How to Make a Great Sleepover Snack

Since there isn't a lot of sleep during a sleepover, having great snacks throughout the night is important. A good snack is both food and entertainment. The key is to have a wide variety of interesting snacks that are fun and easy to eat.

Instructions

1. Judge the quantity and variety of food you'll need according to the ages of your guests. Keep the menu simple and light for picky young eaters. For teen eating machines, provide a lot of everything.

2. Serve finger food. Make the portions small to prevent food from being wasted.

3. Start the evening with something substantial. Cut peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into interesting shapes for young children. For teens, prepare a tray of crackers, topped with deli meats and cheese. Serve hot cheese quesadilla wedges with a variety of salsas.

4. Drink lemonade, fruit juice or fruit and yogurt smoothies in place of soda. For young children, use individual juice boxes or bags, which are less likely to spill.

5. Provide sweet snacks early in the evening to avoid a late night sugar rush. Bake, rather than buy, cookies and brownies so that you can control portion size. Sneak a few healthier choices, such as mini muffins, onto the dessert tray.

6. Balance the inevitable junk food with a variety of healthy offerings. Prepare fresh fruit and vegetables ahead of time for easy snacking. Spread peanut butter on celery stalks and top with raisins.

7. Create a mini buffet and let guests make their own snacks. Slice English muffins or bagels in half. Set out bowls of pizza sauce and different toppings for individual pizzas. Place trail mix ingredients in separate containers and assemble individual bags for a movie snack. Have ice cream sundae ingredients available for a custom-made treat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you serve popcorn, be prepared for a food fight. Avoid messy caramel or chocolate dipped popcorn.