Evening cravings are a common occurrence for many people. After a long day, it’s normal to feel hungry again. That’s because our bodies are used to eating at certain times of the day, and cravings can kick in when we’ve gone too long without food.
Quick snacks are a great way to satisfy evening cravings without overeating. Choosing snacks that are easy to make and full of flavor can hit the spot when hunger strikes at any time. This article will share delicious recipes for quick snacks that can be made in a jiffy whenever your cravings hit.
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Oven-Roasted Chestnuts
Chestnuts may not be the first snack that comes to mind, but roasting them at home makes for a uniquely delicious treat. Start by rinsing and scoring fresh chestnuts – make an “X” cut on the rounded side of each one using a sharp knife. Soak the scored chestnuts in cold water for an hour before roasting.
When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 425°F. Drain the chestnuts and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them and turning occasionally until the skins peel back and the insides become tender. Immediately place the hot roasted chestnuts in a towel and wrap them up to steam for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen the skin.
Gently crack open the chestnuts while still warm – the skins should peel off easily along the scored lines. Discard any spoiled ones.
Enjoy these sweet roasted chestnuts on their own, or add them to trail mixes, salads, stuffing, or desserts. They make for a nostalgic and nutritious snack.
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Sesame-Soy Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make for a protein-packed snack that can be prepared ahead of time. For a flavorful twist, try making them with soy sauce and sesame oil. Hard boil 6 eggs by placing them in a pot, covering them with water, bringing them to a boil, then reducing heat and simmering for 10-12 minutes. Drain, cool under running water, and peel.
Cut the eggs lengthwise and scoop the yolks into a bowl, being careful to keep the egg whites intact. Mash the yolks thoroughly with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1⁄2 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt.
Spoon the yolk filling back into the egg whites. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color, along with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch. The sesame seeds complement the sesame oil, while the green onions provide freshness.
Keep finished deviled eggs refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They make for an easy high-protein snack anytime hunger strikes. You can also pack them to-go in small containers.
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Homemade Cheese Crackers
Making gourmet crackers at home saves money and takes just 15 minutes. You can customize them to your taste.
In a bowl, mix 1 1⁄2 cups almond flour, 1⁄2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, melted, 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Work the dough together with your hands until a ball forms.
Place the dough between two large pieces of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to make it very thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully take off the parchment paper’s top layer. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into cracker shapes.
Transfer the parchment paper with the crackers onto a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool completely before carefully peeling the crackers off the parchment paper.
Serve your homemade cheese crackers with desired toppings like hummus, jam, avocado, cheese, or smoked salmon. They make a great snack on their own, too. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Almond Butter Honey Oat Bars
These no-bake bars are naturally sweetened with honey and packed with hearty oats, creamy almond butter, and chewy dried fruit. They come together in just minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup smooth almond butter with 1⁄2 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a strong spoon or spatula to combine thoroughly. Then stir in 2 cups rolled oats and 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries until fully incorporated.
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on two sides to easily lift out the finished bars. Press the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set. Then, grasp the parchment paper edges to lift the whole slab out of the pan. Cut into rectangular bars with a sharp knife. Wrap extras individually in parchment paper to grab and go for on-the-go snacks.
These nutritious bars stay fresh when stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. The honey sweetens them, while the almond butter and oats provide lasting energy.
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Berry Yogurt Bark
Frozen yogurt bark makes for a refreshing and protein-packed sweet treat. Start by mixing 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and combined. The honey lightly sweetens the yogurt naturally.
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread and flatten the yogurt mixture evenly onto the sheet. Place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes just until firm enough to top with fruit.
Remove from the freezer and decorate by scattering 1 cup of mixed berries over the top. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries make a colorful and nutritious trio. Press the berries gently into the yogurt so they adhere.
Return to the freezer for 2-3 hours until completely firm and frozen through. Then, break into shards and enjoy this protein-rich snack straight from the freezer. The chilling yogurt and sweet berries make for a cooling treat on a hot day.
Conclusion
Evening cravings and hunger pangs are perfectly normal bodily cues. Choosing nutritious snacks made with simple whole-food ingredients can healthily satisfy your appetite. Whip up one of these quick and easy recipes the next time hunger comes calling. Keeping tasty snacks like deviled eggs, roasted Chestnuts, yogurt bark, and oat bars on hand can help prevent overeating or making poor choices when cravings strike. With a little planning, you can be ready to snack smart and feel satisfied.