Festive Treats
The festive season is often associated with indulgent foods and treats. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying special foods during celebrations, it's also a great opportunity to involve children in creating healthier festive treats that are both nutritious and fun.
Why Cook with Kids?
Cooking with children offers numerous benefits:
- Develops fine motor skills through measuring, mixing, and decorating
- Introduces basic math concepts through measuring ingredients
- Encourages trying new foods
- Teaches food safety and hygiene
- Creates lasting memories and family traditions
Healthy Festive Treat Ideas
Here are some festive treats that are healthier alternatives to traditional holiday sweets:
1. Fruit Christmas Trees
Ingredients:
- Kiwi fruit, sliced into rounds
- Strawberries, halved
- Blueberries
- Seedless grapes
- Banana slices
- Wooden skewers
Method:
- Thread the fruit onto skewers in descending size order to create a tree shape
- Start with larger kiwi slices at the bottom, working up to a strawberry "star" on top
- Arrange on a plate to serve
2. Snowman Banana Pops
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Greek yogurt
- Dark chocolate chips
- Orange segments
- Wooden lolly sticks
Method:
- Cut bananas into 2-inch chunks
- Insert a lolly stick into each piece
- Dip in Greek yogurt and freeze until solid
- Use chocolate chips for eyes and buttons
- Add a small orange segment for the nose
3. Reindeer Celery Snacks
Ingredients:
- Celery sticks
- Nut butter or cream cheese
- Pretzel sticks
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Cherry tomatoes
Method:
- Fill celery sticks with nut butter or cream cheese
- Add pretzel "antlers" at one end
- Use raisins for eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose
4. Festive Veggie Platter
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips (red and green)
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Carrot sticks
- Hummus or yogurt dip
Method:
- Arrange vegetables in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter
- Use cherry tomatoes as "baubles"
- Place a yellow bell pepper star on top
- Serve with healthy dips
Making It Active
Turn treat-making into an active experience:
- Have a "dance break" while waiting for treats to chill
- Play "Simon Says" with cooking actions
- Create an obstacle course between different preparation stations
- Do jumping jacks while counting ingredients
Conclusion
Creating healthier festive treats with children combines the joy of holiday traditions with valuable learning experiences. It's a wonderful way to spend quality time together while subtly encouraging healthier food choices during a season that's often dominated by sugar and excess.
What are your favorite healthy festive treats to make with children? Share your recipes and ideas in the comments below!