Easy and Healthy Snack and Dinner Recipes

 Fresh Veggie Pizza

     

1 ready made pizza crust

8 oz package low-fat cream cheese at room temperature

1 cup low - fat sour cream

1 envelope powdered Ranch dressing mix

2 cup raw vegetables, chopped fine ( broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes are all great to use)

   

Bake the pizza crust, without toppings, at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and dressing mix. Spread this on the crust. Top with mixed vegetables.

 

Chicken Nuggets

These are a favorite for children. 

Ingredients Needed

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ cup bread crumbs

   

Cut chicken into bite size pieces.  Place breading in a plastic bag and add a few pieces of chicken at a time.  Shake to coat evenly.

   

Microwave Method: Spray non-stick coating on a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.  Arrange chicken pieces so they are not touching.  Cover with wax paper and cook on high for 6-8 minutes or until chicken is tender, rearranging twice during cooking time.

   

Conventional Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick coating.  Arrange chicken pieces so that they are not touching.  Bake for 12-14 minutes.

     

Frozen Bananas

Ingredients:
Bananas
skewers (optional)

Toppings
Yogurt
Peanut butter
Wheat germ
Nuts, finely chopped
Applesauce
Coconut

Directions:
Cut bananas in half crosswise. Insert skewer in the thicker end. Place bananas on a tray and place in freezer. When frozen, move to a plastic bag and keep frozen until ready to use.

Put toppings in small bowls. Dip banana before each bite. Allow bananas to thaw slightly before eating them. Eat plain or roll or dip into any of the toppings. Use the wet topping first so the others will stick.

  
Applesauce Goodie

Ingredients Needed

Plastic Ziploc Bag

Small Paper Cup

Tablespoon

1 graham cracker

Applesauce

    

Put graham cracker in a plastic bag and seal.  Crush the crackers with hands.  Put a tablespoon of applesauce in the cup and sprinkle with a layer of crumbs.  Continue layering until the cup is full.

    

Alphabet Soup

Ingredients Needed

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups water

8-oz. can tomato soup

4 oz. alphabet pasta

1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

7 3/4 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  

Add broth, water, and tomato sauce to a medium saucepan and stir to combine.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Add pasta, vegetables, and chickpeas.  Boil gently, uncovered until pasta is done 6 to 8 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Pour in bowls and top with cheese.  Serve with sliced apples and a glass of milk.

Source:  AmericanBaby.com

        

Raisin Bread Shapes

Ingredients Needed

Raisin Bread

Soft Cream Cheese

   

Spread cream cheese on a piece of bread and sprinkle with raisins and sunflower seeds.  Cut into rectangles, squares, triangles, or any other shape you choose.

    

Vegetable Wrap

Ingredients Needed

Lettuce leafs

Various chopped vegetables

Salad dressing

   

Take 1 lettuce leaf and put 1 spoonful of salad dressing in the center of the leaf.  Add vegetables like diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, cauliflower or any other your family likes.  Fold lettuce around vegetables and eat.

     

Kiddie Carrot Soup

Ingredients Needed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 Tbs. canola oil

1 pkg (32oz.) reduced -sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut up1/4 cup whole milk

    

In a large saucepan, saute onion in hot oil over medium heat until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.  Stir in broth and carrots.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer covered until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.  Puree carrot mixture in a blender and return soup to saucepan.  Stir in milk and heat through.  Makes 4 servings.

     

Send your favorite family recipes to kathy.peet@macombcountymi.gov