Little chefs: healthy treats the kids can make and then munch

Two surefire ways to get the little ones into the kitchen.

Spinneys

Author

Having children in the kitchen means messy moments but there are many benefits: they get familiar with the idea of cooking and cleaning up as well as the concept of teamwork, they begin to understand what foods are good for them, and most importantly, at the end of the activity, they can tuck into their treats.

As much as you’d like to spend the weekend holed up in your room doing the things you enjoy — perhaps catching up on your favourite TV show or scrolling your Instagram feed — it would be a great idea to gather the family and whip up some healthy treats. Here are two to try this weekend.

Banana bites

Banana is layered with peanut butter and then dunked in chocolate, so this is something that will definitely keep your kids happy. While making this dessert, they learn how to handle fruits — whether it is washing, peeling or slicing — and they get to practice their hand-eye coordination.

Instructions:

Slice bananas and freeze them for 30 minutes on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Spread peanut butter on a slice of banana and top it with another slice to create banana sandwiches. Freeze for another 30 minutes. This step can be omitted for children who are allergic to nuts.
Melt dark chocolate using the double-boiler method.
Add coconut oil to the chocolate (1 tbsp for every 1/2 cup of melted chocolate).
Allow it to cool a little and then using tongs or a spoon, dip the banana sandwiches into the melted chocolate mixture till it’s completely coated.
Place the chocolate-coated sandwiches on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes.
Bring to room temperature before serving.

Note: Younger children could use ice cream sticks and fruits with a firmer texture.

Variations

For something indulgent and zesty: Pair contrasting flavours like chocolate and orange or chocolate with pineapple. Top with almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. The best part: you don’t need to bring out a knife or blender. Ask the children to crush the nuts with a rolling pin instead.

For something creamy and sweet: Let your little chefs dip raspberries in yoghurt and freeze it until it sets. Next, swirl it in melted chocolate and freeze it for another 20 minutes. Serve at room temperature.

There are no rules here - you can use whole fruits or slice them. Dip them in dark chocolate but don't be shy to drizzle some white chocolate. Sprinkle seeds like sunflower, hemp or chia that are rich in nutrients.

There are no rules here - you can use whole fruits or slice them. Dip them in dark chocolate but don't be shy to drizzle some white chocolate. Sprinkle seeds like sunflower, hemp or chia that are rich in nutrients.

There are no rules here - you can use whole fruits or slice them. Dip them in dark chocolate but don't be shy to drizzle some white chocolate. Sprinkle seeds like sunflower, hemp or chia that are rich in nutrients.

Frozen yogurt bark

Swap bars of milk or white chocolate for barks of frozen yogurt topped with fruits and nuts. The secret to making this recipe a real success is to let siblings create one for each other. They can wrap it with parchment paper and ribbon and surprise each other with their creations (while your heart swells with pride). This frozen treat gives them an introduction to flavour pairings as they get a chance to pick and choose ingredients they think go well together.

Definitely delicious but full of antioxidants, fibre and probiotics too!

Amp up the treat with flavoured Greek yogurt.

Instructions:

In a bowl add Greek yogurt and honey. Mix well
Line a tray with parchment paper.
Spread the yogurt on the paper ensuring it isn’t too thin else the bark will crumble.
Add desired toppings like chopped fresh fruits, nuts, granola, coconut flakes or dried fruits.
Freeze for at least four hours.
Wrap in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon.
To serve: Break into pieces and eat immediately. To store: Place in an airtight container and freeze.