Hot Dog Panini – Serves 4

4 hot dogs cut lengthwise

4 hot dog buns

½ cup of unsalted butter melted

Shredded cheddar cheese

 Hot dogs a long time favorite of children and grown-ups but schools no longer serve them because of the hazards of children not chewing them properly; so instead of giving them up altogether, make them into Panini’s!

Boil or broil your hotdogs until cooked and set aside.  Brush your hot dog buns with melted butter on the inside and outside.  Once your hot dogs are cool to touch, place the two halves flat side down on your bun.  Sprinkle a little cheddar cheese on each, close the bun and press!  Great hot dog taste without the worry!

  

Peanut Butter Fondue – Serves 4

 

2 cups of peanut butter

¼ cup of water

2 McIntosh apples cored and cut up into bite size pieces

2 Bartlett pears; cored and cut up into bite size pieces

2 bananas peeled and cut into bite size pieces

4 shish kabob skewers

Cut up some of your kid’s favorite fruits like apple, pears or bananas and set in a bowl (or choose some other favorites!)

In a microwave safe bowl, add peanut butter and water and microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes in your microwave, or until peanut butter is nice and gooey soft.  Hand each child a skewer and let them dunk the fruit of choice into the warm peanut butter for a fun and healthy snack!

You must serve immediately, as the peanut butter will cool off and harden again if it sits out for too long.

English Muffin Pizza – Serves 4

 

4 whole grain English muffins

2 cups of your favorite pizza or marinara sauce

2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Pepperoni slices optional**

Toaster oven

This is an easy and safe way for your kids to make their pizzas snacks right at home.

Start by cutting your whole wheat English muffins in half, spooning about 2 tablespoon of sauce on both sides of the muffins.  Top it with a sprinkle of the shredded mozzarella cheese.  If you want to add pepperoni or some other topping place it on top of your cheese, then they are ready for toasting.

 Heat your toaster oven to the correct setting and place your pizza muffins on the rack and cook until cheese is melted.  Once the oven is off, use a spatula to remove your hot pizza muffins and enjoy!

Cheesy Empanadas – Serves 4

 

4 large empanada discs

12 oz package of Monterey or cheddar cheese

Vegetable or canola oil for frying

In large skillet; add about 2 inches of oil and turn your heat to medium to get it hot.

In the meantime, take your cheese and cut into thick rectangular pieces.

On a cookie sheet or clean surface, sprinkle some flour then lay each of your discs out.

Add 1 or 2 pieces of cheese to end of the disc, and then fold over to create a half moon shape. Making sure your cheese pieces are not sticking out.

Using the tip of a fork, press firmly on the open side of your moon to seal the empanada closed.

Bring your skillet to high heat and then one by one fry each of the empanadas until golden brown on each side.  Set aside and let cool for a minute, then serve.  Your empanadas are crispy golden and cheesy!

Peach Delight – Serves 4

 

4 large peaches cored and quartered

1 stick of unsalted butter

Orange sherbet or vanilla ice cream

Orange zest (using a fine grater)

Heat a skillet or stove top grill.

Melt your stick of butter and pour in a bowl.

Before it gets cold, brush your peaches with the melted butter and place on your skillet or grill.

Cook until nice and brown on both sides.

Serve a few slices in an ice cream bowl and scoop some sherbet or ice cream right on top and finish it off by grating some of the orange zest right on top!