The long school holiday is almost here, and if there is one thing parents know, it is that children can finish a meal and start looking for something to eat again before you have even cleared the table. And let’s not even start on keeping them entertained for weeks! It even becomes a different story when you are trying to manage the household budget without resorting to buying snacks every other day.
But what if some of those afternoons became an opportunity to make something delicious together? You do not need an expensive baking kit or a professional kitchen to create café menu (ish) treats. A few bananas, a loaf of bread, some milk, seasonal fruit and a little imagination can go a surprisingly long way.
These school holiday treats are easy to prepare and fun for children to help make. Some require no cooking at all, while others need an adult to handle the oven or cooker. The best part is that you can adjust the ingredients to suit what you already have at home.
1. Chocolate-Dipped Banana Bites
Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus freezing time
You will need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 100g chocolate, milk or dark
- A handful of crushed plain biscuits, desiccated coconut or groundnuts (optional)
- Wooden skewers or small forks, if available
How to make them:
Peel the bananas and cut them into thick slices. Arrange the pieces on a plate or tray lined with baking paper and freeze for about an hour until firm.
An adult should melt the chocolate using a microwave or a heatproof bowl over hot water. Let it cool slightly before the children help dip the banana pieces into the chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed biscuits, coconut or finely ground groundnuts for extra crunch.
Return the pieces to the freezer until the chocolate sets, then serve.
Let the little chefs help: Children can peel the bananas, arrange the pieces, dip them into the cooled chocolate and add their favourite toppings.
The budget trick is that you do not need to cover every banana piece completely. A half-dip or chocolate drizzle gives you the same attractive finish while using less chocolate. If chocolate is too expensive, try a light dusting of cocoa powder mixed with a little sugar instead.
2. Mini Bread Pizzas
Preparation time: 20 minutes
You will need:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or thick tomato sauce
- Grated cheese, to taste
- 1 tomato, chopped
- A little onion, finely chopped
- Cooked sausage, leftover chicken or sweetcorn, if available
- A pinch of mixed herbs or black pepper, optional
How to make them:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the bread slices on a baking tray and spread a thin layer of tomato paste over each one. Add the cheese, chopped tomato, onion and whichever toppings you have chosen.
Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly toasted. Allow the pizzas to cool before serving.
Let the little chefs help: Children can spread the sauce, sprinkle the cheese and design their own pizza faces. An adult should handle the oven and hot tray.
The budget trick here is to use ordinary sliced bread instead of buying pizza bases. You can also make these with leftover cooked meat or vegetables from the previous meal. Cheese is lovely but can be used sparingly, especially when the other toppings provide plenty of flavour.
3. Rainbow Fruit Cups with a Creamy Yoghurt Dip
Preparation time: 15 minutes
You will need:
- 2 bananas
- 1 mango or a slice of watermelon
- 1 orange
- 1 cup plain or flavoured yoghurt
- A little honey, optional
How to make them:
Wash the fruit, then have an adult peel and cut it into small, bite sized pieces. Let the children arrange the fruit in clear glasses or cups, creating layers of different colours.
In a separate bowl, mix the yoghurt with a little honey if desired. Spoon a small amount over the fruit or serve it on the side as a dip.
For an extra special finish, arrange a few pieces of fruit on top and serve with a small spoon. It is a simple way to make ordinary fruit feel like a dessert at a restaurant.
Let the little chefs help: Children can choose the fruit combinations, layer the cups and mix the yoghurt dip.
The budget trick is buying a fruit that is in season and readily available at your local market. There is no need to purchase five or six different varieties to make the cups colourful. Two or three contrasting colours are enough.
4. Crispy Cinnamon Banana Roll-Ups
Preparation time: 15 minutes
You will need:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
- A little butter or cooking oil
How to make them:
Remove the bread crusts if you prefer a neater finish, then flatten each slice gently with a rolling pin or clean bottle.
Mash the bananas in a bowl and spread a thin layer over each slice of bread. Roll the bread up tightly, then brush lightly with butter or oil.
An adult should heat a pan over medium low heat and toast the rolls, turning them carefully until golden on all sides. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle a little over the warm rolls.
Cut each roll into two or three pieces and arrange them on a plate.
Let the little chefs help: Children can mash the bananas, flatten the bread, spread the filling and roll everything up before the cooking begins.
The budget trick is that recipe needs no special filling, expensive spread or pastry. Ripe bananas provide plenty of sweetness, so you can skip the sugar altogether if you wish.
5. Homemade Banana and Milkshakes
Preparation time: 5 minutes
You will need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt, optional
- A pinch of cinnamon or a little cocoa powder, optional
- Ice cubes, if desired
How to make them:
Peel the bananas and break them into smaller pieces. Put them in a blender with the cold milk and yoghurt, if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.
For a chocolate version, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder. For a banana-cinnamon version, add a small pinch of cinnamon.
Pour into glasses and serve immediately. If you want the drinks to look extra special, drizzle a little chocolate sauce inside the glasses before pouring in the milkshake.
Let the little chefs help: Children can measure the ingredients, place them in the blender and choose the flavour. An adult should operate the blender and supervise around its blades.
The budget trick is there is no need for ice cream, flavoured syrups or whipped cream. Ripe bananas make the drink naturally sweet and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk.
6. Homemade Lemonade with a Minty Twist
Preparation time: 10 minutes
You will need:
- 2 lemons
- 3 to 4 cups cold water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- A few mint leaves, optional
- Ice cubes, optional
How to make it:
Squeeze the lemons into a jug, removing any seeds. Add the sugar and a little warm water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour in the cold water and mix well.
Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding a little more water, lemon juice or sugar as needed.
If you have mint leaves, gently crush a few between your fingers and add them to the jug. Serve in clear glasses with ice and a thin slice of lemon.
Let the little chefs help: Children can squeeze the lemons using a hand juicer, measure the water, stir the mixture and arrange the glasses.
The budget trick is to use the amount of lemon juice you have rather than following a rigid recipe. You can also make a larger jug using fewer lemons and more water. The mint is optional, and ordinary drinking glasses work perfectly well.
7. Frozen Fruit Yoghurt Pops
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus at least 4 hours in the freezer
You will need:
- 1 cup plain or flavoured yoghurt
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 mango or another soft fruit
- A little honey, optional
- Small cups and teaspoons, or ice-lolly moulds
How to make them:
Mash the banana and mango together until smooth, or blend them if you prefer a finer texture. Mix the fruit with the yoghurt and taste before adding any honey.
Pour the mixture into small cups or ice-lolly moulds. If using cups, insert a teaspoon or suitable lolly stick into each one once the mixture has begun to firm up slightly.
Freeze for at least four hours, or until completely solid. To remove the pops, briefly run the outside of the mould or cup under lukewarm water, taking care not to get water into the treat.
Let the little chefs help: Children can mash the fruit, mix the yoghurt and spoon the mixture into the moulds.
The budget trick is making these with just bananas and yoghurt. If you do not have lolly moulds, small reusable freezer safe containers work just as well.
8. Crunchy Homemade Popcorn
Preparation time: 10 minutes
You will need:
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- A pinch of salt
- A little sugar or cinnamon, optional
How to make it:
An adult should heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the kernels and cover with a lid. Once the popping begins, gently shake the pot occasionally while keeping the lid on.
When the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to stand briefly before opening. Keep your face and hands away from escaping steam.
Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Add a little salt for a savoury version, or sprinkle lightly with sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat.
Serve in small paper cups or bowls for a cinema style snack at home.
Let the little chefs help: Children can measure the kernels before cooking, mix the seasoning once the popcorn has cooled slightly and prepare the serving cups. The hot pot should remain an adult’s responsibility.
The budget trick is buying plain popcorn kernels because they are generally more economical than purchasing individual packets of ready made popcorn. You can prepare enough for a family movie afternoon without spending much.
How to Make the School Holiday Treats Last Longer
The secret to keeping these recipes affordable is to plan around a few ingredients instead of buying something different for every activity. Bananas, for instance, can be used for chocolate dipped bites, milkshakes, roll-ups and frozen yoghurt pops. A loaf of bread can become both mini pizzas and banana roll-ups, while seasonal fruit works in cups, smoothies and frozen treats.
You can also let the children choose one or two recipes to prepare each week. This gives them something to look forward to without turning every afternoon into a shopping trip.
Most importantly, do not worry about making everything look perfect. The fruit cups might be a little uneven, the pizza faces might look slightly strange and someone will probably spill something. That is part of the fun.
