Pick Up Sticks

Pick Up Sticks Recipe with California Avocado, American Cheese, Apple, and Red Grapes

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pick Up Sticks is a fun and interactive snack that is perfect for kids. This recipe combines fresh fruits, cheese, and avocado on skewers, making it a healthy and delicious treat.

History

Pick Up Sticks is a modern twist on the classic game of the same name. The idea of threading food onto sticks for easy snacking has been around for centuries, but this particular recipe adds a fun and playful element to the concept.

Ingredients

12 long, thin pretzel sticks (approximately 4 inches long)
0.25 ripe california avocado, seeded, peeled, and cubed
2 slices of nonfat american cheese, cut into 1-inch squares
0.5 red apple, cored and cubed
12 red grapes

How to prepare

Using pretzel sticks as skewers, thread on grapes, cheese squares, apple cubes, and California avocado cubes.
Repeat the process to make twelve "Pick Up Sticks".
Serve the snack to kids and let them pick up their snack, enjoying the fruit and sticks.
Hint: Use a wooden skewer to poke holes in the avocado, apple, and grape.

Variations

Use different fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, or kiwi.
Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure to cut the ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.

- Use pretzel sticks as skewers for a fun and edible touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pick Up Sticks as a fun and interactive snack at parties, playdates, or as an after-school treat.

Cooking Techniques

Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in a colorful and appealing pattern for a visually stunning presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead of American cheese.

- Substitute pretzel sticks with toothpicks or bamboo skewers.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the Pick Up Sticks just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Pick Up Sticks on a platter or in a cup for a fun and playful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Pick Up Sticks with a side of yogurt or a glass of milk for a complete and balanced snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Pick Up Sticks are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pick Up Sticks contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pick Up Sticks contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pick Up Sticks contains approximately 3 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pick Up Sticks contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pick Up Sticks are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (avocado). It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Pick Up Sticks are a healthy and nutritious snack that is perfect for kids. They are low in calories and fats, but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pick Up Sticks are a fun and healthy snack that is perfect for kids. With a combination of fresh fruits, cheese, and avocado, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the interactive nature of this snack and let kids pick up their food with these delicious skewers.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a cool autumn day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. I wanted to bring something unique and delicious, so I decided to try my hand at making a dish I had never attempted before: Pick Up Sticks.

I had heard about Pick Up Sticks from an old friend of mine who had traveled to Asia many years ago. She described it as a flavorful and colorful dish that was both fun to make and enjoyable to eat. Intrigued by her description, I asked her for the recipe and she was happy to share it with me.

The first step in making Pick Up Sticks was preparing the ingredients. I gathered together a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, as well as some chicken breast and rice noodles. I also made sure to have plenty of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic on hand to give the dish its signature flavor.

As I chopped and sliced the vegetables, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother. She had taught me so much about cooking over the years, passing down her own recipes and techniques with love and patience. I could still hear her voice in my head, guiding me through each step of the process.

Once the vegetables were prepped, I moved on to cooking the chicken. I seasoned it with a blend of spices and let it sizzle in the pan until it was perfectly browned and juicy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that this dish was going to be a hit at the potluck.

Next, I boiled the rice noodles until they were tender, then tossed them with the cooked chicken and vegetables. I added a generous splash of soy sauce, along with some grated ginger and minced garlic, to give the dish its savory and slightly spicy flavor.

As I stirred everything together, the colors of the vegetables mingling with the golden noodles and tender chicken, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This dish was a true labor of love, and I knew that everyone at the potluck would appreciate the time and effort I had put into making it.

When the Pick Up Sticks were finally ready, I packed them up in a colorful serving dish and headed off to my friend's house. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted with exclamations of delight and curiosity. Everyone wanted to know what I had brought, and when I unveiled the dish, their eyes lit up with excitement.

I watched as my friends eagerly dug into the Pick Up Sticks, their faces alight with pleasure as they tasted the unique and delicious flavors. The dish was a resounding success, with many people asking me for the recipe so they could try making it themselves.

From that day on, Pick Up Sticks became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds. It had quickly become one of my most beloved recipes, a symbol of my passion for cooking and my love for sharing delicious food with others.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Pick Up Sticks, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and gratitude. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to show them love and care through the food that I prepare. And with each dish that I make, I am reminded of the generations of women who came before me, passing down their knowledge and recipes with love and pride.

I may have learned how to make Pick Up Sticks from a friend, but in truth, the recipe is so much more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and connections that last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly grateful.