Cold Snacks

Finding healthy snacks for my boys is proving more difficult the older they get. Now that they know how tasty junk food can be, it's a challenge finding healthier alternatives that they are happy with. It is possible though, and we have some sure fire snacks that I can count on. So even when they see all the other children with their treats from the ice cream van, they are happy with the cold treats I make for them.

My boys love frozen fruit. Nearly any soft fruit that freezes well will do: mango, strawberries, grapes, bananas.

Frozen bananas was a snack I had growing up, and have passed the love onto my boys. They are so easy to make. Just peel ripe bananas and break in half if larger. Roll around in lemon juice (diluted if you like) to keep them from browning. Then wrap each one in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer bag in the freezer. When ready to eat, remove plastic wrap, and wrap the bottom of the banana with a small piece of paper towel to hold the banana while eating. You could stick a Popsicle stick in each one before freezing, but it's not necessary.

Frozen Fruit Pieces. With fruit like grapes, raspberries and blueberries, just rinse them. With larger fruits like mango and strawberries, cut into bite size pieces. Then spread the fruit onto a baking tray that will fit into your freezer, making sure that they aren't touching. I like to put my fruit on parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze for a couple of hours, then remove from the tray and put in a freezer bag. This way, you have nice bite-sized pieces of frozen fruit you can pull out as needed for snacks.