Kid and mom-approved!
As parents, we know all too well the struggles of leaving the house with our children. How many times do we say “put your shoes on”, “where is your coat?”, or my favorite “did you go potty?”. Now, once all of this chaos is over and you’re finally in the car and heading to your destination it is inevitable that someone will beg for something to eat. What will you have for them? Consider one of these kid and mom approved options!
Trail mix
A great option that is relatively mess-free. It doesn’t require a lot of effort on your part and kids love it! Obviously, avoid this option if there are any possible allergic reactions.
Terrific Trail Mix
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/78019/terrific-trail-mix/
Ingredients
- 1 cup combination diced dried fruit, such as prunes, apricots, pears, and apples
- 1/2 cup raisins and/or dried cherries or cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts (or honey-roasted peanuts, chopped walnuts or unsalted almonds)
Directions
Mix all. Makes 4 cups.
Rollup pastries
This option is easy for kids to eat on their own and is popular with older kids. They do require more preparation and effort on your part but they are more filling so they would be beneficial on long car rides.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
https://www.wellplated.com/ham-and-cheese-pinwheels/
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry — thawed overnight in the refrigerator
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard — divided
- 12 slices thinly-sliced, good-quality deli ham — about 10 ounces
- 2 cups freshly grated gruyere — Swiss, fontina, sharp cheddar, or similar melty cheese (about 5 ounces)
- Chopped fresh parsley — thyme, or chives (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter (I pressed two long sheets together at the edges to create a single larger sheet). Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry in the center of the plastic, then roll it into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Spread with 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Lay 6 ham slices on top, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
- Starting at the long (12-inch) edge, roll the puff pastry into a log. Trim the ends so that they are even, then tightly wrap the log with the plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining mustard, ham, and cheese. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Once the log has chilled, using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully cut each log into 1/2-inch-wide slices. (If each log is 12 inches, you will get 24 rolls from each one). Arrange the rolls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the puff pastry is light golden brown and the cheese is hot and bubbly about 18 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with chopped thyme, parsley, or chives as desired. Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Mixed fruit
This is probably the healthiest option if you are focused on providing clean and healthy snacks. I would recommend this for shorter car rides as the fruit may lead to a bathroom stop.
Cheese
You can cut up cubes or slices of cheese yourself or you can buy “to-go” cheese products such as string cheese sticks or Babybell individually wrapped cheese. Cheese can also be added to the trail mix option. I wouldn’t recommend allowing children to eat a lot of cheese during the ride as this too may lead to a bathroom stop.
Keeping our children happy and healthy is the number one priority of any good parent. These options are easy to make, easy to store, and easy to eat when the family is on the go!
