If April showers bring May flowers then March brings moaning and groaning from the kids and their never full tummies! That’s right March break is upon us and if your children are anything like mine they seem to spend their entire break whining that they’re starving (although they just ate 38 seconds ago) and there’s nothing to do (regardless of the jam packed week you’ve planned for them!). If that’s the case in your household then you’ll need to stock up on healthy and quick snacks that you can pack for junior or better yet get the kids into the kitchen with you and create these simple snacks together to help pass the time and teach them a new skill or two!

Here are two great kid friendly snack recipes. I’ve included some guidelines on how the children can help you out in the kitchen for the first recipe making it a great family activity. On our first day of March break yesterday my 5 year old and I made these two treats. He had a great time, loved the snacks and it was great fun to do together for one hour. Enjoy!

Note: When working with kids in the kitchen it’s important to have all your ingredients at hand and use child friendly utensils. The dollar stores have great deals on smaller plastic mixing bowls, wooden spoons, measuring cups and kid-safe knives.


Sticky Sesame Bananas
Serves 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes

This is a great snack for those craving a little something sweeter. Don’t be dismayed by the sesame seeds as they add a nice crunch to the bananas and kids love to do the sprinkling!
Ingredients:
· 4 ripe medium bananas
· 3 tbsp lemon juice
· ½ cup sugar
· 4 tbsp cold water
· 2 tbsp sesame seeds
· 2/3 cup low fat unsweetened yogurt
· 1 tbsp confectioner’s (icing) sugar
· 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1. Peel the bananas and cut or break into 2 inch pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl, add the lemon juice and stir well to coat – this will help prevent the bananas from discolouring. Kid Doable!
2. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-6 minutes, until the mixture turns golden-brown. Adults only!
3. Meanwhile, drain the bananas and blot with paper towels to dry. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper and arrange the bananas, well spaced out, on top. Kid Doable!
4. When the caramel is read, drizzle it over the bananas, working quickly because the caramel sets quickly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cool for 5-10 minutes. Both!
5. Mix the yogurt with the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract. Kid Doable!
6. Place the bananas on a platter and serve with the yogurt dip. Kid Doable!


Crazy Carrot Dip with Dippers
Makes 1 ½ cups
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Your little ones and big ones will enjoy this low fat but tasty dip. The dip will keep for up to one week, covered in the refrigerator. Let the kids choose their dippers to help them feel part of this recipe.
Ingredients:
· 5 medium carrots, roughly chopped
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 garlic clove, crushed
· ½ tsp ground cumin
· 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
· 1/3 cup plain yogurt
· Assorted dippers such as breadsticks, assorted vegetable sticks, whole wheat crackers

1. Boil, steam or microwave carrots until tender; drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan; cook garlic and cumin, stirring until fragrant.
3. Stir in carrot and lemon juice; cook stirring until combined. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes.
4. Using a blender or food processor, blend carrot mixture and yogurt until just smooth.
5. Serve carrot dip with your choice of dippers.