Talking to your preschooler about the benefits of eating a healthy diet will likely do little to change his view on broccoli and cauliflower. However, if you invite him into the kitchen and allow him to work on recipes with you that include nutritious ingredients, your point will probably be better received.
Kids love rolling up their sleeves and creating yummy treats so why not take advantage of their enthusiasm? The following tasty recipes are easy to prepare and the best part—-they are incredibly healthy.
ORGANIC CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
Ingredients:
1 cup organic peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons carob powder or unsweetened organic cocoa powder
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
1/2 cup organic chocolate chips
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
Directions:
Before measuring the peanut butter, stir it well.
Mix the peanut butter, honey and carob or cocoa powder until well combined. Stir in the raisins and only 1/8 cup of the coconut. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Place the remaining coconut; sesame seeds and nuts into 3 separate bowls. Using a spoon, scoop small heaps of the peanut mixture from the bowl; roll into 1 1/4-inch balls.
Roll each finished ball in more coconut, sesame seeds and chopped nuts.
Arrange the balls on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
NUTTY RICE TREATS
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rice syrup
3/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup cashews (or your favorite nut), toasted and chopped
2 cups rice crisp cereal
Directions:
Bring rice syrup to boil in medium saucepan. Lower heat and simmer for about 2 minutes. Add peanut butter and turn heat to low. Mix thoroughly, about 3 minutes. Combine cashews with rice crisp cereal in mixing bowl. Add peanut butter mixture to rice crisp cereal mixture and combine. Press into oiled baking dish and let cool. Cut into squares. Makes 10 squares.
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