Summer tires out the part of my brain that loves to cook. Right now, it’s 94 degrees outside and the thought of turning on the stove just to make scrambled eggs makes me sweat. So I’ve pretty much given up on meal planning in the traditional sense and have completely succumbed to the idea of eating like a toddler.
When I was a babysitter in my early 20s, I spent countless hours piling cubes of cheese, apple slices, and Goldfish crackers onto tiny plates for tiny humans. That’s why the idea of a snack plate for lunch seems so appealing. It’s a super easy way to eat, and it only takes a few minutes of rummaging through the fridge and pantry to nourish your body. And it’s even better for those days when procrastination has left you starving, or when your executive dysfunction is at its worst and the thought of turning on the stove or washing the dishes makes you freak out. (Or is that just me?)
Of course, creating the perfect snack plate for toddlers requires some strategy. Good snacks require at least a little effort. I usually start with a protein, such as hard-boiled eggs (I prepare a big batch on Sunday afternoon) or a pile of thinly sliced deli ham, then add cubed cheese or a ring of baby bell peppers. My snack plate also usually includes some fruit, such as sliced apples and a handful of cherries, and a spread, such as hummus or peanut butter. Ideally, several of these elements work together, such as apple slices and cubed sharp cheddar cheese, or hummus and a handful of pita chips. For me, pickles are also an essential element of a good snack plate. Whether it’s a simple dill skewer or a few spoonfuls of spicy radish kimchi, a little salty seasoning is the perfect addition to almost any snack.
A final key element is to cut your snacks into bite-sized pieces so they can be easily picked up and eaten. Sure, it takes a little effort, but eating a perfect apple and cheese cube is incredibly satisfying, even as an adult. [redacted] years. And to really reinforce the toddler vibe, I always keep the snack dishes on one of those compartmentalized dishes whose benefits I’ve already extolled on this website.
But aside from these basic strategy guidelines, anything can be a legitimate part of your snack plate. Maybe some leftover pizza cut into little triangles to eat quickly, or a few unused broccoli florets from last night’s dinner. The possibilities for a snack plate are endless, as long as it really only requires minimal effort.
Additional photo illustration credits: Plate photo courtesy of Shutterstock, background photo courtesy of Getty Images
