Kids can be tricky to feed, especially if what you are trying to get them to eat is actually good for them. While fruit is always popular, too much fruit isn't good for a body, either.

So what's a mom to do?

I have a collection of tried-and-true, I-know-my-kids-like-these recipes for quick and easy snacks and lunches. I thought I would start posting them up here a few at a time, beginning today. (Guess what? Adults like them, too!)

This type of meal is particularly nice for summer, when you want to be spending as little time as possible in the kitchen so you can be outside, instead. Enjoy!

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Makes 8 servings.

8 slices sprouted-grain bread
1/2 c. home-made mayo
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 tsp. dried, rubbed basil, or 2 tbsp. fresh snipped
1/2-1 c. grated organic cheddar
1/2 c. grated asiago or parmesan cheese

Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. (I use Pampered Chef's stoneware Bar Pan.) Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl, then spread evenly over bread. Heat in 375 degree F oven for about 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool slightly and serve.

Variation:

Cheesy Tomato Bread: Prepare slices and cheese mixture as above. After spreading cheese mixture on bread, spread 1/4 cup finely chopped white or yellow onions on, then arrange thinly-sliced roma (plum) tomatoes on top. Sprinkle about another 1/2 cup of grated cheddar over this. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is golden.

Tuna and Cheese Melts

8 slices sprouted-grain bread
1 6 1/2 oz (184 g) can of tuna, drained
1 c. organic cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped finely (I use an egg slicer and slice it three ways to make itty-bitty squares)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/3 c. mayo

Arrange bread on baking sheet. Mix remaining ingredients and spread over top. Bake in 350 degree F oven until cheese has melted, about 20 minutes.

(This recipe was inspired by a recipe found in Company's Coming Soups and Sandwiches book.)

Other sandwiches that are always sure to please:

• Peanut Butter and Honey
• Peanut Butter and Banana
• Peanut Butter and Raisin
• Grilled Cheese

Remember, when trying to make healthy stuff for kids, 90% of the difference comes not so much in what you make, as what you make it with. Choose sprouted-grain bread over white, choose "just peanuts" peanut butter over sweetened, hydrogenated processed, choose raw honey over processed or pasteurized, and choose organic ingredients whenever you have the option.

And remember: if you can make it fun, they will probably eat it. Get them to help make it, or make funny faces out of the ingredients on top. Use your imagination! Go wild!