Parfaits Perfect After School Snacks

more than just a fruit treat!!

Are you looking for recipes to make with children or
they can make themselves? Parfaits are the perfect choice for any age because they are naturally simple, slightly messy, and taste really great. It must be the variety of colors and textures, too. They can be eaten for an easy after school snack, a meal, or dessert.
   Parfaits have mostly nutritious ingredients that children like. They are made by layering yogurt or pudding with fresh or thawed frozen fruits and berries and topped with something crunchy.
Creamy Snack
  The next time you go shopping have parfait
ingredients in mind. Look for low fat vanilla, plain, or strawberry yogurt. Greek yogurt is the best because it is very creamy. Fage is one kind that has a 0% fat and tastes very creamy and fattening, but it is not. It is not sour like many other plain yogurts. This yogurt also comes with higher fat contents, if desired.

Children can help look for fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

Shop together for yogurt, berries, fruits

They can help pick out fresh or frozen peaches, plums, grapes, pears and bananas to cut into small pieces with a table knife. Children may also like to add a layer of raisins or craisins.
  Parfaits look most delicious in a see through plastic glass. Start with any ingredient and add colorful layers. Repeat the layers to make a beautiful, nutritious work of art.
  Top with a layer of something crunchy like Cheerios, granola, cookie or graham cracker crumbs. Sometimes they might add a little whipped cream and a cherry for a special occasion.
  If the parfait is not eaten at one sitting, it can easily be stored in the refrigerator. Only the crunchies may not be so crunchy, but still tasty. Children especially like to eat them with a long handled sundae float spoon.
  If you don’t mind a little chocolate surprise, add a bit of chocolate syrup or chocolate chips. A tiny spoon of peanut butter can be a fun surprise among the other textures. Check for allergies first though.
Yogurt Pudding
  As long as children are not allergic to it, peanut butter is a go-to protein ingredient for after school snacks.  Children can make an easy peanut butter pudding by mashing one banana cut into chunks, adding ½ cup Greek yogurt, and ½ cup peanut butter. Mash the banana with a fork or potato masher. Mash in the yogurt. Mash in the peanut butter. Better yet, with adult supervision combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate or just eat immediately.     
 photos: Fran Darling, fdarling foto; sketch: Mark Nowicki

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest