MAKE HEALTHY FOODS FUN!

STAFF REPORT

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Check out these simple recipe ideas for delicious and healthy food choices that your child can help you create.

APPLE SANDWICHES

Ingredients:

2 small apples, green or red, cored

3 Tbsp granola

2 Tbsp raisins (you can also include chocolate chips or shredded coconut)

Peanut butter (almond butter, hazelnut spread work well too)

Directions:

1. Cut cored apples crosswise into 1/2 inch thick rounds, creating an even number of slices.

2. Spread peanut butter on half the slices.

3. Sprinkle granola and raisins on the peanut or almond butter

4. Top with remaining apple halves, pressing down gently to create sandwiches

BREAKFAST BARS

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

3 cups Cheerios cereal

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a large microwave safe bowl, combine butter, honey, and brown sugar. Heat on high power in the microwave for one minute to melt all ingredients together.

3. Stop to stir well. Mixture will be a tad grainy.

4. Return bowl to microwave to heat for one more minute on high. Stir.

5. Return bowl to microwave to heat for one more minute on high. After this third round, mixture should be bubbly and a tad foamy. Use caution, as mixture will be HOT.

6. Stir in vanilla.

7. Stir in cereal.

8. Stir in raisins and chocolate chips.

9. Press mixture into prepared pan, packing down firmly with a spatula.

10. Cover mixture with a layer of foil and place pan in refrigerator to set for at least 2-3 hours.

11. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy! Bars will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for six months.

Fun options: Instead of raisins, add nuts or craisins. Swap out mini M&M’s instead of chocolate chips. Or use them all!

APPLE DONUTS

Ingredients:

Apple slices, cored

Cream cheese

Food coloring

Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Color the cream cheese! Place a little bit of cream cheese into a separate bowl for each color you are using.

2. Spread the cream cheese on each apple slice.

3. Cover in sprinkles!

4. You can also take away a bit of the tang by drizzling the apples with a tiny bit of honey or melted chocolate.

FLOWER EGGS

Ingredients:

Red, yellow and green bell peppers

Eggs

Directions:

1. Cut bell peppers into rings, about 1/2 inch thick

2. Place rings in a non-stick, lightly oiled skillet

3. Crack an egg into the middle of each ring and cook over low heat until desired level of firm.

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