Healthy and Fun Holiday Snacks for Kids
Holiday time is party time and your bored kids are going to want stuff to snack on. The thing is they are going to want all of that expensive high calorie stuff that is just slick with grease and artificial flavorings and chemicals.
I make my own treats to help keep their weight and sugar and salt intake in check. I find if I do this they are less likely to be hyperactive and cranky as well because they are simply not poisoning their brains with additives. Here are some great ideas to keep your kids healthier and slimmer during the holiday season.
First off take cookies out of the cookie job and put crackers in there instead. You can also fill it with peanuts in the shell or roasted nuts with no salt. Or just fill it with raisins, nuts, banana chips and chocolate chips to make a no fat snack.
Popcorn is always a much sought after food for kids. Try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese or American cheese on popcorn. I sometimes mix cinnamon and peanuts with the popcorn.
You can also make your own Cracker Jack.
Here is my recipe for home made Cracker Jack
Heat honey and butter in a saucepan until blended. Cool. Pour over popcorn that has been mixed with peanuts, stirring as you pour.
When well-coated, spread the mixture in a pan in a single layer. Bake at 350 for 5 – 10 minutes or until crisp, stirring several times. Package in plastic bags and twist.
You might also want to try my recipe for Popcorn Candy Clusters which is almost as good as the ones you get at the local amusement park.
For this you will need 1 cup (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips,1 cup freshly popped popcorn and 1 cup nuts.
First you need to melt the chocolate chips. Add popcorn and nuts and stir until they are well coated. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet or wax paper and let set infirm. If the crowd is rushing you for a taste, chill the clusters in the freezer for 5 minutes. When firm, store in plastic bags.
You can also make your own salty CRUNCHY MIX
Mix 4 cups crunchy cereal (Cheerios, or Corn Chex, etc) 1 cup peanuts or
mixed nuts 1 cup pretzel sticks with the smallest size 1 cup seasoned croutons
Then make sure you combine 1/2 cup salad oil or 6 tbsp melted butter 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
In a shallow pan coat crunchy ingredients with the combined oil and seasonings. Heat in oven at 250 for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool.
You will find that these are much healthier alternatives than buying the store bought stuff!! Cheaper too!