Please picky eaters with kid-friendly favorites

(ARA) - What’s the best way to get picky eaters to enjoy good-for-you foods? Get kids involved in preparing meals and snacks. Experts agree that when children lend a hand (or two) in meal preparation, they are much more likely to eat what they’re proud to have helped make.

One food that pleases even the pickiest of eaters is California Raisins. Raisins are a family-favorite snack and tasty addition to recipes that can help add to a child’s recommend fruit servings. Just 1/4 cup is a serving of fruit for adults and children older than 4 years, which make raisins a convenient and delicious way to add flavorful fruit to any recipe.

Start the day off right with a wholesome breakfast of whole grain pancakes with California Raisins and bananas topped with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup. The batter for these No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes is made in a zip-top bag and is easily mixed together by kids’ own hands, with the advantage of letting children have mess-free fun helping out in the kitchen.

Or, for a tasty treat the whole family will enjoy, bake up a batch of healthful Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies then have kids help squish low-fat ice cream between the cookies for a yummy ice cream sandwich. For even more fruit and fun, try rolling the edges of the ice cream sandwich in California Raisins.

For more delicious, kid-friendly and budget-wise recipe ideas, along with nutritional information, visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com.

No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup
Cost per serving: $.96
Makes four to six servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 10 minutes total

Pancake Ingredients:
1 large ripe banana
2 cups whole grain pancake mix
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup California Raisins
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cinnamon Raisin Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup California Raisins
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
Place banana in a large resealable bag and squeeze well to mash. Add remaining pancake ingredients; seal and squeeze to mix well. Snip a small corner off the bag and squeeze batter onto a large hot griddle coated with nonstick cooking spray to make circles or squiggles. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. For topping, combine ingredients in a small bowl; microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until warm.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cost per sandwich: $.51
Makes 18 ice cream sandwiches

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/4 cups California Raisins, divided
2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup heart healthy vegetable spread, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 quarts light vanilla ice cream or fat-free frozen yogurt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Measure flour, cinnamon, salt, soda, ginger and cloves into large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. Combine 3/4 cup raisins and hot water in food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Add spread, eggs and brown sugar and process until light. Turn into flour mixture and mix well. Stir in oats and remaining 1 1/2 cups raisins just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.

Spoon about 1/3 cup ice cream onto each of nine cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Moms Find Fun, Healthy Snacks That Help Fight Childhood Obesity

/PRNewswire/ -- A number of recent public research studies substantiate the rise in childhood obesity, the health risks in overweight children, and the questionable nutritional value of cereals and other foods kids consume. Yet one manufacturer -- Funky Monkey(TM) Snacks -- offers all natural, freeze-dried real fruit products that are not only fun and convenient for kids, but also provide most, if not all, of the daily fruit servings recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for kids.

The need for healthy snack foods that kids love to eat comes at a time of unprecedented concern over children's health. A recent report by the American Heart Association found that the arterial walls of children and teens who are obese or have high cholesterol are similar to that of an average 45-year-old. USA Today, in a June 2008 article, reported that 32% of all U.S. kids -- 23 million children -- are overweight.

Despite the warning signs, many foods commonly consumed by children are less than ideal. A 2008 study by Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity determined that children's breakfast cereals are significantly higher in calories, sugar and salt than an equal amount of adult cereal. In a recent University of Calgary study, researchers evaluated the nutritional claims of more than 350 food products marketed to children, finding that while 63% made health claims, 90% were of poor nutritional value.

Practical Fruit Alternative

By contrast, Funky Monkey Snacks contain no added sugar, preservatives, colors or flavors. The snacks are made using a proprietary freeze-drying process on whole slices and large pieces of fruit. The process, not used on any other snack available in the U.S., removes approximately 97 percent of the moisture content of the fruit, providing a crisp, crunchy texture, while retaining nearly all of the fruit's nutrients.

Funky Monkey Snacks are a healthier and more natural alternative to dried fruit or fruit snacks. Dried fruit does not preserve all the nutrients of fresh fruit, and fruit snacks often contain added sugars (including high-fructose corn syrup), colors, flavors and preservatives.

Scientists have learned that fruits and vegetables not only reduce obesity and improve a child's overall health but can also improve academic performance. Earlier this year, a study published in Canada's Journal of School Health, conducted by researchers at the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, showed that students with an increased fruit and vegetable intake and lower caloric intake of fat were significantly less likely to fail a standardized literacy assessment test.

A "Perfect Choice"

"Our goal for Funky Monkey Snacks is to finally give moms a delicious, organic, truly nutritious and go-anywhere snack that kids will actually enjoy," said Matt Herzog, President of Funky Monkey Snacks. "With the holidays fast approaching, it's more important than ever for parents to have healthy alternatives available amid the rush of activities. Funky Monkey Snacks are the perfect choice to have on hand."

Funky Monkey Snacks come in four varieties: Bananamon(R) (freeze-dried banana and cinnamon), Carnaval Mix(TM) (freeze-dried banana, pineapple, apple, papaya and raisins), Jivealime(R) (freeze-dried pineapple and lime juice), and Purple Funk(R) (freeze-dried banana and acai). Funky Monkey Snacks are available at SuperTarget, Whole Foods Market, Winn-Dixie, HyVee and other grocery stores, as well as through Amazon.com.

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Baking Cookies-An Afternoon Activity That Kids Love

(NAPSI)-Baking cookies with your kids and their friends is not only fun, it's a nice way to spend quality time together. Remember to take your time. Cooking with kids is as much about the process as it is about the end result. And, the end result in this case is a batch of holiday cookies that are as good to look at as they are to eat.

SNOWMAN AND TREE CUTOUT COOKIES

(Submitted by J. Gottfried from Ohio)

Prep time: 45 minutes

Bake Time: 7 to 8 minutes per batch

Makes: 3 to 4 dozen cookies

Dough

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter OR margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 egg

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting

2 ½ cups powdered sugar

¼ cup water

4 teaspoons meringue powder

¼ cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup

Green food coloring

Assorted decorations

¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

For dough, mix sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until dough is completely chilled.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Divide dough in half. Roll each half ¼-inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into snowman and tree shapes using cookie cutters. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until edges are light brown, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.

For frosting, beat sugar, water and meringue powder on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Add corn syrup; beat 1 minute longer.

Tint half of frosting with green food coloring. Frost cookies with green and white icing. Use melted chocolate to form snowmen's hats. Decorate and let stand until frosting sets.

Corn Syrup Tips

A question often asked is whether corn syrup serves any function in recipes besides sweetening?

Corn syrup serves different functions in different types of products and in recipes. It controls sugar crystallization in candy, prevents the formation of ice crystals in frozen desserts, enhances fresh fruit flavor in jams and preserves, sweetens and thickens relishes. Corn syrup balances sweet and sour flavor profiles, and is therefore an ingredient in many Asian dishes.

When brushed onto baked ham, barbecued meats, baked vegetables or fresh fruit, it is an ideal glaze. Corn syrup helps hold moisture and maintains freshness longer in baked goods. Karo can also be poured over waffles, hot cereal and pancakes. Enjoy most of your favorite Karo recipes with Karo Lite Syrup that has 33 percent fewer calories and no high fructose corn syrup. This new product makes it okay to indulge in that favorite holiday treat or find a new treat that you can make all year-round. For best results in candy and no-bake cereal bars, use original Karo Light or Dark Corn Syrup.

For more recipes and tips, visit www.karosyrup.com.

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Start Kids Cooking In The Garden

(NAPSI)-One way to increase kids’ interest in healthy eating is to start them growing nutritious foods in a garden.

Planting and growing vegetables, fruits and legumes, then using the fresh produce to create healthier meals, is a great way for families to spend fun, quality time together.

Mollie Katzen, author of Moosewood Cookbook, which was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame in 2007, has a few ideas parents can use to weave more nutritious foods like USA-grown peanuts and peanut butter into their kids’ diet. Kids love to eat most any food when it’s paired with peanut butter.

• Get kids off the couch and into a garden. Kids are more likely to eat fresh produce--fruits, vegetables and nuts--that they grow themselves.

• If you can’t grow your own garden, take children to a farmer’s market so they can meet the farmers and learn more about where food comes from.

• Grind your own peanut butter by putting peanuts and some peanut or vegetable oil in the blender. Augment it with fresh produce like apples and carrots. Or make a peanut dipping sauce for veggies like green beans and broccoli as a snack or appetizer. Or make a peanut butter smoothie with yogurt and honey. All these recipes provide much- needed nutrients for children and adults.

• Peanuts and peanut butter contribute more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients and can be part of a varied, balanced diet that promotes good health.

For more recipes, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.

Broccoli Dipped in Wonderful Peanut Sauce

1 bunch broccoli (1½ pounds)

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 cup hot water

2 to 3 tablespoons soy or tamari sauce

3 to 4 tablespoons sugar or light-colored honey

1½ teaspoons minced or crushed garlic

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

3 to 4 tablespoons finely minced cilantro

Salt and cayenne

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Trim and discard the tough stem end of the broccoli and slice the rest lengthwise into 6 to 8 hefty spears.

2. Lower the heat to a simmer and plunge in the broccoli for 2 minutes if you like your vegetables al dente, and for 3 minutes if you like them tender.

3. Drain in a colander and run the broccoli under cold running water. Drain thoroughly, then dry the broccoli by shaking it briskly and then patting it with paper towels. Seal in a zip-style plastic bag and store until use.

4. Place the peanut butter in a bowl. Add the hot water, and mash and stir patiently with a spoon or a small whisk until uniformly blended.

5. Stir in the remaining ingredients, adding salt and cayenne to taste, and mix well. Serve right away, surrounded by steamed broccoli of any temperature. (You can also cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.)

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Recipe from The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without by Mollie Katzen (Hyperion; 2007).