As a parent, you want the best for your children, both in terms of nutrition and creating fun and educational mealtimes. A kids’ snack platter offers a playful and healthy way to introduce them to different flavours and textures. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a kids’ snack platter entails, what ingredients you can use to make it appealing, and how a beautifully presented snack platter can not only stimulate your little ones’ appetites, but also promote their social skills. Join us as we explore the benefits of this tasty and creative meal option!
What is a drinks board?
A snack platter is an elaborate dish, often made of wood or bamboo, filled with a variety of small snacks. It offers an attractive way to present different flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for social occasions such as drinks, parties, and cozy evenings with friends or family.
Origin of the Borrelplank
The origin of the borrelplank lies in the Dutch tradition of gathering, often around a drink, where small snacks (also called borrelhapjes) are served. This tradition arose from the need to enjoy a cozy atmosphere together. Originally, a borrelplank consisted of simple, local products such as cheese, sausage and pickles.
With the rise of social media and foodie culture, the borrelplank has evolved. Today, it is a creative and versatile way to present not only traditional Dutch snacks, but also to integrate international flavors and modern culinary trends.
The Evolution of Child-Friendly Snack Platters
In recent years there has been an increasing demand for child-friendly versions of the snack board. These are specially designed to meet the tastes and needs of children, while also remaining visually appealing.
Features of a Child-Friendly Snack Board
- Innovative Ingredients: Instead of strong cheeses or spicy sausages, kid-friendly snack platters often include milder options such as:
- Slices of mild young cheese (for example, mature Gouda cheese)
- Mini meatballs (for example the meatballs from AH)
- Vegetables such as cucumber, pepper and carrot sticks
- Dip sauces such as hummus or yogurt dips
- Visual Appeal: Children are often attracted to colorful and playful presentation. Using attractive dishes or making figures with food can help to arouse their interest.
- Packaging of Snacks: Offering popular snacks in smaller portions or as part of a snack platter makes it easier for children to choose and enjoy. Brands like Snack a Jacks offer healthier options in smaller packages.
Difference between Traditional and Child-Friendly Snack Boards
Below you will find a comparison of the key differences between traditional cheese platters and their kid-friendly counterparts.
| Feature | Traditional Snack Board | Child-friendly snack platter |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheeses, charcuterie, olives, nuts | Mild cheeses, mini meatballs, vegetables |
| Presentation | Simple, sometimes with decorative elements | Colorful and playful, often with figures |
| Portions | Larger portions, more for adults | Small, bite-sized portions for children |
| Flavor profiles | Strong flavors, such as blue cheese | Milder and accessible for children |
| Dips | Various dips, often spicy or strong | Milder dips such as yogurt dips or hummus |
With the increasing number of families getting together, the kid-friendly snack platter has become a valuable addition to any gathering. It provides a way for kids to experiment with different flavors and textures, while parents don’t have to worry about the appropriateness of the snacks.
By using recognizable and popular products, parents can easily create an attractive and nutritious snack platter that appeals to both children and adults.
Ideal ingredients for a children's drinks platter
A children's snack platter can be a festive and healthy addition to their snack moments. It is important to present a varied selection that is not only nutritious, but also looks appealing. Below we discuss different types of ingredients that are perfect for a child-friendly snack platter, as well as tips for a colorful presentation.
Healthy Snacks
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent choice for a snack platter. They are not only nutritious, but can also be presented in a playful way. Here are some ideas:
- Cherry tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are a hit with kids. They can be easily presented in a pretty bowl.
- Cucumber stickers: Cut cucumbers into long strips and present them in a glass jar. This makes them easy to hold.
- Carrot and pepper sticks: Cut carrots and peppers into thin strips and place next to a dipping sauce, such as hummus or yogurt dip.
Fruit
Fruit is not only healthy, but also deliciously sweet. Think of:
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are perfect for grazing. They can be served in a small bowl.
- Apple slices: Slice apples thinly and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. This can also be presented with a peanut butter dip.
- Grapes: These are easy to eat and can be served whole on a colorful skewer.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are a good source of healthy fats and protein. Make sure you choose nuts that are suitable for children, without added salt or sugar. Some suggestions include:
- Almonds: These can be presented in a small bowl. They are crunchy and nutritious.
- Pistachios: Children enjoy opening them themselves. This adds a playful factor to the snack board.
- Sunflower seeds: These are a great snack option and can be mixed with dried fruit for added flavor.
Cheese
Cheese is a favorite among children and can be presented in a variety of ways:
- Cheese cubes: Use a mix of different types of cheese, such as young matured cheese, mozzarella and goat cheese. Cut them into fun shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Cheese sticks: These are ready-made snacks such as the cheese sticks from Leerdammer or Bamboo cheese sticks, which children can easily grab themselves.
Crackers and Bread
Choose whole wheat crackers or small slices of bread to serve with the cheese and dips. Here are some popular options:
- Whole wheat crackers: Brands such as Ritz or Lu have different types of crackers that are ideal for children.
- Mini sandwiches: Make small sandwiches with healthy toppings, such as avocado or chicken fillet, and cut them into fun shapes.
Attractive Presentation
An attractive presentation can make all the difference. Here are some tips to make your snack board visually appealing:
- Colorful bowls: Use different colours for your bowls and plates. This makes the board lively and inviting.
- skewers: Use wooden skewers to string fruit, cheese and vegetables. This creates a playful look.
- Themes: Consider basing your snack platter on a specific theme, such as “The Rainbow,” offering a variety of colors and flavors.
Examples of Healthy Dips
A good dip can enhance the snacking experience. Here are some healthy options:
- Hummus: Brands such as Alpha or Kraft offer tasty hummus varieties that are ideal for vegetable and cracker dips.
- Yogurt dip: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs for a refreshing dip. Brands like Danone or Oikos offer tasty Greek yogurt that you can use.
- Peanut butter: Choose a natural variant without added sugars from brands such as Calve or Peanutbutter.nl.
By using these ingredients and presentation ideas, you can create a snack platter that is not only healthy, but also fun and appealing to kids.
Benefits of a Kids' Snack Board
Offering a snack platter to children has several benefits that not only contribute to their nutrition, but also to their personal development. In this section, we will take a closer look at these benefits.
Developing Healthy Eating Habits
A snack platter offers a wide range of healthy foods, which can help children develop healthy eating habits. By giving them a choice of different foods, they are encouraged to explore a variety of tastes and textures.
Examples of healthy items for the drinks platter:
- Vegetables: Cucumber, carrots, cherry tomatoes
- Fruit: Bananas, grapes, strawberries
- Dairy: Mini mozzarella balls, Greek yoghurt
- Healthy snacks: Hummus, nut mixes, whole wheat crackers
Presenting these foods in an appealing way can make kids curious about what else they can try. Brands like Hipp and Hero even offer cut fruit and vegetable packages that are perfect for a drinks platter.
Stimulating Creativity
A snack platter not only provides an opportunity to eat, but also stimulates children’s creativity. They can try different combinations of food and make their own unique creations. This can help them develop their culinary skills and encourage them to prepare food themselves.
Practical examples of creative snack platters:
- Themed drinks boards: Make a snack platter with only colorful fruits and vegetables. This can encourage children to experiment with different colors and flavors.
- DIY snack board: Let children create their own snack platter with their favorite items. This gives them a sense of autonomy and responsibility.
Promoting Social Interaction
Snack platters are perfect for social occasions, such as birthday parties or family gatherings. When children sit together around a snack platter, it encourages them to interact with each other and enjoy the food together. This not only promotes social skills, but can also increase the sense of togetherness.
Benefits of social interaction while eating:
- Improved communication skills: Children learn to talk to each other and discuss what they want to try.
- Teamwork: Sharing a snack platter together can promote teamwork, as children learn to share and make decisions together.
Conclusion: Fun and Healthy Food for Children
In conclusion, a children's snack platter offers a creative and fun way to introduce them to different tastes and textures. By varying the ingredients and presentations, you can make the mealtime more attractive and stimulate your children's appetite. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy healthy and varied food together. You are encouraged to experiment and discover what works best for your family.
