Healthy Summer Snacks for Kids

Alicia Jerome with Market Street shares some healthy summer snack ideas that kids will love.
 

Make Ahead Snack Buffet – Muffin Tin

Mini muffin tin
Favorite bite sized snacks: cheese cubes, raisins, dried cranberries/blueberries, low sugar cereal, canned pineapple tidbits (in own juice), canned peach bites (in own juice), shredded coconut, kiwi, mini chocolate chips, mini crackers, hardboiled egg slices, carrot coins, deli meats, shredded chicken, etc.

Place a single ingredient in each muffin well and serve immediately or make ahead, cover and serve whenever the munchies strike.

Crafty Snack – Watermelon Pizza

1 watermelon, about 8-10” round
1 cup strawberry preserves
Favorite toppings: raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, white or dark chocolate chips, kiwi, bananas, etc

Cut the watermelon into 1 in thick sliced rounds. Pat dry with a paper towel and place on a platter (or for fun get a pizza box).

Cut the watermelon into 6 wedges to resemble a pizza.

Spread the preserves over the watermelon round and let kids top with their favorite toppings. Use shredded coconut to look like shredded cheese.

Make Ahead Frozen Snack – Strawberry & Cream Pops

1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup white grape juice
10 oz strawberries, frozen or fresh, whole or sliced
2 tablespoons honey

Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Portion 1/2 cup of mixture into each of 8 popsicle molds (or paper cups and popsicle sticks). Tap the molds to eliminate air bubbles.

Freeze the popsicles for at least 2 hours or frozen throughout.

Quick Frozen Snack – Berry Fluff

1 cup frozen berries
1/4 cup of whey protein (vanilla or berry flavored)
1/8 cup of milk (any kind)
1-2 teaspoons of honey, agave or a few drops of liquid stevia (Optional)

Combine everything in a bowl and blend with a hand mixer until combined.

Turn the mixer on high and blend for 4-5 minutes until mixture “fluffs up”.

Enjoy!