Especially now that you're seeing a hit to your pocketbook, this is the time to start implementing those self-sufficient practices into everyday life. Start by cutting out the middle man and making your own delicious snacks for cheap!
These are some of my favorite kid-tested recipes that are great for weekly snacks. Sometimes it is so hard for me to get creative when it comes to my son's snacks and lunches. I want him to be eating healthy while enjoying what he eats. Honestly, he does a pretty good job as far as not being picky. I still like to push myself a little bit and make some special things for him. Honestly, though, all of these recipes are pretty simple and worth your time. I find it easy to make a few things on Sunday for the whole week and mix it up a little every day so he's not always eating the same thing.
**Anyone with a peanut allergy can substitute with almond butter. Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bars
Granola bars are definitely a staple DIY snack because they are so easy to throw together, and many are non-bake. They are absolutely essential for outings with the kiddos to curb hunger (which is seemingly constant ha). Your kids would never know this was sugar-free as it has plenty of natural sweeteners. It is also pretty healthy comparatively.
1 3/4 Cups Gluten-Free Oats
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds (optional)
1 Cup Pitted Dates, roughly chopped
1/2 Cup Sugar-Free Peanut Butter, or Almond Butter
1/4 Cup Honey, or Maple Syrup
Pinch of Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Chocolate Sauce
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
1 1/2 Tablespoons Raw Cacao Powder (Cocoa powder is fine if you don't have it)
Mix your oats and chia seeds in a bowl, and set aside.
Process your dates in a food processor or blender until it becomes a thick paste. Combine your dates, peanut butter, honey, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until everything combines. Remove from heat, and stir in your vanilla.
Pour your date mixture into your oats and stir to combine. You may need to use your hands. In a greased 8-inch square dish, transfer your mixture and pat down until even.
For your chocolate sauce, gently melt your coconut oil over low heat (I do not use a microwave, but you can). Once melted, stir in your maple syrup and cacao powder. Drizzle the sauce liberally over your bars (or just pour it on ha). Let this harden in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Here is the original recipe used for inspiration.
Cheese Crackers
These are so yummy and fairly easy to make. Your little ones really would not even know that they were vegan! Win-win.
Check out my TikTok to see how I make my own vegan butter for this recipe.
Roasted Chickpeas
These are so easy to make and there are about a million different combinations of flavors to choose from.
Here is a basic recipe to get started.
I could go on here, but just get on Pinterest and search for even more flavors!
Coconut Flour Shortbread Cookies
These are so fun to make, and my youngin' could not stop eating them! They last a while too, so you could definitely freeze some for later.
Get the recipe here.
Coconut Flour Chocolate Muffins
This recipe calls for erythritol sweetener or granulated sugar. You can always use stevia, honey, maple syrup, or dates to help sweeten. Simply replace the eggs with a 1:1 egg replacer if you want 100% vegan. Feel free to play around and see what your kids like the best.
The recipe is here.
Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are incredibly easy, and my boys absolutely love them. Simply replace the sugar with a natural sweetener of choice. When using stevia, you only need half the amount compared to sugar.
Here is the recipe.
Banana Bread Muffins
My son could eat banana bread every day of his life if I let him. At this point, we pretty much buy bananas just to make it ha. They don't get eaten otherwise. So as soon as they're good and brown on the counter, I get to work. It's taken me a while to find a great recipe that is nice and moist, and not too dense. Simply replace the wheat flour with gluten-free. Use plant-based milk of choice. If you want 100% vegan, consider using a 1:1 egg replacer. I always add a little extra natural sweetener for good measure!
Recipe is here.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Again, another easy snack that really satisfies your sweet tooth! It is also low-carb for those on keto.
Get the recipe here.
Oatmeal Rasin Cookies
These cookies are so simple and contain no flour. You can play around with the recipe as well, adding your favorite ingredients.
1 Cup Gluten-Free Oats
1 Ripe Banana
1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Honey
Handful of Raisins
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Preheat your oven to 350. In a medium sized bowl, mix all of your ingredients. Use an icecream scoop to scoop out eat cookie and place them on a baking sheet (you can just use a spoon if you don't have a scoop). Place in the oven for 15 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
Oven-Baked Potato Chips
It is such a wonderful option to make these yourself. It is so much cheaper than buying bags of chips at the store, especially the healthier options. It also won't have a lot of the harmful ingredients you often see on the labels. You can really play around with different flavors. I recommend using a mandolin to slice your potatoes for sure.
Here is a great list of recipes to get you started.
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