5 Secrets to Building an A+ Keiki Snack Board

F amiliar favorites and keiki-friendly special snacks ensure everyone’s satisfied at your next sleepover or holiday party.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Step one: Ritz Crackers, multicolored Goldfish, assorted sliced cheeses, Local Kine Li Hing Gummies

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Step two: Add strawberries, pineapple, rainbow chip crispy rice treats, honey wheat pretzel twists and Maika‘i Honu-Shaped Marshmallows covered in chocolate.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Step three: Fill in as necessary.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Step four: Serve and enjoy!

PRO TIPS

Cheryl DeAngelo, owner of Bubbly & Bleu, a cheese and charcuterie boutique in Kaimukī, dishes out advice for creating the perfect charcuterie board for petite palates.

1. Make it a group activity. Involve the whole ‘ohana in the process of choosing ingredients and arranging the spread. When keiki feel a sense of ownership and pride, they are more likely to try something new.
2. Mix it up. While kids may think they only like orange cheese (hello, cheddar!), the key to a stunning board is a variety of colors, textures and flavors. Include all the farm animals with cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses. They’ll also love using cookie cutters on hard cheeses to create fun shapes.
3. Add height. To achieve an Insta-worthy look, use a pile or grapes or salami roses to create dimension. Try it: Ask your child to stack triangles of cheese with the points facing up to resemble a crown.
4. Create a rainbow. Challenge keiki to incorporate every color of the spectrum. Consider dried fruit, spreads, relishes or even something unexpected, like chocolate-dipped strawberries.
5. Please picky eaters. Expand your child’s appreciation by offering familiar but elevated ingredients. If your child likes ham, try prosciutto di Parma, or if they are a bologna lover, trade up for mortadella.  

Hone your skills at Bubbly & Bleu’s monthly classes for keiki ages 6-10. $45 per class. 1142 Koko Head Ave., Kaimukī. bubblyandbleu.com, @bubblyandbleu