by Jaimi Hemmerich

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2009

Snack time can be a difficult time. You want a snack that is fun and nutritious and that appeals to your children as well as satisfying your sophisticated adult palette. And, wouldn't it be great if this miracle snack also helped you to use up some odds and ends in your fridge or pantry? I have just the snack for you - monster eyeballs anyone?

This fun recipe is great for kids and adults at snack time. It's simple, using only four ingredients, and so easy to prepare that your children can help, too. I've dubbed my creation monster eyeballs in an attempt to lure my children into that dreaded first bite. I have found that while trying to promote healthier eating habits in my children, something as simple as changing the name will help get them over the fear of tasting something for the first time. I try to use names that they can identify with or that are so "cool" they can't help but to try it.

What you will need:

Flour tortillas

Cream cheese

Dried beef

Whole or halved large dill pickles

Set your cream cheese out just long enough for it to soften into a spreadable consistency. Once the cream cheese is softened, spread it liberally on one side of the tortilla, all the way to the edges. Cover the cream cheese with slices of dried beef. You can use as much cream cheese and dried beef as you choose, but I tend to use more so the end result has more consistency.

If you are using whole dill pickles, you will need to cut the pickle in half lengthwise, creating two long pickle halves each with a flat surface. Place the two halves flat side down, end to end in the middle of the tortilla. Roll up the pickles in the tortilla and seal the flap (if need be) with a little cream cheese. Cut into rolls about an inch thick. If the rolls fall apart, just dab on some cream cheese to seal them. Arrange the rolls on a plate and serve.

Remember to be creative and have fun!

Bon appetit!

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