September is the time for great expectations for parents and kids. Kids have new teachers, new classes, new friends, and new resolutions for good grades and good times, and good, nutritious lunches. Okay, the kids probably don’t care about the nutritious lunches part, but parents do! We’ve put together some ideas that we hope will make good school food just a little bit easier, and a lot healthier.
Dips are a great way to sneak extra protein and good fats into your child’s diet. They’re delicious and fun to eat, and if they’re home made you can skip the chemicals and preservatives. Check out our blog post on summer dips for some recipe ideas.
Home baked treats are always special, and you know your child’s preferences better than anyone. Cookies and bars are easy to make in big batches and freeze until they’re needed, either pre-baked or as ready-made dough.
When time is running low, Westpoint’s fruit and nut mixes are a quick easy, healthy snack. If your child needs some convincing that nuts are good to eat in any form other than peanut butter, try this caramel corn recipe to win them over. Nuts are packed full of good fats and protein. Molasses is a great source of iron, potassium, and trace minerals.
Organic Molasses Caramel Corn
½ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Popcorn, popped
½ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Whole Unblanched Almonds
½ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Pecan Halves
½ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Whole Cashews
½ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Filberts
½ cup organic butter
½ tsp Westpoint Naturals Fine Sea Salt
¾ cup Westpoint Naturals Organic Cane Sugar
¼ cup Westpoint Naturals Barbados Molasses
- Preheat oven to 200˚F.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide popcorn and nuts in half, and spread evenly over the two sheets.
- Melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar and molasses.
- Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle caramel over popcorn mixture.
- Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove sheets from oven, let cool and enjoy!