Common items provide the makings for quick snacks
Posted: February 3, 2013 at 6 a.m.
Crackers
BY MIKEY ROX
WISE BREAD
For those often called upon for spur-of-the-moment snacks, these tasty treats can be whipped up quickly from items commonly found in many pantries and refrigerators.
Doctored-Up Popcorn
Dressing up popcorn couldn’t be quicker or easier. After three minutes in the microwave, top it with melted butter and Old Bay seasoning for a spicy, crab-seasoned kick, or toss it with black pepper and grated parmesan for a tangy, cheesy kick. Want a little sweetness to offset the salt? Toss plain popcorn with Milk Duds.
Sliced Apples and Nutella
Just slice the apples, squirt them with lemon juice so they don’t brown, and serve alongside a ramekin of Nutella for a fresh fruit-and-hazelnut appetizer. Other variations could include melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
Ritz Cracker Mini-Pizzas
Top Ritz crackers with a dollop of pizza or pasta sauce, a small handful of cheese, and any other toppings on hand. Pop the mini-pizzas in a 400-degree oven for a few minutes. Few ingredients, lots of flavor.
Turkey and Cheddar Triscuits
It's as fast as it sounds. Line up the crackers and top with a squirt of Dijon or deli mustard along with thin squares of sharp cheddar and a half-slice of turkey. Best served cold.
Pudding Pops
Prepare instant chocolate pudding and put the mixture, with sticks, in the freezer for a few hours to harden.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa Velveeta
Cut cheese into cubes, melt it down, mix in salsa and serve with chips. An oldie but still a goodie.
Spiced Honey Pretzels
There are dozens of recipes that take this figure-friendly chip alternative to the next level, like this one. Simply drizzle pretzels with honey then shake on onion and chili powders to create a crunchy, no-guilt carb fix.
Garlic Pita Chips With Marinara Sauce
Cut pita bread rounds into quarters, then toss with olive oil, a pinch of salt, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes and garlic powder. Bake the triangles at 450 degrees for five minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve with warmed pizza or pasta sauce.
Marinated Olives
This olive snack combines lemon with garlic, olive oil and rosemary. Assorted olives should rest in the mixture for at least an hour so the flavors can properly combine.
Spinach Dip
Thaw a block of frozen spinach, strain and combine with a large container of sour cream and a package of ranch dressing mix. Serve with chips or crackers of choice.
Pasta Salad
To make an off-the-cuff pasta salad, boil your favorite shape and toss with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh or dried basil, and Italian dressing or pesto sauce. Chill for two hours for a light but filling snack.
— Additional recipes available online at wisebread.com
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