In the whirlwind adventure of unschooling, every day is a new chapter waiting to be written. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or diving into the depths of the local library, one thing’s for sure: hunger strikes when you least expect it. But fear not, fellow unschoolers! We’ve curated a delightful collection of recipes guaranteed to satisfy hungry minds and bellies, all while keeping your nomadic lifestyle in mind.
1. **Everything Bagel Hummus**: Let’s kick things off with a flavor-packed twist on a classic dip. This Everything Bagel Hummus combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the savory goodness of everything bagel seasoning. Dip with pita chips( are favorites are Stacy’s Pita Thins), veggies, or simply devour it by the spoonful!
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
– Salt to taste
– Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
**Instructions**:
1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in everything bagel seasoning and salt, adjusting to taste.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve with your favorite dippers and enjoy!
2. **Trail Mix Energy Bites**: When you’re on the move, these bite-sized wonders are a lifesaver. Packed with nuts, dried fruit, and a hint of sweetness, they’ll keep your energy levels soaring no matter where the day takes you. We like Monster mix bites.
Monster Mix Trail Bites
**Ingredients**:
-1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
-1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
-1/4 c. Chopped peanuts
-1/4 c. raisins
-1/4 c. Mini M&Ms
-3/4 c. creamy peanut butter, melted
-1 tbsp. honey
**Instructions **:
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, chocolate chips, peanuts, mini M&Ms, melted peanut butter, and honey and season with salt.
- Stir together until completely combined, then scoop into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
3. **DIY Instant Oatmeal Packets**: Breakfast just got a whole lot easier (and tastier)! Prepare individual servings of instant oatmeal with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, seeds, and dried berries. Add your ingredients to a mason jar ahead of time to make it easier to handle. Simply add hot water, stir, and voila – a hearty breakfast in minutes. I recommend maple, cinnamon, pecans, and blueberries. The possibilities are endless!
4. **Mason Jar Salads**: Who says salads are boring? Layer your favorite greens, veggies, proteins, and dressing in a mason jar for a portable meal that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
5. **DIY Snack Packs**: Keep hunger at bay with customizable snack packs filled with crackers, cheese slices, grapes, and nuts. Mix and match to suit your taste buds and nutritional needs. Chunks of turkey with cashews and cheddar cheese are yummy!
6. **No-Bake Granola Bars**: Say goodbye to store-bought granola bars and hello to homemade goodness! These no-bake bars are a breeze to make and can be customized with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. If you don’t have time to make them. I recommend Heavenly Hunks as a good alternative. Especially the oatmeal and dark chocolate version.
-¾ cup of your favorite nut butter
-½ cup honey or maple syrup
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 ½ cups quick oats (for a softer bar) or rolled oats (for a chewier bar)
-¼ cup ground flaxseed
-1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
-1 to 1 ¼ cup of the fun stuff : dried chopped fruit and nuts, seeds, and don’t forget the chocolate chips. We like shredded coconut as well.
**Directions**:
- Line and 8×8 pan with wax paper.
- Heat up the nut butter and honey or maple syrup until liquidy. Add in the vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl with a sturdy spoon mix together the dry ingredients except the chocolate.
- Combine the nut butter mix that has cooled slightly with the dry ingredients. Take a breath. Gather your strength. And stir. If it seems too wet add a touch more oats. When it doesn’t feel like it will melt, add those yummy chocolate chips.
- Put it in the pan and smoosh down and spread to form the bars.
- Let cool in the fridge overnight for easier cutting.
- Cut into desired sizes and enjoy!
insert pic here of heavenly hunks
7. ** Peanut Butter and Jelly** The good ole’ pb&j can be spruced up by using honey instead of jelly if so inclined. Using slider buns makes them easier to handle as well. Or spread on a tortilla to make pinwheels for a more bite-sized option.
8. **Road Trip Wraps**: Roll up your sleeves and get ready to wrap ‘n’ roll with these portable pockets of deliciousness. Pick out your favorites ham, turkey, roast beef and your favorite deli cheese. You can either pre-roll these at home or quickly roll them up before eating. I have been known to just toss the ingredients on a hangry childs plate and let him roll them himself a time or two.
9. **Trail Mix Galore**: Ah, the humble trail mix – a staple in every unschooling family’s arsenal. But why settle for store-bought when you can whip up your own custom blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe even a cheeky handful of chocolate chips? It’s the ultimate snack hack for on-the-go munching.
10. **Fruit bowl** Can be made at home or picked up from your local grocery store. While not as glamorous as some of the other options, bite-sized fruit is a big hit with the children I know.
11. **Mason Jar Salads**: Who says salads have to be boring? Layer your favorite greens, veggies, proteins, and dressing in a mason jar for a meal that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Just give it a shake when you’re ready to dig in, and voila – instant salad satisfaction!
12. **DIY Snack Packs**: Keep hunger pangs at bay with customizable snack packs filled with crackers, cheese slices, grapes, and nuts. Mix and match to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences, and you’ll never have to hear those dreaded words – “I’m hungry” – again.
While these are more convenient foods. Meat sticks, apples, bananas, and a can of mixed nuts are some easy foods to have on hand for when the hunger hits.
And there you have it, folks – 12 travel-friendly recipes guaranteed to keep your unschooling adventures fueled and fabulous. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the culinary creativity flow! After all, the family that eats together stays together – especially when there’s hummus involved. Happy trails and happy munching!