Are your kids always ready for a snack? Why not teach them how to choose and prepare healthy choices?
Most kids enjoy spending time in the kitchen, and research shows that involving and teaching them while they are young will put them on the course for a lifetime of healthy food choices, according to the American Dietetic Association. That’s why Cache Valley Family Magazine has joined forces with Lee’s Marketplace and Citrus Pear Dinners for a Kids Test Kitchen where kids get the chance to test healthy, delicious versions of kid-approved recipes that they can take home and share with their families. Try these healthy snack recipes with your kids!
Peanut Butter Power Balls
Ingredients
- 1 c. rolled oats
- 1/2 c. powdered milk
- 1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
- 1/2 c. smooth natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 c. natural honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 c. of your choice of raisins, chocolate chips, craisins, or chopped nuts
Instructions
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make 1-inch round balls.
Chunky Monkey Popcorn Squares
Ingredients
- 8 c. plain popcorn
- 10 oz. mini marshmallows
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 c. chopped banana chips
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans or other nut of choice
- 1 c. dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Prepare 9×13 pan and spray with cooking spray or rub lightly with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high until marshmallows fluff up to double their size (between one and two minutes, depending on microwave). Remove from microwave and stir until combined.
- Add popcorn and stir until mostly coated.
- Add banana chips and nuts. Stir to combine.
- Gently fold the chocolate chunks in a little at a time to prevent from melting too much.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan and press down firmly with hands or bottom of a cup.
- Allow to cool. Cut and enjoy!
Green Smoothie Spectacular
Ingredients
- 12 oz. vanilla almond milk
- 1 1/2 c. frozen spinach
- 8 oz. orange juice
- 2 c. frozen tropical fruit mix
- 1 banana
- 2 Tbsp. flax seed
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in blender. Mix until smoothie is thick and creamy.
Join the fun! Kids who love cooking can join Citrus Pear Dinners for their ongoing kids classes. Visit citruspeardinners.com for more information and to register.
Would you like your child to participate in our next kids test kitchen? For a chance to participate, try these recipes at home and snap some photos while you’re at it. Share your experience on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #cvfmkidstestkitchen (make sure your account is public for us to be able to see it!) or message us directly at info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com.
