By Lindsay Muscato, HSC Writer/Communications Specialist
For kids, the holidays can be an endless parade of sugary snacks, between all the cookies, cupcakes and candy canes offered by well-meaning adults. But some schools are making sure that nutritious snacks stay on the menu despite the season.
In Marion County, California, for example, schools sent home a letter to parents about appropriate snacks to bring in for school holiday parties. Gary Price, with the Marion County School Board says: "It's a little inconsistent of us to say 'Well, we really want you to live this healthy lifestyle, but we'll go ahead and have the cupcakes, candy, pop and everything because this is a special occasion.'"
Here's one healthy, crowd-pleasing recipe to try, from Fresh Choices, a cookbook by HSC's founding executive director, Rochelle Davis:
Peanut Butter Banana Spirals
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup organic low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 large ripe bananas, sliced
1 tablespoon orange juice
4 flour tortillas, 8" in diameter, preferably whole wheat
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons, honey-flavored wheat germ
In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter and yogurt. In another small bowl, toss the bananas with the orange juice.
Spread the peanut butter mixture over the tortillas, leaving 1/2" border all around. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and wheat germ. Roll up and slice crosswise into pieces about 1" wide. Or wrap and refrigerate up to 2 hours before slicing. Makes about 24 spirals.
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