Some nights, it is nice to take a break from cooking. This would be a good time to provide your family with a healthy meal that can be assembled in a few minutes, has little cleanup, and teaches even the little ones that they, too, can help feed the family. Here is a list of foods that you can put out for your family on “Crunchy Plate” night:

1. A variety of whole wheat or multi-grain crackers
2. A variety of cheeses, cut into chunks or slices
3. Spreadable cheeses such as Laughing Cow or cream cheese
4. Fruit such as grapes, pears, orange slices
5. Cut vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers. red/yellow peppers
6. Hard-boiled eggs
7. Summer sausage
8. Deli meats
9. Nuts such as pistachios (easy to open)
10. Chips and salsa