Eight Tasty Snacks for a Busy Family

When I was little, my dad kept a list on his phone of the funny things that his kids said.  He would sometimes pull them out at dinner, and we would all have a good laugh about the ridiculous things that we had said over the years.  One of the things he recorded me having said went something like this. 

Dad: "Landen, you don't like the casserole that Mom made for dinner, so what kinds of real food do you like?"

Six year-old Landen:  "I like real food, like snacks."  

I have't changed much over the years, and although I really love real meals now, I still love snack food (my inner French woman is cringing).  Here are a few delicious and (mostly) easy snack food recipes for you and your family.  Maybe you need a fun treat on the way to soccer practice or a church activity, or, if you are like me, you just need snacks. 

Arla Dofino has a giveaway running on their Facebook page for you to win a semester's worth of cheese (which would probably be gone in a week in our cheese-obsessed household).  Get your fanny on over there to enter this delicious giveaway!  Your tongue and tummy with thank you!  

As a disclaimer, there are a few affiliate links in this post, meaning that I make a very small amount of money when you click through on the link.  As always, thank you (!) for supporting the brands that help make this blog possible!  

1.  Sweet Apples and Arla Dofino Gouda:  Apples and cheese have been my go-to the last few weeks.  This gouda is so delicious and is a perfect accompaniment to a crisp fall apple.  I would suggest a Pink Lady, a Honeycrisp, or a Fuji apple with this Gouda.

2. Apples with Yogurt, Nuts and Spices
1 sweet apple
1/3 cup yogurt
1 Tbs chopped, roasted almonds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp brown sugar

Slice your apple.  Mix yogurt, cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.  Top with almonds.  Dip the apples in the yogurt mixture for a tasty snack.

3. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Spread with Banana:
1 banana, sliced and pealed
2 Tbs natural peanut butter
1 tsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp maple syrup

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and maple syrup and stir.  Serve on top of banana slices. If you are like me and don't like bananas, just eat the peanut butter spread by itself.  It is delicious.

4. Arla Dolfino Gouda Crackers: 
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Arla Dolfino Gouda, finely shredded
a pinch of salt
1/2 tsp oregano
8 Tbs cold butter, diced
1-2 Tbs cold water

In a stand mixer, combine the flour, gouda, salt, and oregano.  Mix until combined.  Add the pieces of butter and mix until the consistency of the flour mixture is like sand, with pieces of butter no larger than a pea.  Add 1 tablespoon of water and mix.  If the mixture doesn't begin to come together, add the other tablespoon of water.  Once a firm dough is formed, wrap in plastic wrap, or seal in a tupperware for 30 minutes.  Remove from the fridge after 30 minutes, and roll out on a floured surface.  Cut into your desired shapes and place about 1/2 inch apart on a silicone lined baking sheet.  Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 18 - 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Best served the first day.

5.  Arla Dofino Havarti Fiesta Cups
Tortilla chip scoops
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 block of Arla Dofino Havarti Cheese
1/2 can corn

Fill the tortilla cups with pepper, cheese, and corn.

6. Plain Yogurt with Maple Syrup
1/2 cup plain, whole-milk yogurt
1 tsp maple syrup

7.  Dark Chocolate Chips with Toasted Almonds
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped

8. Whole-Wheat Mini Muffins (the title is a link where you can find the entire recipe)