Recipe #6 - Cereal Banana Pops

Good morning Readers! Spring has arrived here in NM which means it's hot enough to break out the shorts, turn up the A/C and to start indulging in frozen treats to keep cool. Ice cream and popsicles can be so full of sugar and have little nutritional value so why not try something new and healthier? One of my Little's favorites is the cereal banana pop which I created completely by accident.

Last year, I was making banana pops for our family with yogurt coating and peanuts. At one year old, my Little couldn't have any with peanuts, but wasn't really enthused about having a plain 'ol frozen yogurt banana. The girl wanted some topping! I ended up rummaging through the pantry and ended up grabbing a box of Rice Crispies. The rest is happy-snacking history...

Now that you know the background, below is the recipe:

2 ripe bananas (use bananas that are still firm, not mushy and over-ripe)
1/2 cup thick variety vanilla or flavored yogurt (Greek yogurt works the best from our experience)
1/2 cup Rice Crispies cereal
6 Popsicle sticks

1.) Cut bananas into thirds (width-ways, not by length)
2.) Push a banana third onto each popsicle stick, firmly but not all the way through)
3.) Beat yogurt in a separate bowl until well mixed
4.) Dip bananas into yogurt
5.) Roll yogurt dipped bananas in cereal
6.) Lay banana pops on a piece of waxed paper
7.) Freeze for at least 6 hours (overnight, if possible)

These quick and tasty treats are awesome for keeping cool while still giving our Littles a nutritious snack we feel good about. Bananas are awesome providers of potassium and other vitamins while still being low(er) in calories and sodium, making them a super food that will keep your Littles going for hours! The yogurt is perfect for maintaining balance of the digestive system in their tiny tummies while giving tons of calcium to keep those baby bones strong. Add this to the fiber of the cereal and you have yourselves a balanced, healthy and delicious treat!

This recipe is all about creativity. Experiment with other yogurts or cereals (a personal recommendation is to try a raspberry Greek yogurt with Special K Red Berries cereal--yummy!) and get your Littles involved. Kids love dipping and rolling the bananas so make an activity out of it. Put out a few different options so they can mix and match yogurts with cereals--they'll be occupied for a while, have tons of fun and be excited to eat their healthy snack! Enjoy!

Cheers!

PS: If you try this recipe out, I want to hear about it! Post your pictures or what cereal/yogurt combos you tried or, if you're feeling brave, what other kinds of toppings you used. Chocolate covered sunflower seeds? Shaved coconut? Let me know! Have fun everyone!