Sunday Story: Afternoon Snack “La Merenda”

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What is your Favorite Afternoon Snack?

From leftover apple pie, to fresh baked lemon loaf cake, Italian pear cake, homemade bread and butter, and warm cinnamon oatmeal cookies, there is nothing better than an afternoon snack at the kitchen counter- do you agree?

two kids eating a chocolate croissant
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My sister, Anna, and I are 10 years apart in age. It’s a tricky age gap. Sometimes I’m the fun older sister and sometimes I’m a motherly figure.

When I was in high school and college I was the face behind the kitchen counter that greeted her after school. Our mamma worked full time and I wanted to give her something I secretly wish I had at her age- a chat and snack in the kitchen after school.

I loved welcoming her and her crew of friends with my afternoon snack creations as I listened to giggles and friendly gossip about the day. I made fruit smoothies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (recipe on website), Nutella banana on toast, and ice cream shakes with all sorts of interesting flavors- including Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (yeah, my mom bought sugar cereal for the second child ;)). Whatever it was, there was something ready for “la merenda” when I was home.

I find the same comfort in welcoming my own children today. I’m blessed with a career that allows me to be home after school for them. I consider it pure luxury. An afternoon snack in the kitchen spells comfort, love, time, patience, slow down, and … live in the sunshine moment that Is The Present.

Since my mother wasn’t home she always left me something on the kitchen counter in the same glass cake plate that still sits on her counter today. She would make homemade bread, sweet cakes, and much more and leave them out for me on the kitchen counter in that special glass cake plate I still treasure. Even though she wasn’t physically there I could feel her love for me through this gesture.


Make a meal or “merenda” and create a memory.

This week I challenge you to make an afternoon treat/snack for a family member. Deliver it to their doorstep or enjoy it with them at your kitchen counter. Recipes below if you need ideas!

What is your favorite afternoon snack? Tell me in the comments…

woman with brown hair standing in kitchen holding wooden plate with brioche. Perfect Afternoon snack

Written with Amore,

Elena ️

Afternoon Snack Recipes for YOU

Peanut Butter Bars

Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta con le Pere) Easy

Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Bread

LEMON YOGURT LOAF CAKE (blueberries)

Best Mini Pies- Valentine’s Day Treat

Italian Olive Oil Cake Orange Honey (easy)

Best Brown Butter Apple Pie

Softest No Knead Bread

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About Elena

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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