Snacks for Kids

Banana & Almond Butter Snacks

 

Quick and nutritious snack for you and the kids when you want something sweet in a hurry. Sprinkle with nutrient dense chia seeds for an energy boost, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients – Choose organic whenever possible, especially for children.

 

Banana sliced lengthwise and cut in half

Almond Butter

Chia seeds and or crushed nuts such as hazel nuts

 

Directions:

 

Spread a thin coat of almond butter onto banana and sprinkle with chia seeds.

 

Ground flax seeds or crushed nuts may be used also.

Veggies & Dip

 

Cut veggies into small bites or slices. Arrange them on a party toothpick. Or better yet, let them make their own. Children love bright, colorful foods and they love to help in the kitchen. Make it a party!

 

Give each child their own small bowl of dip. Encourage independence by letting them help as much as possible. This will not only build their self-esteem and confidence but also teach you patience!

 

Tortilla Roll-ups

 

Spread bean dip on organic tortillas and sprinkle lightly with cheese and olives. Roll up and slice in 1 in pieces. Pin with a party toothpick and serve with their favorite vegetable snack sliced in kid sized pieces.

Apples & Peanut or Almond Butter Slices

 

Place 1-2 T. peanut or almond butter in individual kid friendly, colorful bowls.

 

Arrange thin slices of apples on a plate surrounding each child’s bowl.

Almond butter may be substituted and is a healthy alternative.  Remember to choose organic apples, especially for children as conventional apples are extremely toxic to their little bodies. Celery & carrots are great dippers also. Slice in small thin pieces. Children like easy to eat, smaller pieces of veggies.

 

Avocado & Tomato Sandwich

 

Slice avocado into thin slices and place on one side of bread. Thinly slice tomato and place on the other side. Cut into triangles and serve with apples and carrot sticks.

 

Avocadoes are extremely healthy, children and adults should have them several times a week.

 

Test for ripeness by pushing the stem end gently into the avocado. If the stem collapses into the fruit it is over ripe. It should be a little soft but not too firm. Be mindful and choose the ones that are not too soft or green.

 

If you use mayonnaise please choose organic as there is very little that is safe to eat in most grocery stores. Always look for the USDA organic seal. Can’t find it? Look for the Non GMO Verification Project Seal.

Breakfast and Snacktime Cookies

 

These cookies have no sugar or animal fat yet they are delicious and kids really like them!

 

When you’re in a rush grab a few to satisfy your hunger and temptation to pick up fast food.

 

Ingredients (organic, whenever possible)

 

1-2 ripe bananas

1 c. oats Grind ½ c. of the oats in a processor or blender for a lighter cookie

1 c. honey- Children less than 1 year of age should never eat honey

½ c. peanut butter or almond butter

¼ c. whole wheat flour- You may grind flour to make a lighter cookie

¼ c. flax seeds, ground- always grind your own and refrigerate. Whole flax seed may be stored outside the fridge, but the ground flaxseed meal will turn rancid if not kept cool.

¼ c. organic protein powder optional, adds extra nutrition

2-3 t. cinnamon powder

1 t. vanilla- Make sure it’s real vanilla: the word “pure” means as much as the word “natural” when it comes to non-organic foods.
½ t. baking soda

¼ t. Himalayan Pink Salt, for essential minerals

Cheesy Crackers

 

Save money on these easy to make crackers. They’re tasty and kids will love ‘em.  Sure to become your family’s favorite.

 

2 c. white cheddar cheese, grated, organic or hormone-free

¼ c. butter, softened

1 c. unbleached flour or ½ c. whole wheat & ½ c. unbleached flour

½ t. Himalayan pink salt

2-3 T. milk

Place all ingredients except milk in food processor or blender. You can use a pastry cutter or two knives if you prefer. Process until dough is coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk and process until dough gathers into a ball.

 

Divide into 2 balls. Roll each ball into a square 1/8” thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut into 1” squares. Use a skewer to put a hole in the middle.

Place ¼” apart on parchment paper and bake 12-18 min at 375 degrees F until edges begin to turn brown.

 

Store in a sealed container for several days or freeze. Makes approximately 3-4 c. 

Preparation:

 

Mix banana, honey, peanut or almond butter, soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, protein powder and flax.

 

Slowly mix in dry ingredients. Roll into 1 ½”  balls and flatten to ½” . Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper 3” apart.

 

Add ¼ c. of nuts, raisins, or any other dried fruit if you’d like. A few cookies can be made with organic chocolate chips for “good boy or good girl” cookies.

 

Bake at 350 for 15 min. Store in airtight container for several days or freeze. 

 

Great as energy bars. Bake in pan for 20-25 min. at 350.