Easy Snack: Peanut Butter-Stuffed Medjool Dates

Months ago I bought a container of Medjool Dates to make a dessert.  I have yet to make the dessert, but I did make an easy snack over the weekend - one that I've come across many times on social media - Peanut Butter-Stuffed Medjool Dates.

Simply take Medjool dates, slice them open and take out the pits, then stuff them with peanut butter (I placed peanut butter in a plastic bag, snipped the end, and squeezed out the PB into the dates - it was much easier than trying to spoon the peanut butter in).

Eat them as is, or top them with whatever you have on hand.  I sprinkled some with shredded coconut, others with ground flaxseed, and some with Lion's Mane Cacao Mix.

The dates give a slightly caramel flavor to the snack, and when combined with peanut butter, they really do satisfy your sweet tooth (one is plenty!).

The kids loved them!

Next up - I hope to finally make that dessert!

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Open-Faced Apple Sandwiches

In an effort to try and get my kids to eat "healthier" snacks, and to use up apples that have been sitting in the fridge for way too long, I made Open-Faced Apple Sandwiches.

They are so easy and so versatile!

Simply core apples, cut them into slices, spread on some peanut butter, and sprinkle with toppings!

I added granola from Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka, of MW Restaurant, as well as chocolate chips.

You can add nuts, coconut flakes, chia, and more!

Quick and yummy!

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Breakfast Cheerios Bars

These Cheerios Bars are great for both breakfast or as an after school snack.

I made two different varieties - one with White Chocolate Chips + Cranberries, and another with Chocolate Chips + Chia.  You can really add anything you want!

Breakfast Cheerios Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c sugar
• 1/2 c honey 
• 1/2 c creamy peanut butter
• 3 c Cheerios™ cereal
• 1/2 c white chocolate chips or chocolate chips
• 1/2 c dried cranberries or 1/4 c chia 

Directions:

• Line 9x9 pan with parchment paper.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat sugar and honey for 2 minutes on high in microwave.
• Stir in peanut butter until mixture is smooth.  
• Mix in Cheerios and white chocolate chips + dried cranberries, or chocolate chips + chia 
• Press mixture evenly in pan.
• Let cool for 1 hour.
• Cut into squares.

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No-Bake Valentine's Day Chex Mix

No-bake recipes are the best - they usually involve a low number of ingredients, they normally call for staple ingredients that any recreational baker should have on hand, and once you combine the ingredients, you're done!

I found an easy and delicious no-bake Valentine's Day-themed recipe that's sure to WOW the special someone in your life tomorrow on Valentine's Day on Livingwellmom.com.

What you'll need:
1  family size box of Rice Chex cereal (or about 9-10 cups)
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup of white chocolate chips
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 cup of milk chocolate M&Ms
1/4 cup sprinkles

Melt butter, white chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave or stovetop

Pour mixture into bowl of chex mix. Gently stir until evenly coated.

Put half of the chex mix into a zip lock bag. Add powdered sugar, seal bag and gently shake.

Remove chex mix from ziplock, place on lined baking pan and allow to dry.

Add M&Ms and sprinkles to the remaining half of the chex mix

Then combine both batches of chex mix together.  And you're done! 

There are many ways to package up your chex mix to give away as a gift(s).  I decided to use mason jars that I saw at Target. A pack of 10 jars was only $9!

 I used baker's twine to tie a Valentine's Day card to each one.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Chocolate-Covered Mandarins

For a super easy, healthy treat (great as an after-school snack) - make these Chocolate Covered Mandarins!

All you do is dip the Mandarin slices in chocolate, sprinkle with some sea salt, and chill for at least 20 minutes!

The combination of the sweet and salty is so good!  I'm not a big mandarin orange eater, but I couldn't stop eating these! 

My oldest and middle sons loved them too (my youngest just sucked off the chocolate - he's the pickiest eater, but hopefully he'll outgrow it like my middle son did).

Enjoy!

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