Tasty Tuesday – June 17, 2008

I can be a bit slow on the uptake. Things that friends of mine have been doing for ages I suddenly will discover, and it’s a palm-to-the-forehead type of moment: “Well of course! Why haven’t I been doing that all along?”

Thats how I felt last week, when people started posting their kid-friendly healthy summer snack ideas. I don’t know what this says about me, but smoothies were a real revelation. I bought some low-fat frozen yogurt, bananas and berries, and my daughter has been in creamy cold smoothie heaven for days. It’s ice cream to her, while I enjoy watching those antioxidants go into her little system.

One of the best ideas came from an anon who recommended blending veggies into cream cheese and then using it as a sandwich spread or spreading it on tortillas to make pinwheels. I used green peppers, finely shredded carrots and cherry tomatoes, and my daughter practically ate the stuff with a spoon! (The anon also suggested hummus, which I have been making on a regular basis, so perhaps I’m not as behind as I think.)

Finally, a couple of people posted in favor of popcorn done on the stove. I also have been doing this for quite some time, and I can attest that it’s superior to microwave. I pop mine in olive oil and leave off the butter. All you need is a dash or two of table salt and you’re good to go!

So thanks, everybody, for the great tips. We’re already eating healthier at my house. Anybody else want to share a healthy snack idea? Just leave me a comment!