Kids in school are going constantly all day and run out of energy by the time school is out. Many times they may not eat much of what's served at school or what they took for lunch. Even if they do their high metabolism means they use up their calories quicker so, by the time they hit the door they usually are heading for the kitchen or mom wanting something to eat or drink.

This refueling is good for them so they can do their homework and keep going until dinner time. Here are some easy snacks to make and keep on hand for the after school rush!

Cereal Bars are always great to eat.. and easy to make. Mix your favorite cereals (6 cups) with raisins or chocolate chips (depending on what kind it is), coconut, marshmallows, nuts, dried fruits etc.. melt a package of mini marshmallows with 3 TBSP butter in a non stick pan. Pour into the cereal and mix quickly until coated.. if adding chocolate chips or marshmallows wait until the cereal is mixed with the marshmallow mixture then add them quickly. Pat all into a buttered 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until set. Before serving set out for a few minutes so it will be easier to cut.
NOTE: You can even add multiple cereals or cereal and granola crunch bits .. these are a creative snack.. make it how you like it.

Dippers with Yogurt Dip

Try serving a platter of veggie and cheese and fruits sliced and ready to eat with a yummy yogurt dip

Yogurt dip ideas for fruitss:

1 cup Vanilla yogurt with any of the following:
2 Tbsp. sugar sweetened lemonade mix combined
1/4 cup honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c. shredded coconut, 1 cup crushed pineapple drained, 2 Tbsp. granola

1 cup Plain yogurt with any of the following:
1/4 c. peanut butter and 2 Tbsp honey

Yogurt dip ideas for veggies

1 cup Plain yogurt with any of the following:
1/2 package onion soup mix
1/2 package ranch dressing mix
1 cup salsa

Mini pizzas are easy ideas, Try the English muffins with a little tomato or pizza sauce and a few toppings of your choice and mozzarella cheese. Pop it into the oven or microwave a few minutes and there you are. Kids love to make their own pizzas and you can use tortillas, flat=out breads, regular bread even.

Let them make their own mini kabobs. Older children who can handle pointed objects love to make their own kabobs and these can be served with dips as well. Good items to use for kabobs include cubed meats, vienna sausages or hotdog slices, cubed cheeses, balled or cubed fruits such as melons, bananas (dipped in lemon juice), orange slices, strawberries, grapes etc.. Kabobs are limited only by the imagination and my kids always enjoyed them.

Make your own snack packs with lunch meats, cheeses and various crackers add a cup of juice and walla! Happy kids.

Good things to have on hand include juice, string cheese, various fruits and cut up veggies, raisins and trail mixes, nuts anything that will give them a quick boost and tide them over.

It's easy to have things ready in the refrigerator when the kids hit the door and you'll be glad knowing they are enjoying a snack that is nutritious.