Thursday, May 17, 2012

Peanut Buttery Delicious (and healthy) Snacks

(27 Months)

My son loves peanut butter, other than milk it's really his only source of protein (for the past six months he has been very finicky about his food- it's hit or miss whether he'll eat meat, chicken or fish- some days he'll gobble it down, others he has lock jaw).  However, if it has peanut butter as the main ingredient, I know he'll gobble it up.

PB & J Greek Yogurt- Yep, that's it.  The only reason I'm blogging this is because it's such a simple way to add extra protein and calcium into their day.  I love how Greek yogurt is so thick and creamy (and full of protein).  One day, about five months ago, I had an idea that would either be unbelievably delicious or a complete disaster, Peanut Butter and Jelly Greek Yogurt.  I mixed equal parts peanut butter and Greek yogurt (we did 3/4 c of each), then added two tablespoons of organic strawberry preserves.  It is outstanding!  I usually make a double batch and then put it in individual containers, so that we have something ready in the fridge for another day.

Gluten-free Peanut Butter Balls- from Happy Healthy Mama.  The first time I made these I misread the recipe and added two tablespoons of maple syrup (instead of 2 teaspoons).  To thicken the mixture, I added 1/4 cup of unsweetened organic shredded coconut.  These were sensational.  Wild One gobbled up four of these in one sitting (that's a lot for him, both of my kids barely eat).  Between the quinoa and peanut butter, these are a protein powerhouse!

Homemade Lara Bars - again from the ever plentiful Happy Healthy Mama.  We make a double batch of these, because they'll eat the entire batch in one sitting.  I still can't believe how quick and easy it is to make these!

Banana Peanut Butter Crunchies- another delicious creation from Happy Healthy Mama.  We love these, we add dark chocolate chips to these, because well- everything tastes better with dark chocolate.  We make these at least once a month, they are so yummy (and guilt-free).

PB & J French Toast- Top French toast with PB & J, layer with another slice of French toast.  The peanut butter becomes so gooey from the heat of the French toast.

Peanut Butter and Nanner Sushi- Mash half of a ripe banana in a bowl.  Lay out a whole wheat wrap, spread peanut butter and mashed banana on the wrap.  Roll up like a sushi-roll.  Cut into six pieces. another variation - is using honey in place of the mashed banana


Peanut Butter Spread- from Healthnut Foodie.  This is excellent in a sandwich, on top of a banana bread or served with apples.

Peanut Butter and Banana Shake-  Combine the following ingredients in a blender, 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk, one cup of peanut butter, one ripe banana (we slice our ripe bananas and then freeze them in a zip bag for our smoothies), one handful of ice, and two tablespoons of chia seeds.  Blend until creamy.  Serve right away.

Peanut Butter Pong Balls- from The Diva Dish.  I have absolutely zero guilt about feeding these cookies to my twins as part of a meal (not just as a snack).  Just listen to the list of ingredients- walnuts, dates, almonds, pure maple syrup, peanut butter, old fashioned oats and unsweetened coconut flakes.  These are so peanut buttery and delicious.

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