International Snacking! Win a Copy of "Around the World Cookbook"

I love snacks, especially when homemade. They are easy, quick to make AND a healthy alternative to their store-bought cousins. And, for us 'world travelers", every country and culture has their own specialty snack foods. Whipping up a batch of a country's favorite is an instant way to travel to that country.

I've included 3 of my international favorites here for you and the kids tomake . Mexican and Caribbean inspired Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas are the perfect frosty treat for warm summer days. Make sure to keep a stash in your freezer –they taste as good as ice cream! If you're in the mood for something zesty and crunchy, try the Spicy Cheese Pita Crisps. Made with store-bought Mediterranean and Indian inspired pita bread and seasoned with cheese and Indian curry powder, this crispy treat is easy to make and, because it's baked, it's a healthier alternative to potato chips. Or, maybe you're looking for a new dipping sauce. A Raita is a cold and tangy yogurt sauce or dip that is often served alongside spicy Indian foods to cool your mouth and reduce the affect of the spicy heat, but it's also delicious when served with fresh or cooked veggies for dipping. You can also try Raita's Greek cousin: Tzatziki. Like Raita, it's made with Greek-style yogurt but the dominant flavors are fresh dill and cucumber.

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas

Melt 8 ounces semi or bittersweet chocolate (or 1 1/3 cups chips) and 5 tablespoons butter in a medium bowl. You can use a microwave or set the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Peel 4 ripe bananas and cut into 1 inch pieces. Using a fork, dip the pieces one at a time in the melted chocolate and arrange on a foil-lined small baking sheet or large plate. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops of the coated bananas with chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, almonds or pistachios). Freeze until very firm. Lift from the foil and pop into a freezer bag and keep frozen.

Spicy Cheese Pita Crisps

Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon curry powder or garam masala. Pull apart three 6-inch pita breads and arrange rounds, rough side up, on a work surface. Using a small pastry brush, coat the tops evenly with 1/4 cup olive oil and sprinkle with the cheese mixture. Cut each round into 8 wedges and arrange close together on a lined cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Indian Raita or Greek Tzatziki

To make a traditional Raita, combine the following in a small bowl: 1 cup plain (unflavored) yogurt – use Greek-style yogurt if possible, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can vary the flavors by adding one or two of the following ingredients: ½ cup finely chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded before chopping) ½ cup shredded radishes, 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint, 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Cover the sauce and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

For Greek Tzatziki, combine the following in a small bowl: 1 cup plain (unflavored) yogurt – use Greek-style yogurt if possible, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper, ½ cup finely chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded before chopping), 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill. Cover the sauce and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

What is your favorite international snack? Leave your answer in the field below between now and June 22nd and you could receive Around the World Cookbook. Gather will select 2 members to receive a copy.

Click here to buy the book.

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