Recipe Box: For the serious snackers

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It’s three-o-clock in the afternoon and you’re feeling low on energy. A growling stomach tells you there’s no way your 11:30 lunch will keep you sane ‘til dinner. Snacktime is a daily dilemma most everyone faces. It’s a serious problem that if not treated quickly or properly can result in severe crankiness. In my case, I’m in dire need of munchies no less than three times a day, and most days, chips from a vending machine are too much of a bore for my taste buds to even pay attention. For those times when you’re in need of a real snack, here are 10 fun and easy recipes from the Los Angeles Times Test kitchen that will keep you satisfied and cranky-free.

Johnny’s spinach and cheese balls

Nori’s seaweed crackers

Fig, proscuitto and blue cheese pizzas

Thin wheat crackers

Carrot chips

Cream cheese balls with sesame and pistachios

Four seed snapper crackers

Beer-battered rock shrimp with honey mustard

Melon bites with prosciutto and basil

Hot h-o-t boneless buffalo wings

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harris