Let kids enjoy Thanksgiving by making some of their own snacks.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without plenty of flavor: pies, turkey, seasonal root veggies like potatoes and sweet potatoes and cranberries sweep in for the annual food-centered holiday. Provide some of those crave-worthy seasonal favorites with an appetizing twist for kids. These nutritious, light and colorful snacks can be served in small cups and bowls to keep the calorie count appropriate for a snack-size portion.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Joy Bauer, "America's favorite nutritionist," suggests a pumpkin pie pudding for a low calorie, high protein, high vitamin A snack. To make creamy pumpkin pie pudding, combine 6-oz. of non-fat vanilla yogurt with 1/2 cup canned 100 percent pumpkin puree and a few dashes of cinnamon. Freezing the yogurt beforehand can turn the creation into a treat more like ice cream, making it even more refreshing.
Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes have plenty of Vitamin A, C and calcium while their flavor often makes them a favorite with kids. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves can be added for some spices similar to pumpkin pie to warm up any chilly November day. Melting a small dollop of butter, trans fat-free margarine or fat-free sour cream complements the flavors.
Apple-Cranberry Pie Substitute
Homemade apple-cranberry sauce mixes the tartness of cranberries with a childhood favorite. Turn the snack into an alternative for apple pie by replacing a fat-laden crust with a sprinkle of graham cracker pie crumbs for crunch and texture. Any kind of apple is great for applesauce. Simmer 3 to 4 lbs. of cubed apples, 1 1/2 cup cranberries, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon and an equal mixture of brown and white sugar to taste. Bring to a boil and then simmer covered on low for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve steaming dishes of applesauce with a dollop of frozen yogurt or whipped topping.
Sweet Potato Chips
Traditional potato chips may be salty and delicious...but they are also fried. Make your own seasonal version by slicing sweet potatoes evenly and thinly. Spray lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and lime. Bake at 400 degrees for a little over 20 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Turkey Roll-Ups
Turkey leftovers often surround Thanksgiving day celebrations. Enlist the kids to help eat them up with turkey roll-ups. Mix an 8-oz. package of cream cheese with 1/2 cup reduced fat mayo and 1/4 tsp. each of dried basil, dried oregano, dill weed and garlic powder. Spread a small amount on a warmed flour tortilla, and sprinkle shredded turkey on top. Include lettuce or onion if desired before rolling the wrap and cutting it into bite-size pieces.
Tags: sweet potatoes, pumpkin pudding
