Hard-working American hotel chefs possess the knowledge and skills to please both children and parents during vacations. Now, three culinary experts are sharing their simple and quick snack ideas for parents or caregivers to prepare when their kids return home from school, ensuring they have a healthy and satisfying snack to tide them over until dinner. Whether children have extracurricular activities, sports practices, part-time jobs, homework, or family responsibilities, these chef-inspired snacks are perfect.
Can’t decide what to serve your children after a long day at school? Check out these three delicious and nutritious options that require minimal preparation:
1. Fruit Custard
According to Chef Alexis Perez from Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren, New Jersey, this snack is convenient to make ahead of time and store in the fridge. Parents can easily grab it after school to satisfy their kids’ hunger and satisfy their sweet tooth in a healthy way. This fruit custard recipe is derived from Perez’s grandmother, making it even more special.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of strawberries
– 1 cup of fresh blueberries
– 2½ cups of milk
– 3 tbsp of cornstarch
– 1 tsp of vanilla extract
– ¼ cup of granulated sugar
– 1 banana
– Whipped cream: 2 cups of heavy cream, 4 tbsp. of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Mix ¼ cup of sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla into 2 cups of milk. Heat on medium until it begins to boil.
2. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of milk with cornstarch.
3. Slowly pour the milk and cornstarch mixture into the pot while whisking to prevent clumps.
4. Once the mixture thickens, add berries and pour it into cups. Chill for 2 hours.
5. For whipped cream, combine heavy cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a mixer. Whisk until fluffy.
6. Once the custard is chilled, top with whipped cream and bananas. Enjoy!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Executive Chef Karoline Schwartz from Vinland Hotel & Lounge in Solvang, California, reveals that the secret to keeping kids happy is fast and efficient service, as well as incorporating chocolate. These banana bites are high in protein and can be prepared in advance, ready to be eaten straight from the freezer as soon as the kids arrive home from school.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– ½ cup of your preferred peanut butter
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Melt chocolate by heating in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
2. Slice bananas into ½ inch thick circles and lay flat on a parchment-lined plate.
3. Spoon 1 tsp of peanut butter on half of the banana slices.
4. Top with the other half of the banana slices and press gently to flatten the peanut butter.
5. Dip each bite in chocolate, covering half of it, and place it back on the parchment-lined plate.
6. While the chocolate is still wet, add your desired topping, such as sprinkles or crushed peanuts.
7. Freeze until completely hardened, and then store in a container in the freezer.
3. Ranch Crackers Paired with Sliced Cheese
Chef Shannon Williams from Holston House, a Hyatt property in Nashville, Tennessee, shares a quick snack that she enjoys making with her daughter. These ranch crackers, when paired with sliced cheese, are incredibly tasty and addictive.
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup of vegetable oil
– 1 package (1 ounce) of ranch dressing seasoning
– ½ tsp of garlic powder
– ½ tsp of dried dill
– 3 sleeves of saltines
– Favorite sliced cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
2. Mix all the ingredients, excluding the crackers, until well-combined. Then add the crackers and toss until coated.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned, turning them after 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
5. Pair with your preferred cheese and enjoy!
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle. Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.
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