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Ditch the PB&J: Fun Foods Recipes to Eat at the Library

by Catherine Miles

Is it just me, or does it feel like you always have to be quiet in the library. So painstakingly quiet that you could hear a mouse nibble on a piece of cheese? Well, you're not alone. Did you catch this year's Oreo Superbowl commercial? Oreo featured a genius "Whisper Fight" commercial. People in a library "whisper fought" about which part of the Oreo was the best: cookie or cream?! It was so funny I started to look for librarian careers in need, just for the possibility I, too, could end up in a situation like this. Far-fetched, I know. But it would be hilarious.

That got me thinking. If I were in a library, which foods could I eat while being the least disruptive to others around me? I'm not talking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, how boring and cliché. I'm talking about fun foods you wouldn't traditionally eat out in public. As long as you stay clean and pick up your trash, there's no reason for you not to snack while at the library. The following treats will make you study hard and your mouth water:

Cheesecake in a Jar

Why not satisfy your sweet tooth as you spend hours studying? This recipe is so easy, and the little jars are perfect for transportation. (Recipe courtesy of The Italian Dish.)

Ingredients:

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp. sugar
8 tbsp. melted butter
4 cream cheese packages that are 8 ounces each
3/4 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest from 1 lemon
Fresh fruit or fruit jelly (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
Directions:

First, the oven needs to be preheated at 325°F. Use non-stick cooking spray to coat the insides of mason, jelly or glass canning jars. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter together. Pack crumb mixture into each jelly jar and press down firmly. In a second bowl, blend together the cream cheese and remaining sugar to create a smooth consistency. You'll crack open the eggs and mix in one at a time. Next comes the sour cream, vanilla and lemon zest. Each jar will be filled with about 1/3 cup of filling. Make sure to reserve space at the top for the fresh berries or fruit jelly. To bake for 30 minutes, set jars in a large pan or two deep dishes filled with hot water. Once cheesecake jars have cooled, top jars with berries or fruit jelly. Cover jars with lids and your studying treats are ready for travel!

Apple Sandwiches

This healthy snack just might break the silence in the library, but it's so good—and good for you.

Ingredients:

Apple slices, cored and about two inches thick
Peanut butter
Oats
Nuts
Chocolate chips
Directions:

Take two slices of apples and lather with peanut butter. Place oats, nuts, chocolate chips (or other yummy toppings like coconut shavings, walnuts, honey) onto the peanut butter. Take two apple slices and sandwich together. Store these bad boys in Tupperware and enjoy while your nose is in a book.

Baguette With Goat Cheese, Fig and Apple Slices

Talk about French cuisine at its finest!

Ingredients:

Baguette slices (find pre-sliced baguettes at your grocery store's bakery)
Fig butter
Goat cheese (cranberry goat cheese is top-notch)
Sliced green apple
Directions:

Toast your small baguette slices. Once cooled, spread the fig butter and goat cheese generously. Top with a slice of apple and voila! Bite-sized crunchy pieces of heaven.

 



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