On The Run: Cinnamon Apple Snack Attack

Sometimes days get overwhelming between classes, studying, meeting up across the Quad, or headed to practice. And, it is super easy to resort to high carb junk food from the vending machine or cafeteria as a filler between meals. Move along!

Keep a few simple ingredients in your pantry for 'On The Run' moments during your busy college day! The Pioneer Woman recently posted one of her family's 'go to' snacks while hitting the ski slopes this winter. 

See what you think! Simple. Tasty. Filling.

Cinnamon Apple Snack Attack

Equipment:

Regular, or toaster, oven

Ingredients:

English Muffins

Peanut Butter, crunchy or smooth

Apple, thinly sliced

Cinnamon Sugar (1/2 c sugar plus 2 tsp ground cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands and the apple.

2. Preheat toaster oven to 350F degrees.

3. Core & slice apple. Cut into thin slices. 

4. Spread peanut butter on each muffin half and layer with apple slices.

5. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. 

6. Bake for 10 minutes. Sugar will begin to melt and apples will brown slightly.

7. Turn oven to Broil and bake x 5-8 minutes.

8. Allow to cool before chow-ing down and burning the roof of your mouth.

Ham Roll Ups

Beginning of the semester is always busy! You've made a committment to stay on top of your work load, at least for the first day...you'll see how it goes! 

You're off to classes, home, ultimate frisbee, classes, study, gym, hang out, nap, etc.; and, somewhere between all those events...you gotta eat. So make it good!

Take a stab at these handy snacks I found on the Food Networks 'after school' suggestions: Ham-Scallion Pinwheels. Great snack for tailgating or having people over, too! 

No cooking skills required!

Ham Pinwheel Rollups

Equipment:

Mixing bowl

Fork 

Sharp knife

Ingredients:

Sundried Tomato Wraps

1(8oz) Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese

(Or use 50% Boursin / 50% cream cheese)

2-3 green onions, finely sliced

Deli Ham, thin slices

Optional:

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Definetely wash your hands!

2. Combine and whip softened cream cheese, boursin, and scallions with a fork.

3. Spread the cheese mixture across each wrap to the edges.

4. Add cucumber if you like. 

5. Arrange slices of ham next. 

6. Roll the whole thing up like a fat cigar.

7. Slice off 1/4"-1/2" rounds. 

8. Layer on platter and 

9. Serve with your favorite mustard!

Lemon Artichoke Crostini

Having visitors, whether friends or family, means having snacks, beverages and entertainment planned; and, of course, time to chat and catch up!

It's really no different when Jon stops by, and I try to make a few favorites as well as find something new he might like! Don't you get tired of Chips & Salsa or a bowl of hummus and pita chips??

Let me introduce you to the versatility of crostini or bruschetta--a great option for snacking.
Classic Tomato Bruschetta can involve some 'leg work' in terms of chopping and prepping, so when i discovered 3 of Jon's favorite ingredients combined into one...in a blender...involving little prep and work...look out! We all win!

Tip:
Your food is only as good as the quality of ingredients you buy!
When making bruschetta or crostini, buy quality bread, ideally from a a local bakery!

Equipment:

Nutri-Bullet

--OR:

--upper arm strength

--fork and mixing bowl

--sharp knife for mincing and chopping

Ingredients:

Good quality baguette or ciabatta

1 (14oz) jar of artichoke hearts, drained

3 Tbls extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium lemon juiced

2 Tbls fresh basil, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/2-1 tsp salt to taste, start with 1/2 tsp

1/2-1 tsp pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands. 

2. Coarsely prep your ingredients.

3. Combine ingredients into blender & pulse. (This may require shaking cup intermittently or adding a little extra juice or oil to enhance blending). 

4. Slice the baguette into 1/2" pieces.

5. For extra flavor, rub each side with fresh garlic and drizzle with olive oil & salt.

6. Toast until golden brown.

7. Assemble the crostinis and drizzle with a little olive oil and parmesan shavings!

Smokie Skewers

When the Olympics are on, I kind of use it as an excuse to stay on the couch and graze. So when hunger calls, I have to be efficient and quick...otherwise, you could miss the most amazing jump, half pipe, and underdog triumph...or the awe surrounding Bob Costas' pink eye!

These are quick bites to snack on. Easy to assemble. And the dip is tangy satisfaction.

Equipment:

Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into approx 1" bites

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Cayenne

Mini franks (whole) or Polish Kielbasa (sliced in 1/4" rounds)

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayo 

1/2 lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 -1 tsp of salt

Fresh pepper

Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Preheat oven to 450F degrees. 

3. Peel sweet potatoes and cube into 1" pieces.

4. Microwave x 2 minutes. 

5. Toss the potatoes on baking sheet with olive oil, cayenne, salt and pepper.

6. Roast in oven x 12-15 minutes.

7. Heat your mini franks in a skillet.

8. Make the dipping by combining all ingredients.

9. When potatoes done, use a toothpick or short skewer to assemble the goods.

10. Dig in! Go USA! Get well Bob!

English Muffin Goodness