Whip up some simple summer snacks that don’t involve turning on the oven!
This week we have a friend visiting from out of state. And since he’s never been to California, I want to make it fun. We’re not doing the entire California tour, but we’re trying to fill the days with fun things to do.
We’ve been to The Broken Yolk, played street hockey, gone to the beach, and seen the Avengers. Later in the week we have a trip to Legoland planned as well as a return to the beach.
And amidst it all, I’m trying to do a Pantry Challenge. Unfortunately, the cupboard is already quite bare of quick, ready to go snacks.
If you’re in the same situation as I am, try one of these easy to pull together snacks that don’t involve turning on the oven. Excuse me, now, while I go make up some trail mix.
Trail Mix with Fruit, Seeds, and Chocolate
Coconut Millet Snack Bars
Mamabars (aka DIY Larabar Recipe)
Recovering the Lost Art of the Carrot Stick
Easy Side Dishes to Go with Your Weekend BBQ
Coconut-Millet Snack Bars
Coconut Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips: Bulk Baking
I just posted today about a list of snacks. It helps me to have a list of easy snacks we can grab so I’m not wandering around the kitchen wondering what we have.
@Steph, isn’t that amazingly helpful? When folks know what they can have, it’s so easy.
You are having a friend visit during your pantry challenge? This is a problem I have: most of our friends and family are…shall we say…not quite as frugal as we are, (or if they are, they don’t cook near as much as I do) and frankly, would think I was nuts if they saw me doing a pantry challenge. We live quite far from all friends and family, and when they visit, we always spend much more than I intend. (on the grocery budget, on eating out, on entertainment, etc.) Is this poor budgeting on my part? (I did budget for company last time, but it still wasn’t enough!) I have been struggling with this for quite some time and have been waiting for an opportunity to ask someone what to do.
@Jeanine, honestly? I think it’s a little fear of man? Who cares if they think you’re nuts? I think they’re nuts if they’re wasting money they shouldn’t. If they’re coming to visit you, you shouldn’t feel like you have to go beyond the norm to accommodate them. If you make an invitation, surely you provide the means to be hospitable, but I don’t think you should feel pressure to go beyond your means.
That said, it was one teenage boy — and I don’t think he noticed. None of my kids have. And his mom sweetly sent a gift card for Trader Joe’s.
I know, you’re right. I don’t really care much with close family members, though it is irritating. This last time though, were dear friends whom we haven’t seen in a long time. My husband hates to look “cheap” and is a people pleaser who wants to make his friends happy. And I wanted him to be happy. It’s really my fault, I guess. 🙁
@Jeanine, I certainly didn’t mean to make you feel bad. But, I do want you to feel empowered. Cheap and poor are a state of mind. Things can still be nice and be inexpensive. It’s all in the presentation. 😉
no no, not at all. the problem was more like the number of times we went out to eat vs. what we actually ate. Again, probably my fault, I could have said no, but I too, wanted our guests to be happy. You’re right, cheap and poor ARE a state of mind! 🙂
We recently had company for a couple days and while we’re not on a pantry challenge, we’re always on a budget. We were able to keep it on-track by doing lots of baking (some ahead of time) and planning most (if not all) meals & activities. This cut back on the “what do we do now?” which ultimately leads to “get out of the house and spend money” lol.
Your hummus reminded me that I have a can of garbanzo beans in the pantry that need to be eaten, and a bag of pita chips calling my name!
@Tiffany @ DontWastetheCrumbs, I’m planning a 12 ways to save on hospitality, so this is a great discussion we’ve got going. You’re so right on the “out of house” = out of money. LOL
Hummus is one of our favorites, too!
Chips and salsa are always a hit around here, and obviously an easy grab-and-eat food.
I grew up with toast for breakfast (and eggs), so toast is always an easy one, too. Peanutbutter and honey is a favorite.
Cereals.
I’m listing all of the snacks that involve very little on my part! 🙂
@Groovy Mom, toast means you need bread and my kids inhale bread! LOL
We tend to keep large containers of sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers) in the fridge, and right now, we are also quite likely to have watermelon cubes. But I need to work on non-fruit/veg snacks!
@Cindy, that’s awesome that you have no shortage of fruit and veg snacks. We’re usually heavy on the other kind because the produce takes prepping.
Those snacks look yummy!!
I always make a meal plan when family comes to visit and I post it on the dry erase board for my dad. Not only does it keep him from wanting to go out to eat, but if it involves grilling…he jumps in to cook dinner. I plan in advance as much as possible and pick up extra proteins during good sales.
@Samantha, that sounds like a great way to keep things economical and tasty!
I would love to find a way to fill up my teen-aged son who is 6″3″ and constantly wanting to snack and wanting crunch?