A mozzarella snack for the kids

As the last few days of school come to an end, you're most likely finding yourself letting out a sigh of relief that everyone has made it through another school year.

Thoughts of homework can be set aside for the next few months. Early mornings filled with alarms on their 10th snooze cycle, packing lunches, sprinting to bus stops and cramming to finish major projects the night before they are due are over for the summer.

However, now parents face an even more daunting task. What will your kids do to keep them occupied until the end of August? I'm betting the "I'm so bored." and "There's nothing to do!" chants will begin around the end of June. When boredom hits, be ready with some pre-planned activities that kids and parents alike can do together. Get outside and soak up the sun by playing some yard games like Ladder or Bocce Ball.

On days when the weather isn't quite so inviting, have some easy, kid friendly recipes for them to make. This recipe is a much healthier version of the greasy, calorie loaded mozzarella sticks found in restaurants. Baking instead of frying cuts out the use of unnecessary oil.

This summer don't let your kids become glued to the television. Instead, help them exchange boredom for afternoons filled with outdoor activities and deliciously creative snacks!

Baked mozzarella sticks

1/2 c. Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

6 (1-ounce) sticks of part skim mozzarella string cheese

cooking spray

1 c. marinara sauce

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees

• Heat a skillet over medium heat, add panko and toast until golden brown, stir frequently

• Remove panko and place in a bowl

• Whisk one egg into a bowl

• Cut mozzarella sticks into thirds

• Coat each piece with the egg mixture and then roll in panko

• Place on a baking sheet spayed with cooking spray

• Sprinkle each piece with salt

• Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is soft and heated through

• Serve with warm marinara sauce and enjoy!

This recipe is a variation of one found in Cooking Light Magazine.

For additional recipes and photos, visit Shawnna Fields' blog at sfields.hubpages.com.