Snacks in a Muffin Tin

Okay, here is a great idea although, I cannot take credit for it. I have seen the idea on more than one website but, thought I'd post my version for my friends & faithful floowers (are there actually any out there?). Some people use the idea for lunch or dinner but, I do this for snacks sometimes. I use a silicone muffin tray w/6 compartments and I put snack foods in it to keep my kids busy while I'm cooking or something. It comes in handy when you're trying to prep dinner but, you have to fill it w/healthy stuff in that case otherwise, you'll be annoyed that they don't eat their dinner. I usually fill the compartments w/dried fruits/raisins, cheerios, marshmallows, goldfish, graham sticks, blueberries, cheese cubes or anything that I think my kids will like to munch on. I'm limited w/Cameron because he is super picky & will only eat certain foods. Emily on the other hand, might eat the tray itself since she likes everything! I've got to start getting more creative w/Cameron because even he is starting to not like the handful of things that he supposedly likes. That's a whole nother story! Anyway, this would be good for getting kids to eat more balanced meals because you could put small amounts of fruit, veggies,crackers, cheese & meats in the compartments & the kids will actually eat them because of the way it's presented. Kids are more likely to try something when it's presented in a fun way & when it's an option rather than just "eat what's on your plate!". Give it a try. If nothing else it keeps them occupied for awhile eating out of it! Also, as a side note....Muffin tins are great for practicing sorting small things (for those that are over the choking hazard age) or for storing small craft supplies in. You can even just give kids the muffin tin to play with. You'd be surprised what they come up with. BTW, I like the silicone one for the kids to eat out of because it's a more kid-friendly size for snacking but, the bigger metal ones are better for playing or sorting or actually making real muffins in :)