Healthy After School Snack

Here is a super quick, very healthy recipe I've made several times that I wanted to share. They are great to pack in kids lunch boxes, for after school snacks instead of sugary cookies or even for a grab-and-go breakfast. They are loaded with protein, whole grains and a bit of fruit. Yum! 

These peanut butter crispies are a favorite in our house. They can be adapted with whatever healthy oats, grains and dried fruit you have on hand basically. With 3 very active boys in our home who have seemingly bottomless pits for stomachs these snacks are a true life saver! Served with a glass of cold milk, they are a great after school snack. My teenager downs an apple or two along with several of these little PB balls.


*Millet is a super healthy whole grain used for centuries in Egypt, China, Africa, India and all across Europe.


Millet is highly nutritious, non-glutinous and like buckwheat and quinoa, is not an acid forming food so is soothing and easy to digest. In fact, it is considered to be one of the least allergenic and most digestible grains available.

Millet is tasty, with a mildly sweet, nut-like flavor and contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients. It is nearly 15% protein, contains high amounts of fiber, B-complex vitamins including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, the essential amino acid methionine, lecithin, and some vitamin E. It is particularly high in the minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

 
 

 

I just add the cereals and fruit then pour in some peanut butter to get the consistency I like. Honey gives it just a touch of Natural sweetness and keeps them from falling apart. I use my KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook and a firm spatula for scraping the sides in. You could start mixing these with a big heavy spoon but you'll probably need to get down and dirty and use your hands towards the end.

TIME 20 MINUTES ACTIVE 2 HOURS REFRIGERATING

MAKES ABOUT 40 BALLS
You will need:
2 - 2 1/2 cups All Natural peanut butter

1 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal

2 cups *Puffed Millet

1 cup craisins, raisins or other bits of dried fruit

1/2 - 1 cup Honey (eye it, it's easier than messing with a measuring cup)

1/2 cup Wheat Germ (optional, I didn't have it this time, but it's in my original recipe)



Putting it all together:

Mix all ingredients together. Shape into bite size balls with your hands, adding a spoonful of PB if they become to crumbly.

Place on wax paper lined cookie sheets and cool in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Keep stored in an airtight container in fridge. These will be perfectly fine to send to school, they will keep their shape.

 
 
 
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SIMPLY HEALTHY FAMILY.