Summer Snackies

Our kids can eat.  They are always hungry and could eat all day if I let them...especially during these summer months when they are more active and burning calories in the sun.  Snacks and quick go-to picnic type foods are essential in this home these days.  Therefore, I've been trying to put some creative energy into making some snackies I can feel good feeding them.  There are always the easy basics like fruit, cheese, trail mixes, etc.  But here are a couple other favorites of late...

Pureed Fruit Popsicles

A variety of fruit combos can be used for these, but our favorite has been mango, fresh pineapple, banana, and strawberry.  I just puree it in the blender, pour into molds and freeze.

Dandy Date Bars

This one came from an old kids' cookbook I grew up with.  

Andy and Sandy's Yummy Summer Snack Book

This cookbook wasn't a favorite of mine as a child since it doesn't have snazzy full color illustrations, but now I realize that although Andy and Sandy aren't glitzy, they do have some good ideas.

These bars are quite tasty, and relatively nutritious.

They are a bit like a Lara Bar.

Here is my version of the recipe...

1 lb. dates, pitted and chopped

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. olive oil

1/4 c. honey

1 1/2 c. unsweetened coconut

1/2 c. water

2 1/2 c quick oats

1/3 c. chopped walnuts

1/3 c. ground flax seed

1 t. vanilla

Combine dates, butter, oil, honey, coconut, and water in saucepan.  Cook over low heat until thick and blended.  Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients.  Press firmly into a greased 8 or 9 inch square pan.  Refrigerate for several hours and cut into small squares.

What creative summer snacks have you put together in your home?