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Easy Healthy School Snack: Pumpkin Packed Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Fall is in the air! Back to school for our kiddos. Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice everything.

Baking always makes comforts me in the busyness of life, and I wanted to make something healthy for my kids for a quick grab and go for school mornings.
My kids do not like to eat breakfast on school days. Argh. 
But who could refuse some bite-sized chocolatey-chip stuffed pumpkin mini muffins?

Aiming to go for a win-win.  Eating breakfast and eating healthy. 
Making sure that the little bit of breakfast they might pop into their mouths are packed with brain-food goodness!

To begin with...
- Dark chocolate and walnuts are both good brain food! 
- Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and good for gut health. 
- Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids which is good for brain development, and is also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium.
- Pumpkin puree is packed with potassium to lower blood pressure, high in antioxidants and Vitamin C to help fight diseases and build immunities, and Vitamin A for eye health!

You are welcome to check out the recipe below.

This mama needs it too!
What do you like to make for back-to-school snacks?

Pumpkin Packed Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

COMBO ONE:
1 can pumpkin puree

½ cup melted coconut oil

1 egg

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda 

2 teaspoon milk

COMBO TWO:

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon of each nutmeg, ground ginger, fine sea salt 

COMBO THREE:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips

1 cup crushed walnuts

Easy Steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 24 mini-muffin pan.  

Step 2: Combine “COMBO ONE” ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine “COMBO TWO” in another bowl.

Step 4: Add combo two into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently.

Step 5: Gentle add in “COMBO THREE”. Do not over mix.

Step 6: Use two teaspoons to scoop and drop mixture into each of the greased mini-muffin cups. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are golden and toothpick comes out clean.

Let the pan cool for about five minutes before removing on to a rack. Then enjoy!

 Warm Smiles,

Elaine

As parents, we all know the struggle of trying to find healthy and tasty lunch options for our kids. But what if we could empower our children to make their own lunches? Not only would give them a sense of independence, but it would also ensure they are eating something they enjoy. Here are 5 easy lunches that kids can make themselves:

(note: I recommend tortillas because they are easy and fun to work with, but two pieces of bread can always be substituted.)

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap

A peanut butter and banana wrap is a classic lunch option that is both delicious and easy to make. All your child needs is a tortilla, some peanut butter, and a banana. Have them spread the peanut butter onto the tortilla, slice the banana, and then roll it all up. This is a great option for kids who love the combination of peanut butter and banana.

2. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Ham and cheese roll-ups are another simple lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some sliced ham, cheese, and a tortilla. Have them place the ham and cheese onto the tortilla, roll it up, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces. This is a great option for kids who love savory flavors.

3. Greek Yogurt Parfait

A Greek yogurt parfait is a healthy and delicious lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit. Have them layer the Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit in a jar or cup. This is a great option for kids who love sweet and tangy flavors.

4. Turkey and Cheese Kabobs

Turkey and cheese kabobs are a fun and easy lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is some sliced turkey, cheese, and skewers. Have them alternate between threading the turkey and cheese onto the skewers. This is a great option for kids who love finger foods.

5. Hummus and Veggie Wrap

A hummus and veggie wrap is a healthy and tasty lunch option that kids can make themselves. All they need is a tortilla, some hummus, and their favorite veggies. Have them spread the hummus onto the tortilla, add their veggies, and then roll it all up. This is a great option for kids who love veggies.

These 5 easy lunch options are perfect for kids who want to take control of their own meals. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also healthy and delicious. Encourage your child to try making these lunches themselves and see how proud they are of their culinary skills!

Warmly,

Top: Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash