Most of us don’t really need to create our own snacks, not when supermarket shelves and indeed our pantries, are often lined with boxes of this or packets of that. But if you are ever looking for a healthier canapé, something new and a bit different, or just some tasty nibbles to stifle the boredom of the status quo, there’s a whole vista of opportunities out there that are delicious and DIY. With wholesome and nutritious ingredients (not saturated with additives and colourings), you can upstage those boxed crispbreads with something a cut above.
Nuts usually tick the healthy box, and they tend to have a long shelf life as well – ideal for making ahead of time. Roasted or toasted, caramelised or curried, sweet or savoury, no matter what alley you go down, the flavour of the nuts comes through with delicious clarity. Use a mix of cheaper nuts like peanuts along with a few pecans, walnuts or macadamias and concoct your own trail mix by adding a handful of dried fruits and coconut flakes.
Liven up your charcuterie board with some fried cheese crisps – crispy, melt-in-your-mouth titbits using only a single ingredient. Simply drop a pinch of shredded cheese into a hot frying pan until melted and golden. These also make an attractive and enjoyable topping for a salad or bowl of soup. Speaking of cheese, marinated cheeses are easy to prepare ahead. You could definitely up the ante and serve with homemade crackers. Experiment with various grain flours, or even coconut flour, and throw in some seeds for added fibre.
On a sweeter note, homemade fruit leather is a healthy option and a great way to use up seasonal fruits. A dehydrator makes this super easy, but it can work just as well in the oven – the trick is to cook it long and slow until it is dried out and reaches that perfect chewy consistency. Another fruity treat is candied peel. Finely cut citrus rinds, simmered briefly in a simple syrup, and then dried quickly, become tangy, mouth-watering delicacies that brighten up any snack tray or put the finishing touch on a dessert.
Just be aware; once you do start creating your own snacks, you may never go back to pre-packaged goodies again, and be prepared for recipe requests from appreciative guests, which should always be regarded as a compliment!
