As with our apple donuts, one of the great things about this snack is that kids can help make it.  I have found that anytime I can get my grandkids involved with making whatever it is that I’m trying to get them to eat, the better chance I have at doing that!

Granted some of these bananas are covered in chocolate and sprinkles but I still feel that these are more “healthy” than a processed snack.

So let’s peel some bananas and get these snacks going!

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Banana Sushi

Course Snack

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 4 bananas
• 2 squares dark chocolate or chocolate melts or choc chips
• 1 Tablespoon sprinkles of your choice
• 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon nut butter
• 3 Tablespoons shredded coconut
• 3 Tablespoons rice krispies

Instructions

• Sprinkles Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Melt a square of chocolate and spoon over the banana.
• 
• Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the sprinkles on the banana.
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• 
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Chia Seed Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Melt a square of chocolate and spoon over the banana.
• 
• Before the chocolate sets, roll in or sprinkle the chia seeds on banana
• 
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Coconut Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Spread 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the nut butter onto the banana
• Roll banana into the shredded coconut
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Rice Krispie Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Spread 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the nut butter onto the banana
• Roll banana into the rice krispies
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 

Now I have a confession to make.  When I have my grandkids eat a healthy snack, I always make sure to tell my daughter how good I did at making them eat something that is good for them. But then I never tell her about the other goodies that I may or may not have let my grandkids eat.  Shhh….it’s our little secret!

Here’s a couple more healthier snacks that you might be interested in:

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Bites

Charcuterie Snack Platter for Kids

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As the summer heats up, we start running out of ideas for creatives ways to keep the kids fed and entertained. Here are 16 fun and healthy kids snacks to get you through the rest of the summer!

1. Apple Cookies are an easy snack that will satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth without spoiling their appetite!

2. Teddy Bear Toast. This toast is adorable and kids can make it themselves! Now that is the perfect snack.

3. Peanut Butter Snails. They’re cute and healthy!

4. DIY “Go Gurt”  These are filled with healthy fruit and they’re refreshing on a hot summer day! To make these, you need these zipzicle bags.

5. Chocolate Dipped Almond Butter Banana Bites

6. Cucumber Bites. This is a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies!

7. No Bake Monster Cookie Energy Bites. The M&M’s will entice them, but little do they know these cookies are packed with plenty of healthy ingredients!

8. Backyard Bug Snacks. Adorable and healthy. What more could you ask for in a snack?

9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls. This is probably the only sushi the kids will actually eat. It’s a fun twist on a classic PB&J!

10. Strawberry Mice. Look how cute these mice are!

11. Strawberry Banana Popsicles. These only contain three ingredients, so they are wayyyyy healthier than store bought popsicles! You’ll also need popsicle molds as well!

12. Whole wheat goldfish crackers.

13. Healthy Fishbowl Treats. I see this as a healthier version of a frosted sugar cookie. Yum!

14. Cheese and Apple Pirate Ships

This recipe is from a post about having a Peter Pan themed party, but this snack would be fun for any occasion!

For the next two recipes, you’ll need wooden skewers.

15. Lunchbox Kabobs are perfect for when they get tired of sandwiches!

16. Grape Poppers: As fun to make as they are to eat!

These snacks look so good that I might want some for myself! Happy summer snacking!

The post 16 Healthy Kids Snacks appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Although I do feel like it is my personal mission to spoil my grandchildren, I also want to support their mom in her desire to be healthy. There is a time for spoiling with sugary treats but I also don’t want my sweet grandchildren to get sick from too many goodies. So a fun thing for me to do is to have a treat that’s fun to make AND is also healthy!

This activity works best with children within the ages of 3-5 or so. The activity is simple which is to start with a toasted piece of bread:

And then show the next picture and ask, “What is different about this piece of bread?” Most likely kids will yell “It has peanut butter!” Right! Let’s spread some peanut butter on our toast.

Next, show them this picture:

Oh my! What has been added to the toast? Bananas! Kids LOVE being able to notice what is different. Help the kids cut a banana (have a safe knife) and place them on their toast. Now comes our next picture:

Uh oh! What do we need to do next? Put on the raisins! Allow the kids to place raisins for the eyes and nose. You then could ask them, are we done? And then show them the last picture:

We can’t eat peanut butter toast without some milk! Give your kids a cup of milk to eat with their toast and then have fun as you watch them eat the ears, eyes and nose. They love it!

I love doing interactive activities with my grandkids and this one is a favorite! Another favorite is these Reindeer Sandwiches from our sister site, Made From Pinterest. Check it out!

Until next time,

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When I first saw this recipe over on Household Almanac, I knew we had to give them a try because my little minions love the sweet and sour combo. The stronger the pucker, the better!

We had a debate over which flavor was the winner, the Green Apple or the Watermelon Candied Grapes. Personally, I preferred the green apple because of how sour it was but the watermelon flavor with the red grapes was a winner as well. Look around the Jello section at your store and try out the flavors that look fun to you!
Candied Grapes

Green or Red grapes

1 box of Green Apple Jello or Watermelon Jello

1. Wash grapes in a colander and allow to drain. Pour jello powder onto a plate and roll the damp grapes around in the powder until coated with the powder. Refrigerate for 1 hour to let the coating set and serve cold.

If you liked this recipe feel free to follow me at My Kitchen Escapades or one of my social media channels (Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter)!

Other recipes you might enjoy from My Kitchen Escapades:

Chicken Parmesan

Pork Carnitas

Caramel Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

This awesome post has been shared with Homestories A to Z and Whipperberry.

The post Candied Grapes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s Hot.

The kids want a cool yummy snack.

You want them to eat something healthy.

DIY Yogurt To Go will make everyone happy! (I got these awesome re-usable Zipzicle bags from Amazon for a steal! $8.99 for 36! Here is an affiliate link that will take you to them: https://amzn.to/1dxTo6N)

Instead of a sugar filled popsicle or slushy, you can hand your kids a frozen snack that is packed full of healthy fruit. You only need three ingredients to make them and I promise everyone will gobble them up. Go crazy and mix several fruits together to make a multi flavored  DIY Yogurt To Go.

They seriously take no time at all and another great thing about them is that they are portable!  Throw them in a cooler, and you have a great healthy snack for your kiddos!  Look at the beautiful colors of these To Go Yogurts instead of the dyed colors of the store bought kind.  This is a snack that you can feel good about giving to your family.  So here we go with the recipe!

Print

DIY Yogurt To Go

Course Snack

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups of vanilla yogurt. I did not use greek yogurt.
• 2 cups of the desired fruit
• 1/4 cup of sweetener. This can be honey agave or sugar. Given the small amount of sugar and spreading it out over 6-8 yogurts, I feel like these are still much lower in sugar than the store bought brand.
• Zipsicle plastic containers. You can purchase some here: https://amzn.to/1dxTo6N affiliate link

Instructions

• In a blender, blend together your fruit and the yogurt. How much yogurt you use depends on how many individual yogurts you will yield. I put in around 1 and 1/2 cups of yogurt and got 7-8 individual yogurts.
• After blending these two ingredients, blend in your sweetener. Or you can also omit this step and just use the fruit and yogurt.
• Pour into the popsicle containers to the "fill line" as they will expand when frozen. I was going to use a funnel but instead just pinched the opening wide and poured the mixture right in.
• Freeze until hard and ready to serve.

This Pin from Make The Best of Everything is a winner!

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Some more “cool” snacks!

Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles

Lemon Ice Box Pies

Ice Cream Dream Cake

This awesome post has been shared with Homestories A to Z and Whipperberry.

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I wanted to prepare a super crunchy and flavorful snack. But the main idea was to be healthy, too. The first thing that popped into my mind was Chickpeas. I have some great recipes for roasted chickpeas that I want to share with you. Tested in my kitchen and family-approved, of course.

What are Chickpeas?

Some of you may not know what Chickpeas are. They look like Garbanzo beans, and this is what they are. Chickpeas are gluten-free, vegan, rich in plant-based protein and fiber.

First, let me tell you more about chickpeas and the health benefits they provide.

Roasted chickpeas recipes for the perfect gluten-free and nutritious snacks

If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, a grain-free diet is essential. 

In addition to this, if you are vegetarian or avoid gluten, these are great for you. Don’t have any food restrictions? You will love these recipes for their satisfying flavor.

Protein is essential for the human body. One cup of cooked chickpeas equates to a single serving of plant-based protein. And there is more! Chickpeas are a great source of folate, B group vitamins, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. What an easy, affordable way to get the protein and fiber you need each day!

Try to cut down on meat consumption? Make some dishes of chickpeas. Besides, it adds a significant amount of protein to your diet.

Make healthier food choices

First, if you want to lose weight you are probably advised to eat fiber-rich foods. The reason is they tend to be low in calories and high in nutrients. What is more, fibers make you feel full for longer. The protein content in cooked chickpeas is around 7.25 g per ½ cup. Being a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they offer lots of health benefits.

Also, eating fiber helps to lower cholesterol and minimizes cravings, which is useful when trying to lose weight.

Healthy snacking is key to maintaining your ideal weight. Sadly, unhealthy snacks such as chips and cookies tend to be easily accessible with little prep required. In other words, it makes certain less-than-healthy foods more appealing to busy, on-the-go people. Healthy, homemade snacks are for everyone! These recipes will be viable for you, even if you have a busy schedule.

Adult and seniors’ eating habits depend on the foods that you eat as a child. That is why healthy eating is crucial during childhood! Helping your grandkids develop healthy eating habits is very important.

Kids, in particular, tend to prefer bright colors. Fruits and veggies added to the chickpeas will help keep snack time appealing! A bit of creativity can go a long way in the kitchen!

Healthy food substitutions with chickpeas

• Replacement for bread crumbs – it makes an excellent gluten-free alternative. 
• Replace nuts for people with nut allergies.
• Replace croutons on soups – it will add body and crunchiness.

Salads make for a healthy, easy-to-prepare snack. You can use any ingredients you have on hand. For example, try adding lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, even a bit of chicken or cheese.

Also, salads make a pack-and-go snack that you can take along to work or school. Sprinkle some roasted chickpeas on top for extra crunchiness and nutty flavor.

The well-known hummus is a dip made of chickpeas and sesame paste or tahini. Eat it with a slice of bread or crackers. Actually, 2 tablespoons of the hummus on the bread or crackers average 100 calories. You can add hummus to a sandwich for a protein-rich alternative to butter.

Furthermore, to make healthy food choices you need to swap some ingredients for others. Use chickpeas to replace some or all the meat in soups and stews. Add them to a vegetable soup or stew to add nutrients.

For example, make hummus, which can be a dip or spread for your sandwiches. Falafel is mashed chickpeas with cumin, garlic, chili, and coriander. Separate the mixture into small balls and fry them until they are crisp.

You can make these with lots of flavors, but I couldn’t decide on just one flavor, so I decided that I would try six!

Holy Moly!  These are absolutely my newest favorite snack food!

Are you going vegan?

It means getting rid of meat, dairy, and all animal products in your meal plan. Going vegan may be an opportunity to maintain healthy eating habits and stay fit in every stage of your life. 

If you think of becoming a vegan, you should consider including chickpeas in your diet. It is a great way to gain more protein and fiber. Why not try it for a month? You could start with removing meat and dairy one day a week and substitute them with nuts, chickpeas, tofu, or other healthy alternatives. 

Add chickpeas to your everyday meals

Chickpeas will add some extra plant-based protein to your salad, soup, or stew. In fact, it is a type of carb that you can use in your low-calorie diet.

What is more, chickpeas are an excellent replacement for meat because of their nourishing taste. Aim to swap at least three times a week. Certainly, they add body to the soup, as well as protein and fiber.

Enjoy them in hummus, pasta dishes, salads, or roasted in a hot oven for a high-protein snack.

Want another type of carb that is different from rice and potatoes? Chickpeas are worth trying. Definitely, it is a way to make nutritious and healthy meals.

Your Grandkids will love roasted chickpeas

Salty or sweet – your grandkids will enjoy eating these like popcorn. They are even more addictive than potato chips.

Surely, this healthy kid-friendly snack will be the new favorite! Besides, you can use the leftovers in a veggie-filled sandwich or a wrap to add some extra crunchiness. Try some hummus instead of butter? It is going to be one satisfying and nutritious meal! Plus, it’s great for school snacks, too.

Make the best crispy roasted chickpeas recipe

First, cooking at home is a smart choice. Also, it is the way to avoid saturated fat, added sugar, and extra sodium. The main challenge is to make chickpeas stay crispy.

Without a doubt, there are lots of flavors that go together with them. I couldn’t decide on just one flavor. That’s right, I decided to try six!

Oh my Gosh! These are my newest favorite snack food!

In fact, they were SO easy to make and took no time at all. And wait for the best part! I had most of the ingredients I needed in my kitchen cupboards. Indeed, no fancy ingredients, no fuss. Just perfectly roasted chickpeas.

They were all super yummy, but my absolute favorite was the ranch flavor.

Not joking, I could munch on these all day. And I did. Surely, they are satisfying enough when you want a little something crunchy to eat! Moreover, these are perfect for eating while watching a movie.

Well, let’s get on to the recipes so that you can enjoy some, too! 

I’m sure they will turn you into a chickpea lover!

Print

Roasted Chickpeas Recipe

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 2 14-15 oz cans of chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans
• 2 TBL olive oil can also use coconut oil

Honey Cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 TBL granulated sugar
• 2 TBL honey

Sesame Seed

• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 TBL sesame seeds

Garlic

• 1-2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Spicy

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

BBQ

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tsp brown sugar

Ranch

• ¼ Cup Black Pepper
• 1½ Cup Parsley Flakes
• ½ Cup Garlic Salt
• 2 TBL Kosher Salt
• ¼ Cup Granulated Garlic
• ¾ Cup Granulated Onion
• 2 TBL Dill Weed
• This seasoning mix is used to make homemade ranch dressing. You can find the whole recipe HERE. It does contain some dairy products. You can reduce the amounts for the chickpeas recipe or make the whole recipe. It is the way to stay fresh in your fridge for months.

Instructions

• Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Remove any loose skins off of the beans. There is no need to be all of them. Remove the super loose ones.
• On a paper towel or towel, spread your beans and let them dry. I dried mine for about 1/2 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a cookie sheet with either foil or parchment paper.
• Evenly spread your dried beans on a cookie sheet.
• Bake for40-60 minutes. It will all depend on your oven. Check after 40 minutes if they are crunchy, then they are ready. If they are soggy, cook a little longer, but watch, to prevent them from burning.
• After baking, transfer to a bowl and mix with the 2 TBL olive oil or coconut oil.
• Then spread the seasonings of the flavor you are using and mix well.
• After coating with the honey cinnamon flavor, you can put the beans back into the oven for 5minutes. It will allow them to caramelize.
• With the ranch recipe, mix 2-3 tsp of the whole mix into your baked chickpeas and refrigerate the rest for other recipes.
• Yummy!

Helpful tips

1. To achieve the crunchy texture you are after, you have to remove the outer skin from the chickpea. Otherwise, the result will be chewy chickpeas, not crunchy.
2. Actually, if you use canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them in water before use. It is a way to reduce the quantity of sodium.  
3. Spread chickpeas on a towel and dry them.
4. Surely, the cooked chickpeas will last for 2-3 days stored in an airtight container in a fridge.
5. Add spices after roasting the chickpeas.
6. Keep the cooking water or the water from the can (if you use canned chickpeas). It is called Aquafaba and is known as the perfect egg replacer.
7. Also, chickpeas have to be spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. 
8. You can cook the chickpeas in an instant pot, slow-cooker, or on a stove-top.
9. Experiment to find your favorite combination of spices!

These roasted chickpeas recipes are:

• Super crunchy
• Flavorful and filling
• Perfect movie night snack
• Late-night snack
• Gluten-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Low-calorie snack
• Rich in fiber and protein
• So easy to make

The bottom line

In conclusion, chickpeas are a nutritious and healthy food to incorporate into your diet. Not only it packs a lot of plant-based protein, but also fiber to help you maintain healthy body weight.

Want to change your usual meal plan? Chickpeas will help you add texture and body to your dishes. What is more, add some crunchiness to your salad or sandwich and provide your meals with healthy nutrients.

In short, pick your favorite flavor from these six recipes and give it a try. It is sure to be a kid favorite that adults will crave, too.

Are you looking for other easy healthy snack recipes? Check out these recipes:

• Fresh Falafel Balls
• Cucumber Tomato Chickpea Salad
• Cold Rice Salad
• Easy Healthy Snack
• Healthy Slumber Party Snacks

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