b'food mattersSatisfying Snacksfor Your FamilyLoaded waffle tacos are fun and fillingWORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ILYSSE RIMALOVSKIA n ideal af- pizzabagels,soupsandsand-ter-schoolwiches.snackisElaine Butkus says hard sa-nutrient- lami,cheese,apples,hummus d e n s e ,and pita were favorites in her balancedhousehold, especially with her andfill- sons.IfIhadanyleftovers ing. Preschoolers and teens needfrom entertaining, Daniel and energytohelpthemstayfo- Trevor always wanted that, she cused, satisfied and ready for anyremembers.afternoon activities. Even if theI, too, was a savory snacker, activity is a power nap, a smallfavoring toaster-oven pizza, hot snackcanhelppreventhungerpretzels, canned soup or salad and stabilize blood sugar levels,with the most vinegary dressing making it easier for children toIcouldconcoct.Nowonder rest comfortably. bars, trail mix, granola, fruit, meat jerky, crackersmygirlsgrewupcravingthe Portion sizes and nutritional needs vary greatlyand cheese sticks do heavy lifting here. same, and pickles in particular.depending on who the snacker is. A toddler mayTo foster independence and encourage healthyMaybe its vegetable sticks with onion dip al-be content with a small piece of fruit or a fewsnacking, visiting the market together with chil- ready waiting in the fridge. Dinner leftovers look-whole-graincrackers,whereasateenageathletedrencanprovideopportunitiestostaycurrenting for a second chance. Frozen empanadas mi-could feel perpetually insatiable. with their preferences, expand their palate, andcrowavable in a minute, or dumplings fried in a Age, activity, individual tastes (such as sweetinvolve them in the preparation process. As theypan. Avocado toast or grilled cheese. Fruit chunks or savory), cultures, dietary restrictions, ease-of- head home, they can already envision the snackand yogurt about to become a smoothie. Or the preparation, schedules, budgets, friends and logis- that awaits. low-prep recipe that follows for Loaded Waffle Ta-tics all factor into after-school snacking.GailHainesrecallsherhungryteenagesoncos combining fruit, protein and whole grains in a If children walk home from school and passSpencerasking,WhatslikedinnerthatIcanform that is fun to eat. through town with cash to spare, they are likelyhave as a snack? Thats when she started loadingIlysse Rimalovski is a well-seasoned home chef, writer to stop for a pizza slice or two, French fries, bagsher freezer with microwaveable meals. andculinaryproducerlivinginMaplewoodwith of spicy chips, packaged snack cakes, ice creamWith three sons, Ilene Grossman was alwaysa background in specialty food, media and design. cones, candy or Gatorade. ready to feed something hot and hearty to Jack,Have food questions or need inspiration? Visit Ilysses Other kids may go straight from school to anJonah, Jesse and any friends who came home withFacebook page at facebook.com/IlysseIdeally or send activity. Portable shelf-stable snacks such as energythem.Shereliedonpilesofnachos,tatertots,email to forilysse@icloud.com.22/ matters magazine / school 2024'