Serve Your Child a Sausage Lunch
If you find yourself stumped with your kids (my formula has been sandwich + fruit / yogurt + something crunchy for too long), it might be time to switch places – with a varied appetizer board.
The idea comes from PopSugar member Cindy Ellis, who put together this slideshow featuring inspirational toddler snack boards . Ellis writes:
They look like cheese and wine boards for adults, but are made with tiny sandwiches, chopped fruits, small vegetables, delicious desserts, breakfast items, and more. Rather than trying to hide healthy foods, they just make fresh foods very appetizing, so your little ones will ask for more.
However, they don’t have to be just for toddlers! Small meals are suitable for all ages. In my house, we are less whimsical and call them “appetizers” rather than “snack boards”, but you are you.
In any case, strive for a variety of products. This slideshow has great visuals to inspire you, but here are some ideas on what to include to get you started:
- Cheese (diced or grated)
- Fruits that come to us in nature, medium-sized (blueberries, strawberries, grapes, etc.)
- Sliced fruits such as bananas, apples, or oranges.
- Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots.
- Cut vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers or peppers into small strips.
- Young Dill Cucumbers (or Chopped Spears)
- Mix of nuts
- Whole grain crackers or pretzels
- Pita wedges
- Something to dip in, like hummus or ranch dressing.
- Rolled up lunch meat slices
- Fried chicken cubes
You can also make sandwiches like grilled cheese or wrappers, cut them into wedges or rolls, and lay them out on a board. The same food they usually eat in small portions, along with a variety of other snacks, can be a fun substitute for them.
It doesn’t have to be the most creative, Instagram-worthy creations you’ve ever had; just aim for a variety of textures, colors, and food groups to encourage them to explore foods they might not normally eat.
Throw some more M & Ms in there and you become a hero.