive oil and dust on some oregano.The taste is more or less the same but much easier to carry. If they're super snobs, then think croissants with Brie and some grapes for dessert,.Toss in some baby carrots and broccoli florets. Let them pick out or create their own dressings.If they've gone vegan, then shop with them to pick out soy cold cuts. Don't scoff at their choices. Encourage them.What if they bemoan those babyish juice boxes and want to bring soda ? Again compromise with cans of flavored seltzer and eco friendly straws.

It's easy to get back into the school lunch groove. Pick what you kids like and will eat. Ask them their preferences too. It makes for a meal eaten and a tasty midday break. 

Strange Wine

 The wine industry surprisingly has some interesting developments lately. It's not just reds and whites with the occasional blush. This is something different. Wine is becoming exciting again, thanks to news ideas and new wine making concepts.

Orange wine is now on oenophiles' radar. I discovered this just yesterday during a pop ad and it intrigued me. Originally I thought it was a fermentation made from orange juice but that couldn't be the case. You can make orange wine at home but there are no wineries that actually do this. Orange wine is actually white wine made by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice. This creates a deep orange hue. What about the taste? It has diverse and aromas not usually associated with wine, such as sourdough, jackfruit along with honey, varnish (!!!) and linseed oil (!!!!!). Palate wise they're dry and big , possessing a tannin like red wine with a sourness  that fruit beers have. Orange wine does pack a punch. You may want to sit down after a few sips.Since this is a bold wine, bold foods should be served with it. Think spicy Moroccan or Ethiopian cuisine - like those spongelike pancakes called injara. The wine also is great with Korean and Japanese foods. It's also good with beef and fish thanks to its' high phenolic content. Coppola and Red Hook Wineries sell orange wine.

Then there's Stella Rosa that sells all sorts of fruity wines. I found this out from Mike Colameco's Food Bites on PBS Sunday afternoon. His is just a two minute filler between America's Test Kitchen and Lydia's Family Table. Chef Colameco was mentioning about the billboard ads for Stella Rosa' wine of the month club that he saw on his way to his second home in Cape May. They were featuring a wine of the month club featuring fruity  berry wines. This  deserves some investigating. Stella Rosa does have some odd flavors like watermelon (!) and grapefruit (!) flavored ones.They also have pineapple and mango too as well as cherry , blueberry, peach and even vanilla.Where do these come from? The Ribolo family in Los Angeles where they founded LA's historic San Antonio Winery. Their "regular" wines come from the aromatic grapes grown in their native Asti in Piedmonte and they were the base of the winery's first big seller Moscato d'Asti. They also created Rosso, the first semi sweet, semi sparkling red wine blend.The family also has tasting rooms  and bistros across California.

Wine is becoming exciting again. Try a bottle of orange. Join Stella Rosa's wine of the month club. It'll make for some interesting drinking.

Barbecue Leftovers Now What

All those Memorial Day barbecues  lead to one thing - leftovers. if you're lucky the guests ate everything or brought home containers of salads and sides. They even may have taken home dessert for a late night snack. Yet what happens when none of that happens? What do you do with the barbecue leftovers?

Luckily extra burgers and dogs can be stored in the freezer or fridge and turned into a quick lunch or dinner. To jazz them up a bit, add bacon and cheddar to the hamburgers for a flavorful meal. As for the hot dogs.think chili or even salsa. Cheese dogs are a nice change up from plain ones and the kids won't complain about another hot dog meal.Split the dogs, add shredded cheddar and wrap with bacon for a totally decadent meal. You could also slice them and add them into a veggie or potato soup. Leftover steak? If it's cooked then slice and cut into bite size bits for salad. Add in ripe red Roma tomatoes and onions  dressed in a simple red wine vinaigrette. Barbecued chicken is good cold and can be repurposed as a no cook dinner with any left over salads and sides. The next question is what to do with the sides? Surprisingly potato salad can be roasted to produce crispy already seasoned chunks, Just rinse off any extra mayo - they'll need some for roasting and then pop them into a cast iron pan and roast at 425 degrees Farenheit. If you have any leftover veggies then , think tempura. Green beans and tomatoes dipped in batter and air fried  is a nice snack for movie night.

Sometimes there's extra dessert. Hard to believe but true.Barbecues always have fruit as the last course. Sometimes you overbuy , or guests bring fruit platters. If you have a lot of watermelon in the fridge , then think healthy slushie. It's a simple mix of crushing ice cubes in a blender, then adding watermelon cubes and just a drop of honey. It's a refreshing repurposing  and perfect on a hot day. You can do the same with any leftover cantaloupe too. Add a tablespoon or two of almond milk to make it creamy. Add a shot of vodka or gin for some zing.If there are any grapes left over, freeze them. They're great  as frozen bonbons and a nice icy hit when the temps rise. Sometimes you buy a lot as I did with the coconut milk based ice creams.I went out and bought waffle bowls along with Smucker's hot fudge sauce for sundaes. Add the coconut milk Reddi-Whip and all those scoops make for a fun treat.As for those famed chocolate wafers , they're just good on their own as a nice lunchtime dessert or afternoon snack. Of course they can be crushed and used as a sundae or cone topping.

Don't freak out at those Memorial Day leftovers. They can be recooked and repurposed into tasty new dishes and treats. They'll even be better a second time around.

That First Lunchbox

Lunchboxes will always hold a special place in kids' hearts. Little ones facing a full school day need the comfort of a well stocked lunchbox. Unfortunately it sometimes has moms stumped, especially when their eldest is the first to being the full school day.

First, mothers shouldn't freak out. Pack what your kid likes, even if it is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For these and any other sammies, think about cutting them  out with cookie cutters or buying sandwich cutters. Pottery Barn has such shapes as bunnies and cats along with airplanes and trains.They're not expensive being priced anywhere from $2,50 to $7.50 a cutter. One thing to remember is that create sandwiches with whole wheat and/or whole grained breads. Everyone , from Panera  to Pepperidge Farm have some excellent ones. If moms are good with baking, then think about baking loaves, filled with oats, honey and love.Many little ones love wraps.These are fun to make and fun to eat. Have the little scholars help create them. Again ones made from whole wheat would be preferable however if your little gourmet prefers tomato basil or spinach herb , then use them. Again be creative with fillings. Shredded mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and pepperoni  can make for a wonderful cold pizza. Or try egg salad with just a hint of curry for something different.

Another fun idea is subbing the lunch box with a Bento one. This Japanese import - which can easily be bought at Target - is gaining in schoolyard popularity.It has four sections that can easily hold the main dish, along with veggies,fruit and a snack. Think string cheese or peanut butter with apple slices for protein along with grapes and carrots for sweet and crunchy sides. Another idea is hummus with pita chips,Pair with apple slices and celery chunks.If the kindergartener or first grader still wants a lunchbox with inside verve ,consider some fun alternatives. Try stackers, which is a Ritz cracker with a cut out slice of meat and topped with cheese Again use cookie or sandwich ones to cut out such meats as low sodium ham and turkey and cheeses such as a mild cheddar or American. To make them fancy, add a little blob of mayo topped with a pitted olive.Ants on a raft will definitely insure the  little one's popularity. This wild bite is nothing more than peanut butter spread on Saltines and topped with raisins Edible emojis  are a great lunches. Take rice cakes, smear cream cheese on them and create faces , from sliced vegetable bits such as grape tomatoes, peppers, carrots and celery.

Fill your little one's first lunchbox with memories of fun and good foods.They'll love what you've made. It'll be the talk of the lunchroom.

Strange Fruit

Are we getting a bit too creative with how we grow our fruits and vegetables? Lately the old standards, especially grapes and tomatoes are not what they've been for millennia. It seems their genes have been tinkered with - to create - monster fruit?

I've noticed this with a new kind of grape the tear drop.

They 're supposed to be tear drop shaped but look like dark purple ancho chilis. In fact they were first branded as chili pepper grapes but that confused consumers. Buyers thought they would be spicy and sweet   which was wrong. The name was quickly changed to finger grapes. Again,people didn't

 like the idea of naming them after body parts.. Unlike other grapes, they can be split open to be filled with salty cheese. Tear drop grapes can also be grilled with lemon juice and oil. They are also good gracing poultry , duck and pork along with any kind of nut. Pop them in vanilla yogurt for a different kind of dessert or snack.They first came into being in 2002.

Another strange fruit is 

these multicolored grape tomatoes that look more like grapes than actual grapes. They a mix of cocktail, cherry and grape. They're greenhouse grown in Mexico and have a variety of flavors, from  very strong tomato-y to mild , sweet fruity flavor. They're a fun low calorie snack that only need a dusting of sea salt. These are for those who are already bored with the ripe , rich taste of regular grape and cherry toms. They can be used in salads, but I've put them in Aldi's pasta Alfredo, to give it some acidity. You could halve them and put them in omelets, or pair them with 

stale Italian or French bread, minced garlic, , olive oil for a spin on Neopolitan bread salad. They also can be used in any kind of kabob for color and taste.

These are strange fruits indeed. Yet they 're fun to eat and experiment with in old and new recipes. Try them for something different.

Fall Salads

Fall isn't what it used to be. By now, the days would have had a definite nip to them. It would have meant hot meals and hot drinks. Not anymore. Thanks to global warming - and yes, it does exist -s we're having summery weather and balmy breezes right up to November.How to survive? Adopt a summer menu. Eat salads - fall salads.

Tossing together greens and veggies many be a tricky aspect right now. After all,  it's not the height of  summer when there are daily harvests. The tomatoes are riper and have that glow  only a summer sun can give. Vegetable choices are limited. There aren't any fresh ears of corn or bright colorful peppers. What to do? Work with what the stores do have. Yes, there are tomatoes. They're just  not going to be the gems of two months ago. Canned tomatoes can be used in salads but they may be a bit juicy, depending on what brand is used. Luckily California can give us greens all year round. You still can make a lovely mixed greens salad using tomatoes and spinach or arugula. Canned veggies are never as good as fresh but they'll do. Add some canned corn along with sweet peas for some color and texture. Beet salad is always delicious  and the canned kind can be elevated by adding freshly sliced onions. It's a nice addition to even a fall picnic or tailgating party. A  chilled green bean salad is another refreshing side , especially when it's dressed with a crisp , classic vinaigrette. Even canned asparagus can be turned into a salad. Use a citrus based dressing to give it some dash.

What about combining fall fruits and vegetables?. The first is easy to do. Apples , pears and Concord grapes blend very easily into salads. One of the most delicious is a Waldorf salad. It is a blend of chopped apples, grapes and walnuts.Celery is the base of it and this can be bought all year round. It is versatile, Add chicken to it and it's a lunch or dinner. Without it , it makes a nice side to grilled chicken or even  turkey burgers.Apples also pair well with spinach and kale, Combine them in a salad with walnuts and dried cranberries. Pears are also popular right now. A delicious one is where slices are mixed with Roquefort cheese and any kind of lettuce. Be sure to use three kinds of pear,  the sweet, large Anjou, the brown, textured Bosc and the bright yellow tart tasting Bartlett. One spin on it calls for avocado ,or the alligator pear but this can be omitted.The salad is  served with a mustard dressing. Grapes can be added to any salad, They bring an earthy sweetness that goes with any green. Fall veggies are kind of limited however there is a lot to do with carrots and cabbage. These can be the stars of a salad or  supporting players. A chilled carrot salad is a nice palate cleanser at a tailgate party. A vinaigrette dressed slaw is perfect at any fall barbecue or picnic.Add some sesame seeds for crunch and flavor.


Fall isn't what it used to be.We still have shorts and flipflop weather til Halloween. Hot days mean easy eating. Create a fall salad, head to the beach or the park and enjoy a summery October.

Ash Wednesday Giving And Giving Up

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Western Christian holy period leading up to Easter Sunday. It's a time of giving up but can also be a time of giving. One of the pluses of this austere time is that our sacrifices can turn into habits that we can take with us through the year.

Volunteering is never really a Lenten idea yet is is a sacrifice of one's time. Many soup kitchens are understaffed at this time because volunteers usually drift away.  Our local media never  emphasizes this as they do around the Thanksgiving and Christmas when more people feel compelled to help out. To get rid of the mid  winter doldrums join your local kitchen and  hang out if you have the time. Get to know the regulars and listen to their stories.Buy them a coffee if you see them on the street, help them in whatever journey they're on. Another idea is baking for these kitchens . Have the offspring help so they can get an idea of what public service is.They can make brownies or cookies and bring them over to the kids (and there are many) that also frequent the kitchens.Smaller soup kitchen sometimes have parties so donate either food or drinks or even bake a cake or cupcakes to bring over as well as assisting setting up and cleaning up afterwards. Also donating seeds and gardening tools to community gardens are a huge help as well along with offering gardening advice. Right now many grocery stores are starting to sell seeds. Pick up a few packets, such as lettuce, peas and squash  to help them start.

Of course Lent means giving up the foods and drinks we love Many give up sweets such as cake or candy for these forty days. The good thing about giving up foods is that you lose your taste for them. These sweets can be replaced with healthier fruits for a burst of sweetness. After a while it's easier to reach for a handful of dark , flavorful grapes than cookies. It's also better for the body as well as for the soul, as we all know. You'll feel springier  after nixing the gluten and refined flours and replacing it with vitamins and fiber too. Many , especially the Greek Orthodox give up meats for Lenten fasting. There are so many bonuses win doing this. You'll lose weight  as well as not ingesting all those harmful antibiotics and hormones that are still being injected into farm animals. It's also a good deed , with saving animal's lives. Fasters will also enjoy broadening their diets by include all sorts of pastas and vegetable dishes. They'll  discover the variety of different faux meats from Morningstar Farms and Gardien brands. Remember though , that if you give up meat you need to supplant it with protein. This is where peanut butter or any nut along with green peas and edamame give you that punch of it. Even unsweetened cocoa powder which can be made into the Mexican mole sauce has huge quantities of it.

Ash Wednesday is a time to start  giving up whether time or favorite foods. It's a time of soul searching and wondering what you can do to make life better for yourself and your community. It's fasting but also also pondering too.

Road Trip Goodies

This is the time of year people take road trips.It's the perfect time to see the leaves or even have a picnic on the beach.Unfortunately the cooler temps not only generate wanderlust but also a healthy appetite.Pack sone hearty order to avoid trips to fast food joints and questionable diners. Sandwiches are always a good start, especially if you're planning on an all day trip.One of the best and most satisfying to create is a mini hero.Buy mini baguettes and then fill them with a variety of meats and fillings.Try ham and cheddar or roast beef and a tangy Worcester sauce.You can also make an Italian hero with caracole, salame and prosciutto along with a variety of different cheeses. if you do stop at a farm, then pick up bottle of cider.This is a nice accompaniment to the sandwiches.Another good cider go with is sharp cheddar with slices of whole wheat bread. Some big farms such as Delicious Orchards of Colts Neck ,New jErsey ,sell varieties of cheese along with breads that can make an on the road picnic possible..Some farms also have delis that can make sandwiches too, if you want something spur of the moment. Sometimes you just want nibbles when you're driving.I find that the best bring alongside are the dry stuff.Flavored crackers are always a good choice as are pretzels and plain cookies.These keep hunger at bay and are perfect for a quick stop.They're great for passengers and the kids won't create a mess with them during your break from driving.Popcorn is another fun snack,Feed the puffs to the gulls or whatever birds you chance upon.Fruit is another nice snack on a road trip.Black grapes are in season right now. And they"re refreshing to bring on a road trip.Keep them in a cooler because they're at their tastiest when chilled. Apples and pears also make excellent bring alongs.You can pick them yourself and munch on a few on the ride back home. Fall makes us want to visit farms and forests.Pile up the car with tasty snacks and the kids and explore.See the foliage, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a sandwich or some fruit al fresco.

Fall's Fruity Desserts

This is one of the best times of the year for baking .The weather is  blissfully cooler and perfect for making  all sorts of desserts.It's also the time for a variety of fruits such as apples and pears. Combine the two and you have a yummy array of delicious treats. There are enough recipes where you can create a different sweets every day.

Apples are the most popular fall fruit and they 're also the most used in desserts. The most commonly baked apple dish is pie of course, Everyone loves a home baked one but you can also vary it by making a pomme tartin, a French version of the American recipe.This is a layer of  sliced apples on a decadent buttery crust. You can also make it with pears or with another fall fruit, the fig as well. Baked apples are a tasty and quick treat. These can go adult with a sauce of red wine and butter or kid  with the apples being stuffed with caramel and nuts.This is also the season for an old fashioned apple cake.It can be baked as a regular old fashioned scratch cake or a crumb topped coffee cake.

Pears, figs, cranberries and grapes are other fall fruits that are great in desserts. Like the apple,the pear is the most versatile. It can be poached in wine for an elegant dessert or baked in a tartin for a more rustic one,You can also make pear strudel or have it oozing out of turnovers. Figs are another nice variation. These can be poached in honey or made into a cake with ground almonds. Grapes surprisingly can be made into a cake as well. Another fall standard, the cranberry  can be just as versatile. It can grace cheesecakes as well adding zing to oatmeal cookies You can also make a fluffy yet tangy mousse with cranberries too.

This is th eseason to get out the pots and pans and start using the fruits of the season. There are all sorts of delicious recipes to make with apples and pears figs and cranberries along with grapes. Try  a new on eof a family recipe to create a sweet treat for these crisp autumn days.

Champagne Wishes

Nothing says celebrate and party time like a good bottle of champagne. It' makes the dullest parties pop. The crisp tastes adds extra flavor to any party food and make sit special. Everyone should have a bottle at the ready during these happy holidays.

Champagne first came about in the mid 1600's a result of a container mishap. It seemed that a second fermentation happened to a type of wine known as vin gris or grey wine. Bubbles appeared and a kind of fizz occurred. Noblemen and wealthy French men fell for this new kind of wine and thus began France's love of champagne. We also have two abbes , the famed Dom Perignon and the lesser known, Frere Jean Oudart who created the first mass production of champagne (named for the region) in their respective monasteries. Two centuries later in 1836, there was a treatise published and research done on how sparkling wine got to be just that. It deals with the amount of extra sugar added or left over. This produces CO2 which is responsible for giving champagne its' sparkle.

Now every winery has their own champagne. What's the best. In my opinion Asti Spumante from Piedmonte (of course I'm prejudiced here.) is the finest. It's light, sweet and doesn't have some of the slightly bitter after taste that other champagnes possess. (another factoid - only sparkling wines produced solely in the Champagne region of France can be classified as champagne. All others have to be called sparkling wines).Asti is the perfect with hors d'ouevres as well as with cakes. There are others such as Freixinet from Spain that are also very good but in a dry white wine kind of way.

This season , remember to be well stocked up on your bottles of bubbly. Buy whatever you like , open a few bottles and toast a fantastic gift or a year well done.

After School Snacking

That time between coming home and dinner always proves to be a problem for kids. They're starving from a long afternoon? A part time job or sport has left them drained and hungry. Dinner wo;'t be ready til six thirty or even seven. What to do?

Snack sensibly.

The kids don't have to go wild with Hostess cupcakes or with a bag of chips. Have food that will give them a boost, fill their tummies and keep the weight off. Veggies are always a good choice. have a container of cut up broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and grape tomatoes ready for dipping. As for dipping sauces a really heart healthy one is olive oil liberally laced with hot pepper flakes. If your kids are into spicy they could some cracked pepper too. Plain yogurt mixed with curry or cumin is another good dip.

Sweets are almost always the preferred snack of choice. However cookies and candy may not be the best choice. if your young'uns do want sugary then slice up an apple and pear and serve with a caramel sauce (Marzetti's brand is good)A hot sweet snack is a microwaved baked apple with cinnamon and apple juice. They can be served with a side of zero calorie Cool Whip. Frozen grapes are another fun snack. Freeze them that morning and then have the kids eat them at four or five PM/. Fruit smoothies are filling and tasty. They're easy to make and the older kids will appreciate them.
Also have some healthy granola bars to stave off any hunger.

After school snacking doesn't have to be unhealthy and fattening. Your kids will love a heart healthy , tasty snack to get them through to dinner time.