•Fun Finger Foods
Finger foods make great after-school and party snacks for kids of varying ages, and they're fun; what kid doesn't like to eat with his or her hands? From homemade bagel chips to mock-cheesy popcorn to tofu fingers, here are some of my favorite fun finger foods to share with little vegans:
•Healthy Snacks
Getting kids to eat healthy really isn't as hard as people make it seem; just make healthy things take good (and make good things a little healthier)! Here are some healthy snacks that kids, vegan or not, will love:
•Homemade Granola Bars
Making your own granola bars at home is not only great for vegan kids because granola bars are healthy and tasty but also because kids can easily help make them! Try it; the kids will have fun making their healthy treats and then enjoy eating them all the more! Here are a few vegan favorites:
•Hummus with Veggies, Crackers, or Pita
Hummus is the perfect snack for kids and parents alike; it takes next to no time in the food processor or blender, is relatively low in fat and high in protein, and it can easily dress up other health foods like veggies.
•Peanut Butter on Anything
This one is a no-brainer. Peanut butter goes with everything when you're a kid! Spread it on apples, celery, carrots, crackers, bread, bananas...the list goes on and on. It's a healthy snack (especially if you buy all-natural peanut butter) that provides kids with protein and energy.
And, of course, you could always just make a half-sandwich with peanut butter and jelly, or make a half sandwich of one of these Best Peanut Butter Sandwich Recipes.
•Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels seem indulgent, both because yeast doughs take time to rise and cinema-style pretzels are smothered in butter, but soft pretzels are actually pretty easy to make and make pretty healthy treats for kids.
These Soft Pretzels usually take me about 1 hour and a half from start to finish, with only about 20-30 minutes of that time constituting active preparation, which is easy enough to fit in even during a busy week. And, have fun--let the kids help shape their pretzels! Serve them with mustard, hummus, peanut butter, or other tasty dips.More »
•Tofu Fingers
Tofu Fingers are my favorite excuse to eat fried food, so although they're not the healthiest snack in the world, they're good. I tell you: they're good. And they're terrific for kids, who tend to eat them similarly to chicken fingers--dipping them in barbecue sauce, agave, mustard, or other condiment.More »
•Vegan Bread Recipes
Quick breads and yeast breads both are fair game when it comes to snacking; a warm, fresh loaf of bread sitting on the counter doesn't need an accompaniment--it's good on its own! But, of course, if you want to serve your bread with something special, serve it with a homemade spread like this Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread that the kids will go wild for.
Here are some vegan bread recipe favorites: