Monday, June 04, 2007
Get kids snacking this summer
During summer vacation, kids can be so busy that it’s hard to get them to break for a snack. But snacks play an important role in a balanced diet, giving active kids a little energy boost in the afternoon. By making snacks yourself, you’ll avoid some of the fat and sugar lurking in the store-bought snack foods advertised to kids.
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Stuffed Celery Snacks
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup shredded carrot
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
Celery stalks, cut into 3-inch lengths
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, carrot, and seasonings. Stuff into celery. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Makes 2 dozen.
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Banana Tortilla Snacks
1 6-inch flour tortilla
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 banana
2 tablespoons raisins
Lay tortilla flat. Spread peanut butter and honey on tortilla. Place banana in the middle and sprinkle in the raisins. Wrap and then serve. Makes 1 serving.
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Pizza Pinwheels
1 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, regular or reduced fat
24 slices sliced pepperoni
1 14-ounce can pizza sauce
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a large baking sheet, pinch the 8 crescent roll dough triangles into 4 rectangles. Layer each rectangle with 6 pepperoni; divide mozzarella cheese evenly between rectangles. Roll tightly lengthwise and slice each into 4 or more pieces. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Heat pizza sauce; serve with pinwheels for dipping. Makes 8 servings.
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Peanut Butter Quesadillas
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
1 10-inch flour tortilla
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons grape jelly
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Spread one side of the tortilla with peanut butter. Fold tortilla in half so that the peanut butter is on the inside. Place folded tortilla in the skillet, and heat until lightly browned, 2 minutes on each side. Slice into wedges, and dip in the jelly to serve. Makes 2 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
The best snacks tend to be those that combine at least two food groups. A snack with protein and carbohydrates, for example, will pack more nutrition and be more filling.
Some easy, healthy snack choices include low-fat microwave popcorn; low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, or yogurt; and low-sugar, whole-grain cereal.
Fruits and vegetables make healthy snacks, but some kids don’t find them appealing. Try dressing them up with dips or spreads or cut them in fun ways to make them more tempting.
The Practical Pantry ©2007 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com