Tasty After School Snacks

When kids arrive home from a long day at school they are famished. Having snacks ready and waiting helps ease hunger pangs and brings smiles to their faces. Eating a quick snack helps re-energize. And, because kids seem to always be on the go, to sporting events, music lessons, or a multitude of other activities, it also helps to have some portable snacks prepared and ready to take along. Anything with cinnamon and sugar is always a hit as it is a favorite flavor combination.

Land O'Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread is the perfect ingredient to help create tasty snacks. It can be used for something as easy as spreading on graham crackers or as the "magic" ingredient in recipes. A few favorites include, Homemade Granola, Cinnamon Snack Mix and Cinnamon Crispy Treats.

Homemade Granola can be personalized with your kids’ choice of stir-ins, including dried fruit, nuts or candy-coated chocolate pieces. Package servings of granola in small plastic containers or plastic re-sealable food bags to make it easy to take along in the car. Be sure to consider the kind of stir-ins if you plan to tote the granola along. If temperatures are warm avoid adding stir-ins that might melt.

Make up a big batch of Cinnamon Snack Mix to have on hand to take along when needed. It makes a great "after-the-game" treat to share too.

Cereal bars are an all-time favorite, but are extra special when made with Land O Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread. Just follow the recipe for Cinnamon Crispy Treats and delight your family. Cut into bars and wrap in plastic food wrap for a travel-ready snack.

Muffins and quick breads are winning snacks as well. Banana bread is one of my boys most requested snacks and is a great way to use up any bananas that have gotten a bit too ripe. Make Cinnamon Banana Bread and store it in the freezer so you always have a great snack on hand. It can be defrosted quickly in the microwave and ready for those times when your kids arrive home with friends. Having banana bread in the freezer is a necessity for me when my boys bring friends home after school and can be ready to serve several hungry boys at a moment’s notice.

Be prepared for the snack attacks! Land O Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread will help you create easy and tasty snacks your kids and their friends will love.