Make Your Own Ritz Bits Sandwich Crackers!

Nanette Wong
Aug 08, 2013

One thing we can’t deny is that cheese and crackers are a winning combo. From fancy Brie to grade school Ritz bits, we love ’em all. The one thing we don’t like is all the preservatives and partially hydrogenated stuff that’s in those delicious Ritz Bits sandwiches. But we can’t deny that during those school days and summer trips, they’re so much easier than packing a wheel of Camembert and water crackers. The obvious solution to our problem? Make our own cheese and cracker sandwiches! This fall, create your own handy snacks for healthy eating on the go with these cheese and cracker snack bites.

Ingredients:

Crackers:

– 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

– 1/2 cup wheat flour

– 3 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp sugar

– 2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp for topping

– 6 tbsp cold, unsalted butter (cut into large cubes)

– 3 tbsp vegetable oil

– 2/3 cup water

– 1 egg white

Cheese Filling:

– 8 oz cheddar cheese, cut into large cubes

– 6 oz evaporated milk

– 1 tbsp flour

– 2 tbsp unsalted butter

First, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and 2 tsp salt in a food processor. Lightly pulse until blended. Add butter and vegetable oil and pulse until just blended. Finally, slowly add water, a little at a time, until it forms a dough. Roll out the dough until it’s thin and use a biscuit cutter to cut out little crackers. Lightly brush the tops with the egg white, sprinkle with salt, and bake for about 12 minutes, until the tops are lightly brown.

Next, the cheese!

Combine the cheese and milk in small saucepan over medium to high heat, whisking constantly until combined. Add flour and whisk frequently for about two more minutes. Remove from heat, add butter, and stir until melted.

When cooled, spread cheese between crackers and enjoy!

These don’t need to be refrigerated, and can last up to 3 days stored in an airtight container.

What other snacks do you like to munch on during road trips? Tell us in the comments below.

11 Easy ​Anti-Inflammatory Snacks You Can Make At Home

Snacking on an anti-inflammatory diet means avoiding processed foods at all costs, even though grab-and-go options may look really good. Your best bet for curing your hunger is to whip up some anti-inflammatory snacks at home, so you know exactly what’s going into it – ingredients that won’t trigger any tummy problems.

Luckily, there’s a ton of options that don’t require a lot of time or effort. These 11 anti-inflammatory snacks are downright delicious, nourishing, and so simple.

From sweet treats to savory bites, see our top anti-inflammatory snacks below!

Kurt Andre

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is an especially refreshing snack come summertime. Make sure yours is packed with berries for all those good antioxidants! (via Francesca Bean for Brit + Co)

Melanie Burke

Easy Green Smoothie

Leafy greens should be a go-to if you're eating to fight inflammation. This easy smoothie recipe makes eating more spinach super simple. Plus, it's boosted with protein powder to keep you feelin' full! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba

Homemade Hummus

Both olive oil and turmeric are anti-inflammatory, and this hummus contains plenty of each. This quick recipe shapes up to be the tastiest dip for chips and veggie sticks, which come in handy if you're craving a savory snack. (via Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Simple Trail Mix

High in high in healthy fats and antioxidants, nuts like walnuts and almonds are great for eating on an anti-inflammatory diet – but sometimes eating a plain handful of 'em gets pretty boring. Mix up your very own trail mix for a reliable option! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Shameel Mukkath

3-Ingredient Tzatziki Sauce

Who knew some non-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice could turn into the tastiest anti-inflammatory snack?! Plus, it's high in protein, thanks to the yogurt. Dip it or spread it, you'll want a batch of this sauce in your fridge 24/7. (via Chloe Williams for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Almond Butter Fruit Stacks

Simple ingredients can truly make the best snacks. For this one, use minimally-processed almond butter and some low-sugar chocolate chips to take it easy on your tum. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Toast

This hearty helping of sweet potato and chickpeas makes a great pick-me-up with zero processed ingredients. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Greek Yogurt Dip

This Greek yogurt dip recipe comes with three fun ways to customize your bite, so you have options. (via Brit + Co)

Gabi Conti

Raspberry Cacao Chia Seed Pudding

Berries, cacao, and chia – oh my! This semi-sweet chia pudding bowl is made up of nothing but whole foods to keep any extra inflammation at bay. (via Gabi Conti for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Feta Avocado Toast with Balsamic

Avocados are abundant in healthy fats that can be beneficial for an anti-inflammatory diet, so avo toast is the perfect snack! We highly recommend smothering this recipe on sourdough bread and topping your toast with feta and tomatoes. (via Brit + Co)

Munching with Mariyah

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Using refined sugar-free chocolate and all-natural peanut butter (or any other kind of nut butter you love) lets you snack on these Reese's-inspired treats without worrying about a flare-up. Score! (via Munching with Mariyah)

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more tasty anti-inflammatory recipes!

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Jenny Han Just Teased A "Surprise" End To 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

It's almost time to return to Cousins! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is coming this summer, and Prime Video just gave us a first official look at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The new episodes will open at the end of Belly's freshman year of college, and in addition to seeing the evolution of our favorite characters, author and co-showrunner Jenny Han says "there are going to be surprises" in the final season. Eek!

Here's your first look at Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno, and Christopher Briney in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, coming to Prime Video July 2025!


Jenny Han says 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' fans are in for a few surprises.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"There are the things that [fans] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there's going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them," Jenny Han tells Entertainment Weekly. Listen, I am a very proud member of Team Conrad, and seeing how cozy Belly and Jeremiah are in these pics (not to mention the set leak that's definitely not in the third book), I'm starting to wonder if Prime Video is teasing I should switch teams.

But no matter which team you're on, Lola Tung promises the season won't let you down.

Team #JellyFish will get their time this season.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"The one thing I've always admired about Jenny is that every season and every decision about what's coming next is purely to serve the story," Lola says. "She's never going to do anything that doesn't make sense for the story. It's all about this beautiful world she's created and giving the fans something really, really special and giving us something really special to work with."

And that includes some sweet moments which Jeremiah and Belly, who "are, at their core, best friends," Lola adds. "That relationship is something that's so special and so unique to them, so it's exciting to see this season and how their relationship blossoms."

And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' images also feature Conrad.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But don't worry Conrad fans, we also get a look at the elder Fisher brother who "we know that he went to Stanford, and so he's continuing on his journey to become a doctor, as you can see from that white coat," Jenny says. "I think people won't be surprised to see that."

Keep reading for more images from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3!

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jenny Han also teases this image is actually a flashback, "so do with that what you will." BRB, I'm off dreaming of a beach vacation. I also can't help but point out the warm color grade of this season! The golden look makes everything feel warmer and more magical — and offers a youthful glow as Belly gets older.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But for those of us who care more about Steven and Taylor (Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer) than the main love triangle, we got this single crumb from the new images. And I'm more than happy about it, thank you very much.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Belly (Lola Tung) gets cozy on campus in a hoodie and sunglasses.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

And Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) get cozy with each other at a party.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But they work as hard as they play! I have this exact outfit Belly's wearing, and you best believe I'm adding it into my fashion rotation.

How many episodes will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 have?

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Great news! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 11 episodes instead of 7 or 8 like seasons 1 and 2 did. Stay tuned for the official release schedule.

Who's in the cast?

Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast features all your favorites:

  • Lola Tung as Belly Conklin: a beach-loving volleyball player who's always dreaming of summer.
  • Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher: Belly and Steven's lifelong friend who Belly's always had a crush on.
  • Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher: Conrad's sunny younger brother.
  • Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin: Belly's older brother.
  • Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel: Belly's best friend.
  • Jackie Chungas Laurel Park: Belly and Steven's mom and Susannah Fisher's best friend.

Meet The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Cast before the new episodes air on Prime Video this July!

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11 “Delicious” Target Spring Snacks Perfect For Your Easter Celebrations

Target’s snack aisle is in full bloom right now, with only the best (and cutest!) spring treats in tow. From Easter sweets to savory picks for your seasonal charcuterie boards, there are plenty of fun finds to satisfy every craving! Stock up your cart with these 11 delicious Target spring snacks to embrace the season, whether you’re building Easter baskets, planning a picnic, or simply need a midday pick-me-up!

Scroll on for the 11 seasonal Target snacks worth adding to your cart this spring.

Target

Good & Gather Lemon Bar Granola

This lemon bar granola will bring the bright flavors of springtime right to your yogurt or cereal bowl. There's even little bits of white chocolate included to give it a dessert-y feel.

Target

Favorite Day Spring Easter Milk Chocolate Bunny

Who can resist a chocolate bunny?! This adorable snack is just $1, making it perfect for stuffing multiple Easter baskets.

Target

Favorite Day Spring Easter Carrot Cake Trail Mix

We've never seen a trail mix so indulgent – and we need it now! Packed with yogurt-covered raisins, walnuts, carrot cake cookies, pineapple, and pretzel sticks, you truly get the best of both worlds in every handful.

Target

Favorite Day Spring Strawberry Cake Pops

This $6 pack of strawberry-flavored cake pops makes the ultimate Easter hosting hack! They look just like handmade ones would, but with way less work on your part.

Target

Good & Gather Unsweetened Sliced Dry Mango

For a sweeter option – but one that's definitely healthier for you – these individual packs of dried mango are great for on-the-go moments this spring.

Target

Favorite Day Blueberry Flavored Yogurt Covered Mini Pretzel Twists

The purple hue these covered pretzels have make them super spring-like. Spread some out on a charcuterie board, and they'll breathe springtime energy into your snacking sesh!

Target

Good & Gather Charcuterie Entertaining Tray

Speaking of charcuterie, this ready-to-eat tray comes loaded with a little bit of everything to get your spread started. Oh, and did we mention it's just $12?

Target

Good & Gather Petite Kosher Dill Pickle Snack Pouch

Dill-flavored snacks are our favorite thing to reach for once springtime hits. This convenient pouch of snacking pickles lets you take the brine with you for a nice, salty fix.

Target

Favorite Day Spring Marshmallow Snack Mix Tub

This seasonal mix of marshmallows and candy-coated pretzels, cereal, and chex pieces has such a festive look to it, you just have to add it to your snack rotation! This would also be an amazing grab if you've got an Easter party to attend, but don't have time to whip something up.

Target

Kit Kat Milk Chocolate Bunnies

They make Kit Kat bunnies now?! We'll take 10, please. Loaded with the same crunchy wafer layers you know and love, these arrive in the cutest bunny shapes in the name of the Easter season.

Target

Good & Gather Frozen Pink Lemonade Fruit Pops

For a sweet frozen treat, Target's aisles are loaded with lots of options – but these pink lemonade-flavored pops take the cake! With the ideal amount of tartness, each one makes a major refreshment to reach for when it's warm out.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing seasonal grocery finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Michelle Randolph Teased We'll "Fill In Some Blanks" In The Dutton Family Tree Before '1923' Season Finale Ends

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.

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Matcha Lovers, Beware: A "Global Matcha Shortage” Is On The Way

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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