HOMEMADE FRUIT ROLLUPS AND HEALTHY SNACKS FOR KIDS
I bought them when my kids were younger, and I’ll bet you have too.
In fact, a lot of you are still buying fruit rollups as a quick, carbohydrate-rich snack for kids on the go.
Well, you can make them at home, without all the sugar and artificial preservatives!
Here’s how to make healthy snacks for kids:
Wash, core and cut 3-5 pounds fruit into chunks (apples and pears work well). Leave skin on because there is a huge amount of nutrition in the peel.
Cooking options:
Crockpot or slow cooker: Spray pot with a nonstick spray. Put fruit in crock
and add a bit of water if you like, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so. Or you can
juse apple juice with both fruits. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Stovetop: Place in heavy or nonstick large pot. Add 1 cup water and simmer until fruit is soft. You may have to add a bit more water.
Puree:
After fruit is cooked run through food mill or sieve, a blender, food processor
or even a colander. If desired, sweeten to taste with sugar or splenda starting
with 1/2 cup. Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to taste. Do this while
fruit is still warm.
Drying:
In the sun: Cover cookie sheets with foil, dark side facing up so that the
fruit absorbs the sun more. Spray and spread mixture on foil, about 1/4”
thick. Place outside in the sun and bring in at night or if it rains. It
will take 2 days to a week.
Oven: Dry in warm oven. It will take about 4-6 hours.
Storing:
Store in airtight container away from heat and light at room temperature
for up to two months. In refrigerator, up to 6 months, and up to l year
in freeer.
Tips from Rita’s Kitchen:
REMOVING PESTICIDES FROM APPLES AND PEARS:
Put 2 cups cider vinegar into a kitchen sink full of lukewarm water. Add
unpeeled fruit and gently scrub with a washcloth. Rinse in clear water and
dry.
