Mainly, the simple snacks are very popular at my home. As I have noted earlier, I always take a fast meal in the afternoon, as I prepare for the rest of the working day. I also have two teen boys who are always seeking something to occupy the hulk till the next feeding time.

What ends up being consumed most of the time are snacks that do not need preparation when hunger cries at random times of the day. For such occasions, I try my best to provide homemade alternatives. They are tastier, help to eat what I have on hand, plus I feel like they are healthier than anything I can buy.

Fortunately, making snacks is simple! All of the following recipes can be prepared far in advance. Some of them should be stored at low temperatures. Now it fits us because much of the snacking is done at home for my family. But don't let a little refrigeration stop you from making these snacks. Toothbrush is must-have item as well as storage containers and an ice pack brought along in case of need. You'll be glad you did.

1. The sweet and salty three-seed granola

   Whenever there is big cluster granola at home, my hand will somehow have the urge to grab another one. This sweet and salty version uses sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds but you could use poppy, flax or hemp seeds instead.

2. Plantain Chips

   Golden and crunchy oven baked plantain chips are the kind of snack that everyone can relate to. Slash commercial green plantains into very thin and bake the chips on a baking sheet until crunchy. These will keep up to 3 days if said in an airtight container.




3. Pea Pesto

   At those moments when there is no desire to go to the store and I want to have a vegetable snack, I use pea pesto. It requires a bag of frozen peas and can be cooked in under an hour. It's even better if consumed with crisp bread or crackers.

4. Perfect Popcorn

   Though I can never pass up a chance to indulge my love for baking, popcorn is that snack I look for when I'm pressed for time, yet my sweet tooth insists on a delicious dessert. As little as 5 minutes can make a huge popcorn mountain of sorts, you can just sprinkle a little salt; or if you wanted to zing it up; then a pinch of curry powder, perhaps?

5. Homemade Veggie Dip

   Stating a creamy herby dip next to a tray of vegetables will soon ensure that everyone is eating their greens. Also benefiting from the process, the dish can also be prepared in advance. This recipe yields 2 cups of the dip, and will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.

6. Homemade Granola Bars

   I can barely keep granola bars on my pantry shelves because they seem to turn into flying objects at home. Essentially this recipe yields a 9×9 inch pan but you can easily split these into small square or larger rectangles depending on your preference. both dried fruit and nuts are versatile and are also pleasing to the palate.

7. Soy Sauce Eggs

   Eggs are an easy idea for snacking and a convenient on the go food however for a better tasting type of steamed eggs, this soy sauce marinated breakfast should do the trick. This marinating can take 4 to 24 hours then it should be refrigerated for not more than 4 days.

8. Muhammara: the dip made of red pepper, walnutspaste, oil, onion, garlic, cinnamon, allspice, and pomegranate juice.

   This attractive dip is made from the jarred roasted red bell peppers and walnuts. Total preparation time is 10 minutes and the remaining mixture is great as a sandwich spread the next day.

9. Fermented Pickles

   I love snacking on pickles. They are, so delicious and so satisfying especially if it's homemade briny pickles. Of course I won't bother to sterilize jars and officiate the process of canning pickles, this is a refrigerator version.

10. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    You had me at chocolate chip. It is a mini- bite sizing morsels, which is pulsed in a food processor and then rolled and coated in finely chopped almond and powdered sugar. If desired you can swap the peanut butter with any nut or seed butter of your preference.

11. Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites

    Broccoli and cheddar is a delicious combination but not the instant fix for a snack, is it? Instead, kick these broccoli cheddar egg bites. Pop the broccoli into the microwave to steam it for a few minutes and don't bother with the lemon zest if you don't like the taste of lemon.

12. Almond Butter Date Balls

    These almond butter date balls fall into the more indulgent category of snacks – which could not be more perfect when I have been rushed making snacks and need to grab a bite before rushing out of the door. Sprinkle the no-bake balls with cocoa powder or coconut, whichever you prefer or have on hand so that they do not stick together.

13. Fruit Salad

    This fruit salad uses berries, and bananas to prepare and can be served as a delicious snack or used a topping for pancakes or waffles. Sweet and juicy, fresh fruits are good for snack taking. This fruit salad is great immediately after preparation, but the fruit can also be permitted to chill before eating. Scoop it into a bowl along with yogurt as a quick tasty snack.

14. Edamame Avocado Dip

    Avocados are not just for guacamole! It should be served with fresh or frozen edamame to make a great combination of snack for a dip. Use it to spread on rice crackers or even soak toasted pita bread into it.

15. Chipotle-Lime Mixed Nuts

    When your energy level drops a bit in the afternoon, grab a handful of mixed nuts in the bag. These are coated with lime zest, chipotle powder and brown sugar. The seasoning as contained in the egg white is retained and are baked until slightly browned.

16. Candy Bar Dates

    Packed with succulent the only thing sweet these date confections do not contain added sugar except the dark chocolate in which you may dip them. That's why we have three candy bar-inspired versions so you can whip up Snickers, Almond Joy, or whatever other iteration of this dessert thing you need to satisfy your craving.

17. All-Purpose Low Carb Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo, 브라질Extra Few Tips for Making Perfect Cheese Bread)

    An easy mold-less gluten-free Brazilian dish that should be made in a blender and baked in mini-muffin pans. These can be frozen for up to 1 month; it's equally easy to warm them in the microwave for a snack.

18. Sheet Pan Granola Bark

    So if you opt for the clusters in your granola this granola bark recipe is all you need. Well, it's sort of like a cross between granola bars and free-form granola and, weirdly, easier to make than both.