Here are a few simple ideas to try this fall with your family and friends. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy these healthy treats!
Bite-Sized Caramel Apples
Children will go wild over this do-it-yourself snack bar at parties. It’s easy, cute and so much fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 chopped apple
- 1 package of ready-made caramel for dipping
- Topping Options: chopped candy bars, M&Ms, festive colored sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, coconut shavings
Directions: Place the chopped apple slices on a platter, then surround them with smaller bowls of fun caramel apple toppings – chopped nuts, mini M&Ms, chopped candy bars such as Snickers, colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips or coconut. If you’ve got smaller children, you can place topping options in individual baking cups and pass them out to each child to keep double-dipping at bay.
Quick & Easy Apple "Cookies"
Present a platter of these nutritious snacks to guests at your next fall gathering and watch little cookie monsters devour them in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- ½ cup of granola
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 plastic sandwich bags
Directions: In a small bowl, combine the granola and cinnamon. Add more cinnamon, if desired, and set aside for later. Spread a layer of peanut butter onto each apple slice. To apply the peanut butter, use a knife or apply it like frosting. To do this, scoop the peanut butter into a sandwich bag, cut a tiny piece off of the corner of the bag and then squeeze the PB out of it as if it were frosting. Next, sprinkle the granola on top of the peanut butter layer. The more granola, the better. Melt the chocolate chips in a small, microwaveable bowl for 20 seconds. Stir and then microwave for another 10-20 seconds (each microwave time varies). Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the apple and granola. You can either drizzle it with a spoon or use a sandwich bag (as instructed above) to apply the melted chocolate like frosting.
Protein-Packed "Monster Mouths"
Add this snack to any Halloween party to create a spooktacular ambiance. Children will have fun making these masterpieces with you and get a huge laugh out of their creations.
Ingredients:
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
Directions: To make one monster mouth, spread a layer of peanut butter on the top of two individual apple slices. Place 4 mini marshmallows on the top of one of the apples slices (they’ll stick to the peanut butter) and then place the second apple slice on top, creating a “sandwich.” Repeat this process to make as many monster mouths as you desire.
Easy-Bake Apple Slices with Cinnamon
The next time you have company over or you want to make your house feel extra cozy on a crisp, fall day, pop a tray of Chiquita apple slices into your oven covered with a few simple spices. The delicious aroma will make your mouth water and you’ll have fun finding a variety of different foods to accompany these baked apple slices.
Ingredients:
- 1 sliced apple
- ½ tbsp. of flour
- ½ tbsp. of cinnamon
- ½ tbsp. of nutmeg
- Dash of salt to taste
- 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. of water
- 2 tbsp. of butter
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, dark brown sugar, water and lemon juice in a bowl. Evenly combine this mixture with the apple slices. Spread the coated apple slices into a pre-greased pan and place little dollops of butter on top. Bake the apple slices in the oven for 45 minutes, stirring them at least twice during this time. Poke them with a fork to make sure they’re tender before taking them out of the oven. Once they’ve cooled off for a couple of minutes, serve these delicious, warm apple slices by themselves, with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or on pancakes or waffles.
