Snacks with Fresh Fruit Kids Will Love

Do your kids get enough fruit? According to the USDA, children need to eat between one and two cups of fruit every day. Getting a child to munch on an apple when he would rather have potato chips can be a struggle, but when you have some recipes for fun snacks that incorporate fresh fruits, the battling will cease. Fortunately, there are recipes your kids will love that are simple and affordable, as well.

Sparkling Grapes

Although the name of this recipe might sound something like an adult beverage, your children will love the glittering appearance and sweet flavor. Another benefit is that you can use green or red grapes and different flavors of gelatin, so the snack never becomes boring. Besides, what could be easier than two ingredients? Makes four to six servings.

Ingredients

1 pound grapes

1 package gelatin (sugar-free, if desired)

Directions

Remove grapes from their stems. Pour a thin layer of the gelatin powder onto a plate. Wash a handful of the grapes, but do not dry them. Roll the damp grapes in the gelatin to coat. Place the grapes in a bowl and repeat until all of the grapes are sparkling.

Apple Surprise

Kids love anything with a surprise inside, and this easy apple snack is no exception. An alternative to coring the apple is to cut holes where there are imperfections and stuff them with the filling. This option might appeal to the more finicky eaters who will not touch an apple that is bruised or scratched. Serves one.

Ingredients

One apple, any variety

Two tablespoons nut butter

One tablespoon raisins

Directions

Wash and dry apple, then cut in half horizontally. Core both halves of the apple from the inside just to the top and bottom, so the stem ends remain intact. Mix raisins into peanut butter and spoon the mixture into the hollowed core. Put the apple back together and serve.

Ice Cream Truck Bananas

This cool, creamy treat is so yummy that your kids will swear it came straight from the ice cream man. Moms and dads have been known to sneak these snacks, as well. Two servings per banana.

Ingredients

1 banana

1/4 cup nut butter

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup granola, crushed cereal or chopped nuts

Directions

Cut the banana in half. Insert a wooden ice pop stick, a lollipop stick or a chopstick into each half. Measure the nut butter and honey into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 15 seconds, until soft enough to stir. Mix well. Spread the honey mixture onto the banana halves and sprinkle with cereal or nuts. Cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap and freeze for an hour or more. Serve cold.

Anytime Banana Split

Another way to use creamy bananas in a snack recipe is to serve them like an ice cream parlor treat but substitute decadent toppings for healthier options. Serves one.

Ingredients

1 banana

1 6-oz. container vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup strawberries

1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 teaspoon chocolate syrup

1/4 cup granola

Directions

Peel a banana and slice in half lengthwise. Place in a long, narrow dish. Spoon yogurt over the banana halves. Top with strawberries, pineapple and chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with granola.

Fruit Kebabs

Food is always more fun when it is on a stick. Consider cutting off the sharp end of wooden skewers when serving to small children. Use whatever fruit you have on hand, or pick up some favorites along with something new, such as kiwi or starfruit. Serves two.

Ingredients

2 to 4 cups fresh fruit

1 6-oz. container yogurt, any flavor

Directions

Wash fruit and peel, if necessary. Cut into 1/2-inch chunks or rounds. Thread onto skewers, alternating types of fruit. Serve on a plate with 3 ounces yogurt for dipping.

Once you begin to use fruit creatively in your child's snacks, you will see that the possibilities are endless. Be imaginative and encourage your kids to provide ideas as well. Raising healthy kids can be fun.

Source:

USDA's MyPlate.gov