Fun Fruit Recipes By: Christine Steendahl

Fruit is the perfect after school healthy snack for kids. Fruit is colorful and fun to eat. Getting kids to eat fruit is easy when we allow them to create their own fruit treats. The healthful snacks listed below are easy to prepare. Depending on the age of the children, they can use a blender to make their own fruit smoothie snack. The clean up after preparing this snack is also easy.

The fruits that kids often choose to eat are usually apples and bananas. This quick smoothie recipe can be made with a variety of fruits that will add variety. You can use any kind of fruit to make this healthy fruit snack.

The USDA "My Pyramid" recommends that children between the ages of 2 to 8, consume about 1 - 1 1/2 cups of fruit a day. For ages 9 to 13, 1 1/2 cups is recommended. American children do not consume enough fruit and vegetables. It is important that we prepare fruits in novel and interesting ways so that kids enjoy eating this important nutrient.

This recipe provides one serving of fruit - A strawberry smoothie is a cool and refreshing treat. This delicious smoothie fulfills one of those fruit requirements in a healthy but delicious way.

Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

*2 ice cubes
*1 cup frozen yogurt
*2/3 cup frozen strawberries
*1/2 teaspoons of sugar
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1) Pour all of the ingredients into the blender
2) Put the lid on the blender
3) Blend ingredients for 45 - 60 seconds until smooth
4) Pour smoothie into glass
5) Enjoy

This strawberry smoothie is so easy to make but so nutritious. Strawberries are sources of several vitamins and minerals that children need on a daily basis.

For another delicious kid fruit snack recipe try this one with ripe bananas and everyone's favorite chocolate.

1 Fruit Serving Coconut & Chocolate Dipped Bananas

Ingredients:

*4 bananas, cut in halves
*8 Popsicle sticks
*4 bars bittersweet chocolate
*Nuts
*Toasted coconut
*Sprinkles
*Granola

Instructions:

1) Place each banana half on a stick
2) Melt the chocolate in the microwave (Stir with a spatula)
3) Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper
4) Dip bananas in the chocolate
5) Roll in the topping of your choice
6) Cool to room temperature
7) Chill leftovers in refrigerator

Bananas are full of nutrients including potassium that is an important element in a healthy menu. The bananas dipped in chocolate are especially appealing to kids. They get to play with their food, which is something children love to do.