- Editor's Note: While Phil is on sabbatical, we bring you encore presentations of some of his favorite columns over the years. Enjoy.
Welcome to Seasoned Cooking and to Phil's International Flair!
Following along with this month's theme of snack foods, I will add a few of my favorites into the recipe pot. What to feed the kids after school? That is the question! Generally speaking, after a day of exercise at school, kids need energy and they need to replace the salt in their bodies lost from sweating in PE class. Athletes may require more protein in their diet, and the less physically active types may desire a sweet or salty treat. Kids can be picky eaters, so it pays to have a plan to make snacks they will like to eliminate waste.
One of my kids’ favorites is corn tortillas fried in butter. Of course, there are always burritos, chicken wings, sandwiches and chips, popcorn, pastries or taquitos for the meat eater. My philosophy about snacks is to prepare the ingredients in advance so that they can be easily reheated, assembled or served cold. So, here are a few suggestions for a quick snack that will be sure to please children and adults alike.
On to the recipes! Be well, and good eating!
Corn Tortillas Fried in Butter
- Corn tortillas, allow 3 or 4 per person
- Butter
- Salt to taste
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and place three or four tortillas into the butter, spreading them out as much as possible. Allow the tortillas to become slightly crisp on one side before turning, about 5 to 7 minutes. Allow the other side to become slightly crisp and serve immediately. Salt to taste.
- Yields: 1 serving
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Don't neglect to consider using leftovers to make snacks. Leftover chicken, turkey, beef or pork can be used to make taquitos for those who prefer more protein in their diets.
Chicken Taquitos
Chicken Taquitos
These are also a favorite at home.- 1/2 cup chicken, cooked -- Any leftovers will do
- 4 Tortillas
- Cooking oil
- Salt to taste
Shred the chicken (or meat if you prefer) with a fork. Roll about 2 tablespoons of the chicken into a tortilla and pin together with a toothpick. Immediately fry in hot cooking oil over medium heat, turning frequently until crisp and golden brown on all sides. Salt to taste and serve alone or with salsa for a dip. Alternately, serve with sour cream as a dip.
It's a good idea to make extras for a night time snack, as these can be easily reheated in a toaster oven. If you reheat them in a microwave, they will loose their crispy texture and become soft.
- Yields: 2 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Sandwiches are one of the most popular snacks for kids. Don't let those leftovers go to waste. Deviate from the peanut butter and jelly and try this sandwich instead.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- 1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded
- 4 hamburger buns
- BBQ Sauce or Grillmate Gourmet Sauce
Shred the chicken (or meat if you prefer) with a fork. Mix the shredded meat with your favorite BBQ sauce or Grillmate Gourmet Sauce and heat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve on buns for a quick snack to go.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 12 minutes