Snack Attack

It’s back-to-school season, and whether or not you have kids the sight of Superman backpacks and Hello Kitty lunch boxes might have you feeling a little nostalgic. We can’t help you time travel back to your childhood to relive those halcyon days, but we can offer some after-school snack ideas for the child inside. They probably won’t be as evocative as those ants on a log that your mom made for you after school, but they’re just as delicious and more suited to your all-grown-up taste buds.Spicy Thai Peanuts3 cupsThese fragrant, toasted peanuts are best served warm, but they’re delicious no matter how you eat them. They’re also a great garnish for Thai curries, stir fries, lettuce wraps, and salads. Pair these peanuts with Brew Dr. Kombucha Citrus Hopsfor the ultimate salty-spicy-sweet snack.1½ tablespoons vegetable oil8 fresh or thawed frozen makrut lime leaves, sliced into thin slivers2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes2 stalks lemongrass, tender parts thinly sliced1 pound roasted peanuts1 teaspoon fine sea saltDirections:

1. In a large skillet warm oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the lime leaves, pepper flakes, and lemongrass. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and the lime leaves have turned dark green and are crisp, about 30 seconds. Stir in the peanuts and salt and toss together. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas2 cupsRoasting chickpeas turns them into a savory, crunchy snack that’s as easy to make as opening a can. Nosh on these and wash them down with a bottle of Brew Dr. Kombucha Happiness for a quick jolt of sustaining energy.15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon cumin, chili powder, curry powder, or your favorite spice blend½ teaspoon fine sea saltDirections:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Rinse and drain chickpeas and arrange on a single layer on a clean dish towel. Allow to dry for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer dried chickpeas to baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and evenly sprinkle with the spices and salt. Stir to evenly coat. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, stirring after 15 minutes.

Dark Chocolate Superfood Bites 10 bitesThese bite-sized naturally sweetened snacks provide instantaneous energy and tons of rich chocolate flavor. Our favorite pairing is Brew Dr. Kombucha Superberry, as the deep berry flavor is a perfect fit for the dark, bitter chocolate.1½ cups raw or roasted almonds2 packed cups moist dried dates, pitted and roughly chopped½ cup cocoa nibs¼ cup cocoa powder1 tablespoon coconut oil¼ teaspoon saltDirections:

1. In a food processor, pulse almonds until very finely ground. Add dates, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and salt and pulse until everything is finely ground. The mixture should hold together when pressed into a ball. If it is too dry, add a little water to help bring the mixture together. Using a tablespoon, portion the mixture and shape into balls.

Hopefully by now you’re inspired to craft some healthy, homemade snacks to indulge your inner child without resorting to funfetti cookies (although, that sounds pretty great, too!). Because everyone, whether you’re in middle school or the school of hard knocks, deserves a handmade snack to come home to after a long day.