I've mentioned the big appetites ( I originally had a typo and said bug appetites, though that would be true too) at the cabin. With all the swimming, walking, skiing/ tubing and yard games, lots of snacking between meals is inevitable. With Father's Day weekend and then the 4th of July coming, I'm thinking ahead to my snacky contributions. We have an early BBQ July 2 too that will require treats and snacks.
Rice Krispy Treats always go over well. I now buy a large store brand box and make both the standard marshmallow version, but for more filing, the version, Peanut Butter Rice Krispies. If the choclate chips, pb, and Caro syrup are store brand, a pan of 24 can be under $4. The marshmallow variety under $3. I don't bother with both butterscotch and choclate chips, preferring all choclate. I also use brown instead of white sugar for a slightly caramel taste, but this Scotcheroos recipe is pretty close to I just call mine Peanut Butter Rice Krispy bars.
White Chocolate chip cookies- made with this Betty Crocker cake mix cookie recipe, and chips I still had from Christmas. So many bags still left! I'll use an 89¢ Aldi cake mix in my pantry, also bought for but not used at Christmas. I may use flax eggs since eggs are high.
 |
| I think I'll bring this popper with kernel's to the lake. It works well and popcorn is tasty. |
Popcorn went up in price too, but I still got a 2 pound bag of kernels for $2.00 which will make loads. When even generic chips are $2 a bag and a couple nephews can polish one off before the pontoon is even unhooked from the dock, a big 2 gallon ziplock bag will be pennies. I think I even have popcorn bags left from the last in office work event we had. The kids might think that's fun on the pontoon or outdoor movie to have their own individual pouch, and less hands reaching into the bag.
Besides just popping, adding butter flavor and salt, I found a couple other recipes on line to try.
White chocolate drizzled popcorn
Pretzels can be done both these ways as well. My Dollar Tree, even with the extra quarter is still a great place to buy Snyder pretzels, both sour dough and twists or waffle style. If I find a deal on Chex type cereal and snack crackers, I might make snack mix for either or both weekends.
I've read many of you are hosting or going to visit relatives this summer. What are some of your favorite low cost snacks to fill a crowd?
I haven't made rice krispie bars in years but instead make a cheerio bar using the multi grain cheerios. I put in extra cereal because my husband and I both prefer it to be less sweet. It makes for a thicker bar and a bit of a challenge to spread into the pan but we like the end result. Eating on a pan of them right now. Homemade popcorn balls are good too. I have a recipe that uses marshmallows in the recipe. They're really good and easy to eat if you don't pack them too tight. Chex mix feeds a lot of people, as do many of the things we seem to designate for Christmas treats. Ranee
ReplyDeleteCheerios do sound good in the bar. I usually add a bit more cereal, but also more butter to my traditional rk bars. If Chex are lower cost, that's in my plan.
DeleteI love sour dough pretzels and the bite size peanut butter filled pretzels. They are so good.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter loves the sour dough ones too.
DeleteYour snacks look delicious and thrifty!
ReplyDeleteFor guys that eat by the handful, I need thrifty.
DeleteSounds good! I don't think I have ever had peanut butter rice krispie treats, but it sounds delicious. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThey're my favorite and a small one satisfies any sweet tooth I might have.
DeleteWe do a lot of crackers/cheese/meat/dip/hummus and veggie trays with some fruit for snacking especially when we have guests. I have a summer and a winter version with what is in season. Other than that we're not much on snacking so I'm not much help to you on this.
ReplyDeleteI don't snack between meals either but at the lake and around fires people are always looking for snacks it seems. Healthy boards would be nice, but yeah, probably cost a fortune with this crew.
DeleteEntertaining a crowd, especially boys can get expensive. Finding those thrifty snacks is a must. It reminds me of my mom having kids lined up at our back door after school as she handed out stacks of cookies.
ReplyDeleteIt's not so much me entertaining but wanted to be sharing, and not feel like I'm going broke feeding other people.
DeleteThis is my area of expertise :-)
ReplyDelete-Hummus with veggies. Hummus can be homemade, or purchased. Veggies can be prepped & ready for snacking in the fridge
-Cut fruit/berries/melons. When I know the kids are going to want an easy snack, they love having fruit ready to grab.
Those were the healthiest options, here are the rest:
-Cheese & crackers. Laziness/time indicates that we buy them pre-wrapped & cut, but this is easy to manage. Cut up part of a brick of cheese (or several options) & have a cheese tray (maybe with some sliced fruit), ready to go & covered in the fridge. Have a tray of crackers ready, and maybe olives. As soon as everyone is back, remove wrappers & set out.
-Homemade protein balls, bars & granola bars. Snack bread (lemon, banana, banana chocolate chip, applesauce bread, etc)
-Easy loaves of homemade French bread, plus hummus, cheese, or just butter. This is one of the boys favorites.
-Homemade (or purchased) tortilla chips with homemade guacamole. Easy & delicious. Can add salsa (also pretty cheap/easy to make)
-Smoothies. Not sure if you have too many people to make this reasonable, but I can make a batch of four in our blender. We use: juice, or leftover milk/almond milk + protein powder (optional) & any leftover fruit that's about to go bad just goes into the freezer. Pull out frozen fruit, and I like to add some fresh. Blend & you are ready.
HP,
DeleteI will have some of that.
I thought zi should make sure to have hummus and loaves of bread- that will fill up swimmers for sure. Sad to say, but outside my family, I don't see his siblings kids ever eat vegetables except at holiday meals.
DeleteHere's the recipe we use for an easy bread. Nick makes it regularly, and it's easy even for non bread makers. https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/wednesday-baking-cheap-cheap-breadfrench-bread/
DeleteLots of great and filling snack ideas. Camping really brings out the appetites.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It's a cross between not wanting to blow my budget, being generous, but also realizing how much can get devoured!
DeletePopcorn is my favourite snack - I haven't made it in years, but melting peanut butter into the butter is an amazing drizzle!
ReplyDeleteHow does the popcorn not get sticky? Inquiring minds need to know because pb and popcorn are two favorites!
DeleteMix up box of Betty Crocker brownies then sprinkle 1/2 bag of Heath Bar bits on top. Bake as directed. People love them! 9 x 13 pan.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had snacking occasions, I like to have chocolate pound cake loaves and different loaves sliced. A big bowl of grapes is not cheap, but healthful. Is that a microwave popcorn popper in the picture?
ReplyDeleteI know what I'd provide my family- it's the grab and go snackers I'm trying to help keep filled. Yes, it's a microwave popper I bought a few months ago. Makes loads of delicious and inexpensive batches.
DeleteI'm really dull, I never eat between meals so snacks aren't something I indulge in. Jon's a terrible one for crisps though, I've made him these before - much healthier - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spicy-roast-chickpeas
ReplyDeleteYum- I need to avoid chips too. My snackers are men and teens in both sides of the family so it's weekends and holidays I need to think creatively.
DeleteI was wondering how long the cabin has been in the family- did your older kids use it as kids/teens? How do you share weekend meals? As for snacks, I love Hawaii Planner’s ideas. Sweets can be eaten so fast and not really even enjoyed! I can see a package of Oreos gone in a few minutes lol. Since it’s the in-laws, I would probably continue to do what I’m doing and maybe keep some soda, beer and wine hidden! Nan
ReplyDeleteIt's been around forever- plus his grandparents old cabin, now owned in partnership by DH, siblings, and cousins. Before there were so many young men,teens, each family just contributed to collective meals. Oh the sweets are enjoyed- no worries there, and these guys are not veggie eaters. My kids always were. I just like the idea of bringing my share and not feeling like I have to hide treats even when my family eats the fewest.
Delete