There are a few things to keep in mind when giving teens Mishloach Manot. To ensure they go over well, keep the following tips in mind.
-The food should be easy, and ready to eat. No teen wants anything overly complicated like a make-your-own smoothie.
-They want REAL FOOD. Think salads, sushi, and hot pretzels.
-They also have a super sweet tooth (don’t we all). Foods like s’mores, parfaits, and muffins are great options.
Last but not least, if you have a teen in your house, make sure the foods going in the Mishloach Manot can be prepared by them!
Here are our top picks below. Get creative with packaging and have fun!
- Cookies ’n’ Cream Jumbo Cookies by Gitty Friedman
I left these cookies on the table to cool, and when I got back to put them away, all but one were gone. They’re soft, delicious, and of course quick and easy to make.
- S’mores Trifle by Victoria DwekThis past August, I wrote about one of my favorite moments of my summer vacation, up somewhere in a remote mountain lodge (it’s inevitable that dozens of Jewish families happen to find the same remote spot). Every evening after dinner, we’d take the skewers, marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars I had brought along and stand around the campfire, trying to get a good toast on our marshmallows. It wasn’t easy. We usually caught the tail end of the fire, when the logs were all burnt out, and there were just a few sputtering flames. We fought for position to let the weak flames toast our marshmallows.
The best part was when the marshmallows caught on fire: real toastiness.
When I tasted this dessert, I was back up in the mountains. But this time, I didn’t have to fight for the fire: because my kitchen torch is mine alone.
- Cookie Bark by Faigy Murray
This is the perfect solution for all those yummy Mezonos mishloach manos leftovers. You can put in any type of cookie, pretzel or nut—anything works.
- Soft Pretzels from the Nitra Cookbook
Learn how to make the best soft pretzels right at home. With a crispy outside and chewy inside, hot pretzels are the perfect snack PLUS activity for a long summer afternoon. Top with coarse salt or sesame seeds, and serve along with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip!
- Deconstructed Sushi in a Jar by Leah Leora
A fun and easy recipe that can be enjoyed at home or as a grab-and-go lunch.
- Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits with Crunchy Granola by Elky Friedman
These parfaits are just the perfect thing to top off a great party! You’ve tasted and eaten your fair share of food from the buffet. Now you’re craving something sweet…but not too heavy. These light fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits will do the trick and won’t derail your diet.
- Best-Ever Blueberry Muffins by Rivky Kleiman
These blueberry streusel muffins are moist and light, truly the best ever.
- Coffee Bars from the Nitra Cookbook
Simple, one-bowl, and delicious — what’s not to love?
- Popcorn Five Ways by Estee KafraWho doesn’t love popcorn? Try these various flavors and see which one is the most popular in your home.
These would be so cute to serve at an at-home movie night.
- Fresh Quinoa Salad by Sina Mizrahi
These salads-in-a-jar are the perfect homemade mishloach manos if you’re looking to give something fresh and vibrant. They can also be enjoyed by a busy balabusta during the hectic day. The salads are conveniently packed in mason jars that you can collect or purchase cheaply. You can decorate each jar differently with bows and labels, or customize them to match any theme. Best of all, you won’t have to fiddle with cellophane. This is a classic, healthy salad that will please diverse palates. The sharp taste of the arugula contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bell peppers, while the quinoa adds a boost of protein that makes this salad hearty, yet light. To round it off, the balsamic vinaigrette dresses everything with a tasty flavor.
- Veggie Tuna Salad Lunch by Sylvia Fallas
This isn’t the boring, mayo-laden tuna salad of your childhood. Lots of chopped vegetables up the crunch factor, and lemon juice and olive oil take the place of mayo. Take along to work or school for a filling, healthy lunch in an airtight container.
- Apple Turnovers from the Dining In Cookbook
Apple turnovers can be made as adorable “minis.” Just cut smaller dough squares and of course, use less filling in each one. They look especially attractive on a tiered serving dish with other miniatures.
- Pretzel Hot Dog Skewers by Esty Wolbe
- Onion Soup from the Nitra Cookbook
