Healthy Snacks to Make with Your Kids

Nutrition
A food processor preparing a snack

These raw, easy-to-make sweet bites pack energy and nutrition

A boy smiles for a photo
A woman and a boy make a snack
A boy smiles for a photo

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 C packed, dried cherries (no sugar added)
  • 1/4 C packed, pitted dates
  • 1 C warm water
  • 1/2 C raw almonds
  • 1/2 C raw walnuts
  • 1/4 teas ground cinnamon
  • Pinch sea salt

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine the fruit in a small bowl. (If your fruit isn't soft, add warm water and let them stand for five to 10 minutes, then drain, and pat dry with a paper towel.)
  2. Add walnuts and almonds to a food processor and chop until fine (not pasty).
  3. Add drained fruit, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Pulse until combined and clumping against the sides (your food processor might even hop around!). It will take about two minutes.
  5. Place a piece of wax or parchment paper inside of a glass container.
  6. Carefully remove the blade from the food processor and, using your hands, remove the mixture in spoon-sized amounts, forming them into balls to place on the parchment.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. (Also, refrigerate to store.)

Jillian Wiederer, the training programs lead for Fleet Feet Sports, teaches her son, Ryan, about healthy habits by making healthy snacks together. Here's a take on her recipe for Cherry Pie Energy Balls.