Well, if you read my MARCH BOOK REVIEW today then you know I read and LOVED…
…The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi this month.
You can read my full review HERE.
One of the many, many, MANY ideas I took away from her book was to start building after school snack/charcuterie boards for my kiddos. You guys, this has been such a FUN and EASY game changer for us after school.
Kendra goes into great detail in her book about the benefits to these boards (and you should totally read her book!), but let me share my thoughts too…
#1: There is about two hour window when my four kids come home from school. Yup, between about 2:30 and 4:30 all four Shull kiddos get home. Kensington and Smith are the bookends to that time frame, and don’t require/want/need mama’s help with an after school snack, but my two littles get home in the middle and are both always hungry/asking me what they can have/asking me to open things/etc.
#2: Thus…her lazy genius idea of quickly throwing together a “board” right before they get home has truly not only solved the “what snack can I have” dilemma, but it’s also cut down on time (it’s out, they eat, we’re done), helped me use up random ingredients in my house, and created a calm “quality time” where they eat and we chat about their day instead of a chaotic “what can I have, open this, she took the last ___”.
#3: My littles think this is FUN and instead of complaining about their snack options/someone taking the last ___ or the dreaded “there’s nothing to eat” statement, they get excited to see what I put out each day. For the last two weeks, I’ve made these little snack boards almost every day before I walk to get them from school. It legit only takes me a few minutes each time (this is not rocket science!), and they always love them. I would make them for all four kids if they all four showed up within a certain time frame, but since they don’t (and since my bigs don’t seem to care), I just make it for the little girls.
I snapped a few pics just to show you…
My kids love hard boiled eggs, so I made these while I made my lunch earlier that day, and it made for a very easy addition to the board.
Almond butter and Nutella sandwiches for the win! I’ve actually done little finger sandwiches several times (with PB &J and turkey too!), and cut into bite-sized pieces, this makes an easy snack.
Some turkey pepperoni, cheddar, mixed baking chips and Veggie straws.
See?
Not hard, just a very “lazy genius” idea at work 🙂 .
I legit go through the fridge and pantry and grab random items each day (clearly), but if you have your own kids’ faves to share, I would love to know what you set out for after school snacks! Please comment and share!
Happy snacking! xx
Elspeth says
These are such good ideas and tasty and healthy too!
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lindsey says
We do this same thing but I use a muffin tin for my littles! When they are done the muffin tin goes straight into the dishwasher! Easy peasy!
Paige E says
Super fun ideas! Thanks for the pics! I used to serve “Snack plate” dinner on Sunday nights for my toddlers before Charcuterie was a trendy thing. It really did use up bits and pieces of leftover items and the boys liked to choose their own things to put on their plate.
Beth says
I love Kendra Adachi, and I love seeing examples of how you’re executing this great, simple idea, Shay!
I have been playing around with after school snacks for my 8- and 10-year old, as I am very familiar with the raiding the kitchen/arguing/needing help from me phenomenon you describe. We live across town from school, and the drive home can be a tough moment, which I realized was partly because of hunger. So, I like to have something to give them right when they get in the car.
Sometimes I grab a couple granola bars or some peanut butter cracker sandwiches on the way out the door for pick-up, but I also mix in days when I make a “mobile mini platter” (“MMP” for short – the catchy name is part of the fun), which is like a little to-go charcuterie platter. It’s a HUGE hit! I take a sandwich keeper for each child and put 4 silicone cupcake liners inside. I usually put meat in one, cheese in one, crackers in one, and fruit in one. It makes for more variety than they’d typically get with a grab ‘n go option, and they’ll eat stuff they might otherwise pass up because they love the presentation. A win for all!
Lisa N says
My daughters have been making these sorts of trays for the kids while playing outside. Besides turkey, ham and cheeses they love pickles and olives and fruit.
Amazon has a set of 10 plastic divided lazy susans with lid covers. So great for travel or playing outside.
Kelly Menou says
Was coming to say the same thing, Momma:)
Laci L Murray says
My daughter is really into peanut butter and honey sandwiches right now.
Lisa N says
https://a.co/d/hItjdBj
Robin says
GENIUS indeed!!!!! How clever!! Thanks for sharing this and the book!!
Lauren Palmer says
This is so cute!!!!
Kristy says
Love the pics! The bite size sandwiches is so smart. Thanks!
Maureen Werner says
I often do a veggie tray and a ranch dip as the “in between” snack! This way I can serve a dinner that doesn’t need a side because they’ve already had their vegetables!!