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Festive Treats

November 25, 2020
Emma Seymour
Festive Treats

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:

  1. Thread the fruit onto skewers in descending size order to create a tree shape
  2. Start with larger kiwi slices at the bottom, working up to a strawberry "star" on top
  3. Arrange on a plate to serve

2. Snowman Banana Pops

Ingredients:

  • Bananas
  • Greek yogurt
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Orange segments
  • Wooden lolly sticks

Method:

  1. Cut bananas into 2-inch chunks
  2. Insert a lolly stick into each piece
  3. Dip in Greek yogurt and freeze until solid
  4. Use chocolate chips for eyes and buttons
  5. 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:

  1. Fill celery sticks with nut butter or cream cheese
  2. Add pretzel "antlers" at one end
  3. 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:

  1. Arrange vegetables in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter
  2. Use cherry tomatoes as "baubles"
  3. Place a yellow bell pepper star on top
  4. 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!