Preparing Healthy and Easy To Make After-School Snacks
Let’s face it, getting kids to eat healthy can be tricky. When you factor in time, it’s easy to see how fast food has become a common practice in many households. With these simple and fun recipes, however, you will be able to easily make something both nutritious and delicious for the kids to enjoy in a jiff. Plus, did you know kids are more likely to eat healthy foods if they are the ones to actually prepare them? Get them excited with our top three healthy snacks that are both fun and easy to make!
Bookworm Apple Bark
Remember the all-time traditional favorite “Ants on a Log” from your childhood? Try this twist by substituting an apple for celery!
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2½ tablespoons golden or black raisins
1½ tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
Instructions: Cut apple into four quarters, starting at the stem. Remove the core by cutting away to leave a flat surface on the apple quarter. Be careful not to cut too much of the edible portion of the apple away. Drop and slightly spread the peanut butter on apple quarters. Mix together the raisins and dried
cranberries then sprinkle on peanut butter. Cut chives into
one inch pieces and garnish.
Ranch Hand Nachos
1 lb. small red bliss potatoes, skins on
3 seconds cooking oil spray
8 oz. extra lean ground turkey breast
½ teaspoon chili powder
2/3 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup iceburg lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato, diced
¾ cup cucumber, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
¾ cup salsa, mild
Instructions: Slice potatoes into small circles. Coat them with cooking oil spray for 3 seconds. Bake in the oven at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, (You can play a board game or assist with homework while the potatoes are baking). Brown ground turkey breast with chili powder in pan over MEDIUM heat for 8-10 minutes. Remove potatoes from the oven and turn off. Place the potatoes on a small oven safe platter or long dish. Top with cheese and turkey, put back in the oven to melt, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, and salsa.
Banana in a Blanket
1 (6 inch) whole wheat tortilla
1 tablespoon reduced-fat smooth peanut butter
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon crunchy, nutty nugget cereal
Instructions: Lay tortilla on a plate. Spread peanut butter evenly on the tortilla. Sprinkle cereal over peanut butter.
Peel and place banana on the tortilla and roll the tortilla. Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.
Optional: garnish with more cereal on top.
Have fun in the kitchen and share your favorite recipes with us!