32 Healthy Kids Snacks

Lots of kids dig hummus, but try to get them to eat beans and they'll think you're looney-tunes. This dip has enough similarities and familiar flavors that they might even be "tricked" into expanding their culinary horizons.

Whole wheat pitas, opened and cut into wedges
Grated fresh parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil or other dried herb (optional)
Can of white beans, drained and rinsed
Squeeze of tomato or sundried tomato paste
Glug of olive oil

Cut pitas into wedges and separate their layers. Spread them on a baking sheet, spray them lightly with oil and sprinkle them with parmesan and dried basil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F, until toasty and brown.

Meanwhile, dump beans in a medium sized bowl, add a squeeze of tomato or sundried tomato paste, a pinch of salt and pepper and a glug of olive oil and mash them with a potato masher until a smoother consistency is formed. Serve this with the Parmesan Pita Chips.

Extras: Try other beans, seasonings, or different spices on pita chips

Kids can help: Mash beans, tear open pitas

Deb Perelman is a freelance writer in New York. She blogs at Smitten Kitchen.