SNACK ATTACK

KNOCK Knock…. mom, are you there? I know you’re there, “jy steek weg!” That makes two of us. 

Actually, let’s be real - all moms are hiding right now. It’s school holidays, and that means the kids are home, and we all know what that means. 

As early as 7am, you hear footsteps, and then boom! “Mom, I’m hungry!” 

And you’re lying there thinking, laaitie, how is it that on school days I have to drag you out of bed, but now you’re wide awake with a rumbling tummy? 

You drag yourself out of bed to make breakfast, and not even an hour later it’s: “Mom, can I have peanut butter bread and juice?” 

Before you know it, the fridge bangs, the cupboard swings open, and you hear snip snip - he’s having chips. And when you finally check the time? It’s only 10:15am. Still morning.

I know you’re buying three loaves of bread a day. I know that block of cheese you bought two days ago, it’s already finished. 

And don’t even think the cold weather has slowed them down - yoghurt is still a hit. As for that 2-litre cooldrink you put in the fridge? Gone. Finished before you could even have a sippy. 

And how can I forget “mommy, I lus for a sherbet, please give me a R1.”

The struggle is real, mom. Very real.

Another fun fact - our broke besties love the finer things in life. They’re out here living their best lives, but they’re not working. 

And somehow, they still want to be spoiled and entertained - by us! This week, we’re adding a twist to the usual snacks - something fun, simple, and delicious. And the best part? 

The kids can get involved too. These easy snack ideas are not just tasty, they’re also a great way to keep the little ones busy (and maybe even off your nerves) for a bit.

Keep calm, snack smart, and survive the holidays with your sanity.

Recipe 1:

Oats with fun toppings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups milk (or water, or a milk alternative)
• Pinch of salt
• Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Fun toppings: fresh fruits (bananas, berries, apple), nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or a dollop of peanut butter.

Method:

1. Cook the oats: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk (or water) and salt to a gentle boil.
2. Add oats: Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and creamy.
3. Sweeten (optional): Remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
4. Serve: Pour the cooked oats into bowls.
5. Add toppings: Let the kids choose their favourite toppings — fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or even a little chocolate chips for a treat!
6. Enjoy: Mix and match to create fun and tasty combinations.

Recipe 2

Egg Muffins 

(Mix eggs with chopped veg and cheese, pour into muffin pans and bake) 

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your kid’s favorite)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped veggies (like bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, or carrots)
• 1/4 cup cooked and chopped ham, bacon, or cooked sausage (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a little oil to grease the muffin tin

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
3. In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
4. Add the cheese, chopped veggies, and meat (if using). Mix well.
5. Season with a little salt and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin cups — fill about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the egg muffins are puffed up and golden on top.
8. Let them cool a bit before removing from the tin.

Tips:

• You can swap veggies and meats depending on what your kids like.
• These freeze well — just warm them up before serving.

Recipe 3

French Toast Fingers 

(Dip bread in egg and milk, fry, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar) 

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or any kind your kids like)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Butter or cooking spray for frying
• Maple syrup, honey, or fruit jam for dipping

Method:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Cut each slice of bread into 3 or 4 “fingers” (long strips).
3. Heat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or spray.
4. Dip each bread finger into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated but not too soggy.
5. Place the coated bread fingers on the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from the pan and place on a plate. Serve warm with maple syrup, honey, or jam for dipping.

Tips:

• Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread so it soaks up the egg mixture better without falling apart.
• You can dust with powdered sugar or add fresh fruit on the side for extra fun!

Recipe 4:

Mini Pizza Faces 

Ingredients:

• 4 English muffins, burger buns, or small pita breads (sliced in half)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
• 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Toppings for decorating, like sliced olives (for eyes or noses), cherry tomatoes (for cheeks or noses), ham or chicken strips, pineapple chunks, green pepper rings, Sweetcorn or mushrooms

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on each muffin half or pita round.
3. Sprinkle grated cheese over the sauce.
4. Decorate with toppings to make fun faces — use olives for eyes, pepper strips for smiles, tomato slices for cheeks, etc. Let the kids get creative!
5. Place the pizzas on a baking tray and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool slightly and serve warm.

Tips:

• You can toast the bases slightly before topping for extra crunch.
• Make it sweet by using peanut butter and fruit slices instead of sauce and cheese!

Got a recipe that slaps every time? Something your family always asks for or a dish that never fails? We’d love to see it! Send us your favourite recipe and it might just feature in an upcoming Cooksister column.

Email it to [email protected] or WhatsApp 068 564 7935