BACK-TO-SCHOOL SNACKS

For the start of a new school year, I’m sharing recipes for some of my favorite old-school snacks. These are homemade and portable, and they pack perfectly inside the kids’ lunch boxes.

1. Back to the basics: the fudge brownie (recipe below)

Nothing is better than the perfect fudge brownie with a crispy, glossy top. Treat the kids (and yourself) while getting back into the school-year routine.

2. A power packed bite: cherry chocolate chip oatmeal balls

This is a simple, easy, no-bake breakfast or snack — perfect for on-the-go.

3. Roll it up: mango-peach fruit leather Fruit leather is a clean-eating snack that will give the kids that perfect midday sugar boost without all the sugar.

The perfect fudge brownie

GROCERY LIST

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt butter and chocolate in a large bowl over boiling water and heat until just melted. Whisk eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add melted butter and chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Slowly add flour and cocoa powder.

3. Mix until just combined, making sure batter is smooth. Pour batter into 8x8inch pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes (avoid over-baking so the center stays fudgy). Let brownies cool in the pan.

4. Cut into 16 2” squares. Serve or store in airtight container.

ALL OTHER RECIPES can be found at advocatemag. com or inkfoods.com or lakewood.advocatemag.com.

For 90 years Dallas has trusted our pets to Rutherford for medical care, grooming and boarding. The practice was started by Dr. Frank E. Rutherford in the 1900s. In 1924 he built and practiced in the same building we occupy today. Our building was declared an historical landmark in 1999 when we restored the waiting area to the original decor. Our look may be historic, but our practice is state of the art with highly trained veterinarians and equipment. We combine modern medicine with the traditions of outstanding customer service to keep your pet a healthy, happy member of the family.

90 Years, Thousands