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Easy Healthy School Snack: Pumpkin Packed Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Fall is in the air! Back to school for our kiddos. Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice everything.

Baking always makes comforts me in the busyness of life, and I wanted to make something healthy for my kids for a quick grab and go for school mornings.
My kids do not like to eat breakfast on school days. Argh. 
But who could refuse some bite-sized chocolatey-chip stuffed pumpkin mini muffins?

Aiming to go for a win-win.  Eating breakfast and eating healthy. 
Making sure that the little bit of breakfast they might pop into their mouths are packed with brain-food goodness!

To begin with...
- Dark chocolate and walnuts are both good brain food! 
- Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and good for gut health. 
- Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids which is good for brain development, and is also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium.
- Pumpkin puree is packed with potassium to lower blood pressure, high in antioxidants and Vitamin C to help fight diseases and build immunities, and Vitamin A for eye health!

You are welcome to check out the recipe below.

This mama needs it too!
What do you like to make for back-to-school snacks?

  

Pumpkin Packed Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

COMBO ONE:
1 can pumpkin puree

½ cup melted coconut oil

1 egg

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda 

2 teaspoon milk

 

COMBO TWO:

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon of each nutmeg, ground ginger, fine sea salt 

 

COMBO THREE:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips

1 cup crushed walnuts

 

Easy Steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 24 mini-muffin pan.  

Step 2: Combine “COMBO ONE” ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine “COMBO TWO” in another bowl.

Step 4: Add combo two into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently.

Step 5: Gentle add in “COMBO THREE”. Do not over mix.

Step 6: Use two teaspoons to scoop and drop mixture into each of the greased mini-muffin cups. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are golden and toothpick comes out clean.

 

Let the pan cool for about five minutes before removing on to a rack. Then enjoy!

 Warm Smiles,

Elaine

 

As a parent, it can be challenging to find healthy snacks that your preschooler will enjoy. With so many processed and sugary options available, it's important to provide nutritious alternatives that will keep your child energized throughout the day. Here are five easy and healthy homemade snacks that your preschooler will love:

1. Fruit Kabobs

One of the simplest and most fun snacks for preschoolers is fruit kabobs. Simply chop up a variety of colorful fruits such as strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon into bite-sized pieces. Thread the fruit onto skewers and serve them as a colorful and tasty snack. This snack is not only visually appealing but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus

Another great option is veggie sticks with hummus. Slice up crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into sticks. Pair them with a creamy and nutritious hummus dip. Hummus is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling and healthy snack for your little one. This snack is a great way to introduce your preschooler to different vegetables and encourage them to eat more greens.

3. Yogurt Parfait

A yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious snack that your preschooler will enjoy. Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola or crushed nuts for added texture. Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, while berries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. This snack is not only tasty but also helps to support your child's growth and development.

4. Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is a versatile and portable snack that is perfect for preschoolers. Create your own mix by combining a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and whole-grain cereal. This snack provides a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, keeping your child satisfied between meals. Also, it is easy and fun to eat! Be mindful of any allergies and choose ingredients accordingly.

5. Mini Whole Wheat Pizzas

Who doesn't love pizza? Create a healthier version by making mini whole wheat pizzas at home. Use whole wheat pita bread or English muffins as the base, and top them with tomato sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and a variety of colorful veggies. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This snack provides a good source of fiber and essential nutrients while satisfying your child's pizza cravings.

With these five healthy homemade snacks, you can ensure that your preschooler gets the nutrition they need while enjoying tasty treats. Remember to involve your child in the preparation process, as this can help them develop a positive relationship with food and encourage them to try new things. Happy snacking!

Warmly,

Top photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

Dinner time at the family table is an important moment to connect with your loved ones after a long day. However, it can be challenging to make it fun and engaging for everyone. Here are some tips to make dinner time more enjoyable and memorable:

Get the kids involved in meal planning

One way to make dinner time more exciting is to involve your kids in the meal planning process. Ask them what they would like to eat and let them help you choose the ingredients. This will make them feel more invested in the meal and excited to see the final result.

Encourage conversation

Dinner time is a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your family. In fact, it is one of the best reasons to eat dinner together, screen-free. Ask open-ended questions about your child(ren)'s day and listen to their answers. This will help you connect with your loved ones and create a stronger bond.

My favorite question to ask my (school-aged) kids is, "What did you do at lunch today?" Their answer tells me which friends they are hanging out with, and if they are having fun at school. They also remember this information more readily than what they did in class!

Make the table setting special

A beautifully set table can make dinner time feel more special and festive. Use colorful plates, napkins, and tablecloths to create a cheerful atmosphere. You can also add some fresh flowers or candles to the table to make it more inviting.

Play some dinner games

Playing games during dinner time can be a fun way to bond with your family and create some laughter. Try games like "I Spy" or "20 Questions" to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Have a theme night

Choose a theme for dinner and decorate the table accordingly. For example, you could have a Mexican night and serve tacos and margaritas. This will make dinner time more exciting and give your family something to look forward to.

Make cooking a family activity

Get your family involved in the cooking process by assigning tasks to each person. This will make dinner time more interactive and fun. You can also try new recipes together and experiment with different flavors.

Make dessert special

End dinner time on a sweet note by making a special dessert. You can try a new recipe or make a family favorite. This will give your family something to look forward to and make dinner time more memorable.

With these tips, you can make dinner time at the family table fun and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to be creative and have fun!

Warmly,

As parents, we all know the struggle of trying to find healthy and tasty lunch options for our kids. But what if we could empower our children to make their own lunches? Not only would give them a sense of independence, but it would also ensure they are eating something they enjoy. Here are 5 easy lunches that kids can make themselves:

(note: I recommend tortillas because they are easy and fun to work with, but two pieces of bread can always be substituted.)

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap

A peanut butter and banana wrap is a classic lunch option that is both delicious and easy to make. All your child needs is a tortilla, some peanut butter, and a banana. Have them spread the peanut butter onto the tortilla, slice the banana, and then roll it all up. This is a great option for kids who love the combination of peanut butter and banana.

2. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Ham and cheese roll-ups are another simple lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some sliced ham, cheese, and a tortilla. Have them place the ham and cheese onto the tortilla, roll it up, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces. This is a great option for kids who love savory flavors.

3. Greek Yogurt Parfait

A Greek yogurt parfait is a healthy and delicious lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit. Have them layer the Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit in a jar or cup. This is a great option for kids who love sweet and tangy flavors.

4. Turkey and Cheese Kabobs

Turkey and cheese kabobs are a fun and easy lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some sliced turkey, cheese, and skewers. Have them alternate between threading the turkey and cheese onto the skewers. This is a great option for kids who love finger foods.

5. Hummus and Veggie Wrap

A hummus and veggie wrap is a healthy and tasty lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is a tortilla, some hummus, and their favorite veggies. Have them spread the hummus onto the tortilla, add their veggies, and then roll it all up. This is a great option for kids who love veggies.

These 5 easy lunch options are perfect for kids who want to take control of their own meals. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also healthy and delicious. Encourage your child to try making these lunches themselves and see how proud they are of their culinary skills!

Warmly,

Top: Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash

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