Summer’s here, and everybody’s going out doing summer activities, enjoying their break. I remember camping, going to the park to play ball and having spontaneous picnics when I was a kid. During all those activities, what reminded me of them was the food. Summer is great and all, and it’s a relaxing time to eat as long as you want, whenever you want (so long you don’t mind the weight gain). These snacks mentioned below are easy to make, (or to get) and cheap!
When camping, one usually remembers mostly making gooey s’mores and the occasional hot dog. Not saying s’mores and hot dogs are bad, but when I was little, my parents didn’t even know what s’mores were. (Let alone marshmallows.) All the parents brought various types of fish balls at the Asian supermarket and sausages, which then we roasted all night long. These are really cheap at Asian supermarkets, and would probably give less cavities. It’s a great source of protein and the added plus of no sugar rush, so there’s no problem with sleeping right after a late night by the fire. So if wanting to try a savory Asian snack rather than sweet at a campfire, this is a choice.
Another common snack eaten often at summer are snow cones. Their sweet flavor and fun colors are popular and easy to make. I remember vendors selling these at parks when my family watched my little brother play tee ball with his team. Win? Snow cones for everyone! Lose? Eh, still snow cones for everyone! Cheap and easy to make, I’ve eaten quite a couple in the past too. However, what snowy treat I eat even more even till now is shaved ice. Literally, it’s almost the same as snow cones--- powdery ice (snow) and something sweet to eat with it. But, instead of flavored fruity syrup, it’s condensed milk and various other toppings, such as chopped fruit, tapioca, sweetened red beans, etc.You can choose to put whatever you like on top. Very typical as a dessert in Asian restaurants, it’s easy to find (though, it’s cheaper to make it at home, plus you get to add as much condensed milk as you want, my personal favorite) and good to eat. Even if you don’t have an Asian supermarket nearby, this snack is still available!
When going on picnics during summer, instead of sandwiches for lunch, I make rice balls.
Actually, this my go-to snack in general. My family has a rice cooker at home, so the rice is steamed longer and is more---for the lack of a better word---mushy. In addition to the rice, there’s seaweed (called laver) and salt. Just these three ingredients alone can make a nice snack to tide you over between meals if you’re feeling hungry. They’re convenient to take out, and there’s no bowl of utensils needed to use or wash after. You can be creative and add your own personal favorite foods or seasonings inside, such as black pepper, chili flakes or salmon for a protein boost (my personal recommendations).
All in all, summer’s great. There's all the food you can eat without worrying about homework, and all the time to make and do the things you enjoy. Unless you have summer homework, or, no summer break. If that’s the case, these snacks are quick to make and a nice refreshment or boost to get you through, and you can still enjoy them… as you work. Hope these snacks give you a broader range of foods to enjoy! (Watch the waistline!)
