Simple savoury and sweet snacks to stop post-class growlies. Little kids can help with the mixing, sprinkling and dipping. Grown-up helpers take on the cutting and cooking. Everyone is sure to want a bite before jumping into homework.

Inside-Out Tacos

Don’t have taco shells? No problem. Use tortilla chips instead! Psst, the chips go on the inside! Use an iceberg lettuce leaf as the “shell.” Cook a little ground meat (plant-based or not) sprinkled with a taco seasoning blend. Place a lettuce leaf on your cutting board, with the leaf curling in the direction you’ll be rolling. Overlap several slices of tomato along the edge. Top with shredded cheese (vegan or not), the cooked ground meat, a drizzle of salsa and crushed tortilla chips. Roll tightly. Tastes just like a regular taco!

3-Minute Hummus & Kale Chips

Quick and crispy kale chips, made with just 3 ingredients! Remove and discard tough centre ribs and stems from 2 or 3 large kale leaves. Rip leaves into palm-size pieces. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, plus add a heaping spoonful of your favourite flavour of Compliments Hummus. (Not a hummus fan? Compliments Roasted Red Pepper Dip also turns out delicious results.) Rub leaves to fully coat. Place a paper towel on a large microwaveable plate, then arrange leaves in single layer on top and cover loosely with a paper towel. Microwave in batches on High until chips are crispy, about 3 min.

Super Fast Apple Fritters

A crispy apple snack — with no deep-frying. Ready in minutes! Slice an apple crosswise into ¼-in (6 mm) rounds (leave peel on). Cut each round in half, remove core. In a bowl, whisk smooth ⅔ cup (150 mL) Compliments Original or Buttermilk Complete Pancake Mix, ¼ cup (60 mL) cornstarch, and ½ cup (125 mL) water. Dunk apple slices in batter, letting excess drip off. Kids can put the dunked slices on a plate and leave the frying to helpers. Heat a generous drizzle vegetable oil in a small frypan. Fry slices till golden on each side. Place on paper towels to cool. Plate and dust with icing sugar. Done and dusted!

Apple and Pear “Nachos”

Fresh fruit slices and tasty toppings. What could be better? Try one or both of our “nacho” riffs to stave off any snack attack! Brush apple wedges with apple jelly, with slices of your favourite cheese (a semi-soft variety works well here), on a platter. Dig in! Or, alternate wedges and slices of emmental cheese on a platter. Drizzle with liquid honey and sprinkle with pecan pieces. Enjoy!