Simple Snacks

Simple Snacks Edition-

These are fast and simple enough to make during a study break. 

Remember: study breaks help you retain information!  And you’ve got to fuel your hippocampus.

10 seconds:

Combine 50% Peanuts + 50% candy corn.

Really.  It’s surprisingly addictive, and guaranteed to get you in the autumn spirit.

5 minutes:

Apple Dip: 

1 cup peanut butter (I recommend crunchy)

1 cup brown sugar

8 oz cream cheese (one package)

¼ cup skim milk

Mix all ingredients.  Serve with apples.  (or graham crackers, celery, etc)

*This is a great dip for large groups- especially for Fall tailgates, potlucks etc.  Just soak apples in advance in water + lemon juice to keep from browning.  

*I don't bother measuring the peanut butter - just eyeball it to save time/cleanup.

*You can cut down the brown sugar to ½ cup, and use 1/3 less fat cream cheese to cut some calories. 

10 minutes:

Open & Done Salsa

1 can Rotel

1 can white corn

1 can yellow corn

1 can black beans

~1 cup cilantro, chopped

2 Tbs red wine vinegar

2 Tbs lime juice

1 tsp hot sauce

fresh ground pepper to taste

1 packet Splenda, or sugar to taste

Drain all cans (Rotel, white/yellow corn, black beans).  Combine all ingredients.

Keep refrigerated. 

*A great “homemade salsa recipe” in its own right, but especially as fresh salsa ingredients start to disappear from the produce aisles.

15 minutes:

Sweet and Spicy Honey Nut Chex Mix

4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal

½ cup dry-roasted peanuts

1/3 cup roasted salted sunflower nuts or hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

2 Tb honey

1 Tb warm water

¾ tsp salt

¾ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)

¾ cup raisins

In large microwaveable bowl, mix cereal, peanuts, and sunflower nuts; set aside.

In small bowl, mix honey and warm water.  Stir in seasoning until blended.  Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring every minute.  Stir in raisins.  Microwave 1 minute longer.  Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool.  Stir in airtight container.

***NOTE:  I prefer to cut the Chex down to 2-3 cups and increase the peanuts and raisins to 1 cup each, and sunflower seeds to ½ cup.

*You can substitute Original Chex- just increase the honey a bit to keep the sweet/spicy balanced.