Frugal and healthy snacks

At our home we like to do a lot of snacking. Ken isn't really into it and he is amazed at how much the rest of us can eat. We usually eat breakfast in pretty good time, have a snack around 10:30 am, then eat lunch and then snack again mid afternoon, eat supper at 6 pm and then have a snack again around 8 pm. This isn't always done but it is frequently. You would think we all would be roly poly with all that snacking but actually we aren't. Actually for many women and children it is recommended to eat small meals (snacks) to help out how you blood sugar works. With all of that snacking we need to have quick and easy things to snack on. I thought I would share some of the things that we like.

• Apples and peanut butter. I always slice the apples for the kids as that way we have a lot less waste. None of them can eat a whole apple yet anyway.


• Fresh fruit. This is quick and obviously good for you.


• Carrot sticks.


• Honey and homemade bread. This is one of their top favorites.


• Popcorn. We love this stuff and it is very good for you and very cheap! I bought a 25 lb. bag from a co-op and we either use our air popper or pop it in a pan on the stove top. (Microwave popcorn is very expensive compared to just buying the seeds. It also has stuff with it that makes it not so healthy.)

• Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins.

• Homemade cookies from wholesome ingredients.

• Frozen peas or corn.
• Soda crackers and peanut butter.
• Homemade crackers with egg salad or cream cheese.

I like this recipe for Norwegian flat bread:

• 2 1/2 cups flour. I use a mixture of white and whole wheat. Sometimes I will add rye flour for a neat taste.
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup butter milk or sour milk (or just plain milk. - you can add a tiny bit or vinegar to sour it.)

Stir together dry ingredients. Cut in the softened butter. Make a well in the ingredients and pour in the milk all at once. Mix well.

Lightly grease baking sheets; set aside. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead gently until nearly smooth. Divide dough into 10 portions. Roll each portion into an 8 inch circle. Place circles on baking sheets and prick with a fork. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 -12 minutes or till done. Remove and cool.

• Homemade granola bars.

• A spoonful of peanut butter. Ken really laughs at us over this one but the kids and I love it. It very fast and gives you a quick dose of protein.

Anyway there are some of the snacks we enjoy. What are some of your favorites?