Cocoa Chewies

By Hklbrries

Tired of spending money on over-packaged, individual kids’ snacks? Make your own. Or better yet, have the kids make their own. Forget the machines and mixers—your kids will get even more of a thrill whipping up fun snacks using only a single bowl and their hands.

These easy-to-pack balls can go anywhere, from school lunches to soccer practice. They’re best really cold and will keep up to a week sealed in a zip-top plastic bag stored in the refrigerator. And best of all, you’ll feel good knowing that your kids are noshing on nutritious snacks.

So grab a bowl, call the kids, and crunch, mash and roll away. From coconut to peanut butter to chocolate, there’s a flavor for everyone.

Customize these snacks by mixing and matching your kid’s favorite foods. Add Cocoa Puffs in place of Rice Krispies or peanuts in place of cashews. In addition, toss in any of these nutritious extras:

Sesame seeds add a soul-satisfying crunch. These little powerhouses boast more protein than any nut, as much iron as liver, plus vitamin E, phosphorus, niacin and thiamin.

Sunflower seeds burst with plentiful vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. And kids love to crunch on them.

Dried cranberries, cherries, raisins or dried fruit bits add natural sweetness, fiber, potassium and a satisfying chew.

Whole grain cereals add crispy crunch plus fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Nut butters are high in monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E, interchangeable and rich in flavor—try peanut, sesame, soy nut or cashew and almond butters

Ingredients

• 1 ⁄3 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup currants or raisins
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)

Details

Servings 12
Adapted from relishmag.com

Preparation

Step 1

Combine tahini, cocoa and honey with fork. Add currants, chocolate chips and rice cereal, stirring until well combined. With oiled hands, form 3⁄4-inch balls. Freeze at least 15 minutes.


Nutrition Information:
Per serving
95 calories
4.5g fat
0 mg cholesterol
1 g protein
12 g carbohydrates
0 g fiber
27 mg sodium