6 DIY Versions of Store-Bought Snacks
Having kids means having snacks on hand. Try these can't-miss recipes for homemade versions of supermarket favorites like granola bars, graham crackers, cereal bars and cheddar cheese crackers. They're fresher, tastier and easier to make than you think.
Homemade Granola Bars: Ina Garten packs her bars with almonds, dates, dried cranberries and even a pinch of wheat germ in this recipe.
DIY Strawberry Cereal Bars: Give that box of popular cereal bars a run for its money with this simple recipe full of whole oats and a secret ingredient no kid can resist: a thick layer of organic strawberry fruit spread.
Graham Crackers: Alton Brown has cracked the code for mouthwatering graham crackers sweetened with brown sugar and molasses, made fresh at home.
Frozen Fruit Smoothies: Why pay $4 for a single smoothie when you can make a whole pitcher at home? Start with frozen berries (and skip the ice!), then add yogurt, milk, a banana and fresh orange juice, and blend. Bendy straws come highly recommended, but we'll leave that up to you.
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers: With whole-wheat flour, real cheddar cheese — and without any ingredients you can't pronounce — this DIY cracker recipe may become a new favorite over a certain fish-shaped variety in the chip aisle.
Black Bean Hummus: Made from ingredients you likely have on hand already — black beans, garlic and lemon — all it takes is a minute in the blender to have Melissa d'Arabian's black bean hummus in a hurry.