We often serve make-your-own meals and snacks in our house. I love watching my kids get involved in the preparing the food that they eat. It's fun for them and increases the chances of them actually eating it. I prepare the main part of the meal, and then I set up a little "fixings bar" and put out little bowls of fixings for them to add to their meal or sprinkle on top. We do this with tacos, pizzas, lettuce wraps, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, etc. It allows me to still be ultimately in charge of what's served (something that is important in the feeding relationship) but gives my kids a sense of control over what they're eating. And it also makes the process much more fun!
Yesterday, our neighbour friends were over for a play, and everyone was getting hungry. I had a couple of apples and decided to try something different for snack. I sliced the apples width-wise and made our regular fruit dip (equal parts vanilla Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon) and then set out a few little bowls with some yummy fixings (shredded coconut, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips). The kids each got to spread the "icing" on top of their apples and then sprinkle the toppings of their choice on. They loved being able to make their own creation and one of the kids said "they're kind of like apple donuts!"
Because they aren't real donuts, we settled on "open-faced applewiches" instead. Us moms loved them just as much as the kids did- they were delicious and will be one of our go-to snacks from now on.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
With a sharp knife, slice apples width-wise, removing the seeds and tough core in the middle of each "disk". Lay apple slices on a plate.
Combine Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add a plastic knife for spreading
Place fixings into small bowls and add a spoon to each for serving
Let your kids spread and sprinkle their own apple
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