Berries are so colorful and tasty that most kids don't need any extra incentive to gobble them up. However there are so many fun things you can do with berries that can turn an ordinary snack into something extra-special! Here are a few simple ideas you can make with basically the same foods!
Photo by Marusa Jonas
Berry Butterfly
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh berries*, gently washed under cool running water
- 2 teaspoons low-fat cream cheese
- ½ of a whole-wheat mini bagel
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water. Spread cream cheese on bagel. Cut in half.
- Decorate with berries!
Notes:
*Cut berries in half to reduce choking hazard for young children.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories 90
- Total Fat 2g
- Saturated Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 5mg
- Sodium 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates 14g
- Fiber 2g
- Total Sugars 3g, includes 0g Added Sugars
- Protein 3g
- Vitamin D 6%
- Calcium 10%
- Iron 6%
- Potassium 2%
Nutrition Software Used:
Esha Food Processor
Photo provided by Cami Wells.
Berries and Bunnies
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh berries*, gently washed under cool running water
- 6 bunny or other animal crackers
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water. Place berries in a small bowl.
- Top with crackers!
Notes:
*Cut berries in half to reduce choking hazard for young children.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories 40
- Total Fat 1g
- Saturated Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates 8g
- Fiber 2g
- Total Sugars 3g, includes 0g Added Sugars
- Protein 1g
- Vitamin D 0%
- Calcium 4%
- Iron 0%
- Potassium 0%
Nutrition Software Used:
Esha Food Processor
More Berry Fun Recipes:
Berry Helpful Hints
- Because berries have a short shelf life, an alternative to enjoy them year round is to buy them frozen or buy fresh berries and freeze them yourself.
- To freeze fresh berries: wash, drain well and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze berries until firm, then package frozen berries in freezer bags or containers.
- When making pancakes and waffles, add the blueberries as soon as the batter has been poured on the griddle or waffle iron. This will make the pancakes prettier and they will be easier to flip. If frozen blueberries are used, cooking time will probably have to be increased.
- Whole frozen berries destined for your baked goods should be used frozen. Gently fold into pies, cakes and muffins just prior to baking.
Source:
Freezing, National Center for Home Food Preservation
This newsletter was reviewed and updated in 2020.
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Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5.