|
Snack foods can easily become a large portion of your
grocery bill. Plus, they are loaded with sodium and preservatives.
Instead make your own and keep some of your hard-earned money!
Frugal Nutritious Snacks for Children
by Cyndi Roberts
Lately, there has been a lot in the news concerning obesity in America. And
not just in adults--our
children are over-weight, also.
It's not surprising, considering the advertising dollars that are spent each
year aimed at persuading
children that potato chips, candy bars and other "junk food" are good
for them.
While we may not be able to change the world, we can change what is available to
our children in our own homes.
Here are a few healthy alternatives to those fat and sugar laden
"store-bought" snacks.
Peanut Butter Balls
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup toasted wheat germ
1 tablespoons powdered milk
Mix ingredients well, shape into balls. Roll in
coconut if desired. Store in refrigerator.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a great snack food. It is a good source
of fiber and low in calories--until you add toppings.
Don't add salt, but try sprinkling grated Parmesan or
American cheese on top.
Zipper top bags of popcorn are handy for taking along
on picnics and other outings.
Honey "Cracker Jacks"
6 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts
Melt honey and butter in microwave until melted and
blended. Let cool. Mix peanuts and popcorn; pour
honey mixture over and stir till coated. Spread in
single layer in shallow baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes. Stir several
times during baking. Watch closely so it doesn't burn.
Store in airtight container.
Apricot Nectar
Soak 1/2 cup dried apricots in 2 cups of pineapple juice
for about 1 hour.
Process in blender till smooth.
Fruity Soda Drink
Combine equal amounts of carbonated water with fruit juice.
Sweeten with honey, if desired.
Banana Smoothie
1 1/4 cups milk
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Process in blender till smooth. This is a good
way to use up bananas.
With summer coming up, frozen snacks will be on our grocery
lists. Why not try these alternatives?
Homemade Frozen Pops
1 6-oz. can frozen juice concentrate, softened
(try orange, grape, or fruit punch)
1 juice can water
2 containers of plain yogurt
popsicle sticks and cups
Process in blender. Pour into cups and insert sticks.Freeze.
Small paper cups work pretty well as molds for
these recipes.
Make Your Own Pudding Pops
1 small pkg. instant pudding mix--any flavor
1 3/4 cup lowfat milk
Mix as directed on package. Once again, pour into molds
and add sticks. Freeze.
These ideas should help feed those hungry kids on those
warm spring and summer days!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Is it any mistake that "STRESSED" is "DESSERTS"
spelled backward?
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another"
bi-weekly newsletter, bringing you creative, practical tips
to help you with budgeting, cooking, shopping, parenting
and much more as you strive to "live the Good Life...
on a budget". To subscribe visit the
"1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" website at
http://www.cynroberts.com
Recommended Frugal Reading
Living On A Dime is known as one of the very best resources of its kind to help you get out of debt without depriving yourself.
|
