Every year on Christmas Eve children all around the world set out cookies and milk for their dear friend Santa. This tradition seems to be the norm but have you ever considered that maybe Santa wants something different for a change this holiday season? This year, why not have the kids make Santa something new and a little healthier.
Building your own Santa snacks can be a fun family event. Spreading the joy of a healthier holiday can be just as exciting as setting out cookies and milk. When creating your own snack mix, try to keep the ingredients wholesome and delicious. Here are some tips to help you and your family create a healthful and memorable mix this year.
- Choose whole grains – Popcorn, oats and whole grain cereals or crackers provide sustainable energy and fiber for Santa as he scurries from house to house.
- Choose nuts – Almonds, peanuts, cashews, soynuts, walnuts, pistachios and pecans provide protein and fiber to help keep Santa fueled for hours as he delivers his gifts around the world.
- Choose add-in options that contain low amounts of sugar – Dried apples, cranberries, raisins or mixed fruits, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa powder, lightly sweetened whole grain cereals and a few dark chocolate chips are a great way to add some sweetness and flavor to your Santa mix without loading it with unnecessary amounts of sugar.
Don’t forget that the mix you create is healthy enough to share with your family and friends during the holidays. Not only will your family love it, but so will Santa. You can still serve your snack mix with a glass of low-fat milk since Santa does need his calcium! Here are some great recipe ideas to help get you started on making a healthier Santa snack this holiday season.
Gingerbread Chex Mix
Serves 16.
All you need:
- 3 cups Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup fancy mixed nuts
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light molasses
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chewy cinnamon candy
All you do:
- In large microwaveable bowl, mix cereals and nuts. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil.
- In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter until melted. Stir in brown sugar, molasses and spices uncovered on HIGH about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until mixture is boiling; stir. Pour over cereals and nuts until evenly coated.
- Microwave uncovered on HIGH 3 to 4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl every minute, or until cereal just begins to brown. Spread on waxed paper to cool, about 5 minutes. Stir in cinnamon candies. Store in airtight container.
Nutrition facts per serving: 180 calories, 8g fat, 10mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 25g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 9g sugar, 2g protein.
Source: www.chex.com.
Cranberry Nut Cinnamon Chex Mix
Serves 16.
All you need:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
All you do:
- In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal and walnuts; set aside.
- In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, orange juice concentrate and oil on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 1 minute longer, stirring after 30 seconds, until mixture is hot. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
- Microwave uncovered on HIGH 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in cranberries. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in tightly covered container.
Nutrition facts per serving: 190 calories, 7g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 12g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g protein.
Source: adapted from www.chex.com
Cinnamon Cider Chex Party Mix
Serves 16.
All you need:
- 2 cups Vanilla Chex cereal
- 2 cups Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 cup cinnamon-flavored almonds
- 1 (2.5 oz) pkg cinnamon-flavored crispy apple chips, broken into fourths
All you do:
- In large microwavable bowl, measure cereals; set aside.
- In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter until melted, about 45 seconds. Stir in brown sugar and juice concentrate; microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture is boiling. Pour over cereals, stirring until evenly coated.
- Microwave uncovered on HIGH about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is glazed. Stir in almonds and apple chips. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.
Nutrition facts per serving: 170 calories, 4g fat, 10mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 19g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 7g sugar, 1g protein.
Source: adapted from www.chex.com.
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
