Henry’s favorite after school snack is what we call a smorgasbord. It’s easy to put together, fun to eat, and great for picky kids because there’s a little bit of everything. Also, I always have this song in my head when I’m preparing it.

Here’s how we put ours together in partnership with CVS’s Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem Abound snack lines…

We start with a variety of snacks, like these great options from CVS brand snacks called Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem Abound. There’s something for everyone from light popcorn and banana crips to pistachios and beef jerky. With lots of options to choose from, even your pickiest snackers can find a favorite. I display them here in jars which makes it easy for the kids to see what their options are (and makes for pretty shelves too!).

For our after school snack smorgasbord, I let the kids pick one or two things they definitely want included and then the rest is a surprise. I think the surprise component of the snack is what makes it so much fun. Henry always goes for the pretzels and popcorn, and Edie loves the apple and banana crisps (she’s got a serious sweet tooth).

Then I arrange small piles of little things in a circle on their plates. I try to balance things out with fresh fruit and veggies as well. In the middle is a treat, like these CVS Gold Emblem oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate straws. The rule is that they have to eat all the way around the plate before they can have the treat in the middle. I also like to include one new thing, like pistachios here which Henry had never tried. The rule with new foods is that they just have to try it. But they don’t have to finish it if they don’t like it.

Somehow the combination of it being a surprise, a challenge, and a variety of lots of different things makes it an after school snack favorite. What’s your family’s favorite after school snack?

I’m proud to partner with CVS Pharmacy to promote their exclusive Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem aboundsnack lines. I am being sponsored by CVS Pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.