A snack a day keeps the munchies away

snack a day keeps the munchies away

Many Americans walk a tightrope

between work, school and other daily activities.

As obligations increase and

free time decreases, the concept of three meals a day seems to be quickly

disappearing. To satisfy hunger while maintaining on-the-go life-styles,

consumers are replacing sit-down meals with portable snacks. In fact,

40 percent of all eating occasions in America are snacks.

Throughout each day, numerous

snacking occasions arise and it is important to satisfy these cravings

with delicious taste combinations. And, with more than 200 varieties of

domestic cheeses available, the possibilities are endless. Whether it's

nibbling on cheddar cubes in the car, peeling string cheese at the computer,

or munching a slice of pizza at a ball game, cheese satisfies any snack

attack.

This year, the American Dairy

Association is offering great tasting, convenient recipes for any snacking

occasion. Asiago and cheddar pretzels, a tasty combination of shredded

Asiago and cheddar cheese stirred into a hot roll, mix and baked until

soft and doughy, is a delicious recipe that is easy to make and easy to

store. Simply drop a few pretzels in a sealable bag for a great on-the-go

snack. For additional flavor, pretzels can be topped with sesame seeds,

poppy seeds or fresh cracked black pepper.

For a quick fix, stir together

nut and honey cream cheese spread, a no-frills combination of honey, cream

cheese and peanut butter. When spread on graham crackers, whole wheat

toast or apple slices, this fulfilling treat will tempt everyone's taste

buds. For added zip, sprinkle with optional toppings of chocolate chips,

sunflower seeds or honey roasted nuts.

Or, try garden fresh pizza

squares, a pizza crust coated with a delicious cream cheese ranch dressing

blend and topped with a variety of fresh vegetables. Easy to make, this

snack is perfect for serving at a party. Guests will savor the taste and

the colorful rows of vegetables resembling a garden, will spruce up traditional

party tables.

Prepare for the onset of snack

attacks with cheese and bacon triangles, a simple recipe that can be pre-made

and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply remove the triangles

from the refrigerator and heat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.

No matter which innovative cheese recipes are gobbled or grabbed, when

time is of the essence, cheese snacks are sure to do the trick.

Nut and Honey Cream Cheese

Spread

Makes 1-1/2 cups

Prep time: 15 minutes

1 package (8 ounces) cream

cheese, softened

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Graham crackers, bagel chips,

whole wheat toast or apple slices

Optional toppings: raisins,

sunflower seeds, honey roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips,

peanut butter chips.

In a medium bowl, combine cream

cheese, peanut butter, honey and cinnamon. Spread on graham crackers,

bagel chips, whole wheat toast or apple slices. If desired, apply optional

toppings.

For cheesy roll-ups, flatten

slices of bread with a rolling pin. Spread two tablespoons of the spread

over each bread slice and roll up tightly.

Serve immediately or transfer

to a covered container and chill for up to one week.

Asiago and Cheddar Soft

Pretzels

Makes 12 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 16-18 minutes

1 package (16 ounces) dry hot

roll mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix

3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded

sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Asiago

cheese, evenly divided

Flour

1 egg, well beaten

Optional toppings: fresh cracked

black pepper, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

F. Prepare dry hot roll mix according to package directions, adding Cheddar

and 1/4 cup of Asiago cheese. Divide dough equally into 12 pieces; roll

each piece with hands on a lightly floured counter top to form 15-inch

ropes. Form each rope into pretzel or other desired shape and place three

inches apart on two nonstick cookie sheets. Brush pretzels with beaten

egg. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Asiago cheese and optional toppings, if

desired, over pretzels. Bake until golden brown, about 16 to 18 minutes.

Immediately transfer pretzels to a wire cooling rack. Serve warm or at

room temperature with mustard, if desired. Pretzels may be stored in a

tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to four days.

Cheese and Bacon Triangles

Makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

6 (8-inch) flour tortillas

12 slices American cheese

1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Optional topping: salsa

Cut tortillas in half to form

12 half circles. Place one slice of cheese over each tortilla half, tearing

to a leave a 1/4 inch border around edges. Top cheese with bacon bots.

Brush a small amount of water around the edges of the tortilla. Fold in

half forming a triangle. Press the watered edges of the tortilla together

to seal. Cook immediately using one of the following methods to cover

and refrigerate up to three days.

Microwave directions: Place

one triangle on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high power in a microwave

oven 16 to 20 seconds or until hot and cheese is melted. Let stand one

minute before serving.

Oven directions: Preheat oven

to 350 degrees. Bake for six to eight minutes or until hot and cheese

is melted. Let stand one minute before serving.

Skillet directions: Cook triangles

in a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden

brown, about three minutes per side. Let stand one minute before serving.