Frugal, Nutritious
Snacks for Kids
By Cyndi Roberts
Lately, there has been a lot in
the news concerning obesity in America. And not just in adults
-- our children are overweight, also. It's not surprising, considering
the advertising dollars that are spent each year aimed at persuading
children that potato chips, candy bars and other junk food are
good for them.
While we may not be able to change
the world, we can change what is available to our children in
our own homes. Here are a few healthy alternatives to those fat-
and sugar-laden store-bought snacks.
Peanut Butter Balls
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup toasted wheat germ
1 tablespoons powdered milk
Mix ingredients well, shape into
balls. Roll in coconut if desired. Store in refrigerator.
Popcorn is a great snack food.
It is a good source of fiber and low in calories (until you add
toppings). Don't add salt, but try sprinkling grated Parmesan
or American cheese on top. Zipper-top bags of popcorn are handy
for taking along on picnics and other outings.
Honey "Cracker Jacks"
6 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts
Melt honey and butter in microwave
until melted and blended. Let cool. Mix peanuts and popcorn; pour
honey mixture over and stir ‘til coated. Spread in single
layer in shallow baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 10
minutes. Stir several times during baking. Watch closely so it
doesn't burn. Store in airtight container.
Apricot Nectar
Soak 1/2 cup dried apricots in 2 cups of pineapple juice for about
1 hour. Process in blender till smooth.
Fruity Soda Drink
Combine equal amounts of carbonated water with fruit juice. Sweeten
with honey, if desired.
Banana Smoothie
1-1/4 cups milk
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Process in blender till smooth.
This is a good way to use up bananas.
Homemade Frozen Pops
1 6-oz. can frozen juice concentrate, softened (try orange, grape
or fruit punch)
1 juice can water
2 containers of plain yogurt
Popsicle sticks and cups
Process in blender. Pour into cups
and insert sticks; small paper cups work pretty well as molds
for these recipes. Freeze.
Make Your Own Pudding Pops
1 small pkg. instant pudding mix (any flavor)
1-3/4 cup low-fat milk
Mix as directed on package. Pour
into molds and add sticks. Freeze.
These ideas should help feed those
hungry kids!
© Cyndi Roberts
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of
the bi-weekly newsletter, 1 Frugal Friend 2 Another,
bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas.
Visit her online at www.cynroberts.com
to subscribe and receive the free e-course, "Taming the Monster
Grocery Bill."
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