I am constantly looking for new recipes, especially for after school snacks for my first grader. (She gets in the car so hungry after school!) It was with great anticipation that I awaited the arrival of Better Food for Kids by Joanne Saab & Daina Kalnins. This book is not what I expected. I was looking for a cookbook. Instead, I got a nutrition guide and cookbook for children. The first 136 pages are all about children’s eating habits, what to expect at different ages and stages, and other nutritional information including:
- Essential Foods and Nutrients
- Important Vitamins and Minerals
- Vegetarian Diets
- Avoiding Food Contamination
- Food Allergy and Intolerance
- Disturbances in Bowel Function
- Childhood Obesity
The second half of the book includes recipes ranging from Breakfast to Desserts and everything in between. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, allergies, or weight, this is a good guide for you. Below each recipe there is a nutritional analysis that includes: Energy, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fat, Fiber, Calcium, Iron, and Sodium information.
I have included a recipe from the book, in the Snacks section, that has been kid-tested in my own kitchen.
Chocolate Oatmeal Squares
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 8 inch square baking pan.
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup large-flake rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- In a food processor, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add butter and process with on/off turns until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1/2 cup of mixture; press remainder into bottom of prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle chips over surface. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes or until chocolate has melted and surface is golden brown. Cut into squares while still warm.
The verdict? Well, my 4 year old son didn’t like it. Probably too grainy for him. My 6 year old daughter liked it well enough. She’s the less picky one, and the one going through a growth spurt right now and eating everything in sight! This will make a great after school snack this week!
Buy:
You can purchase Better Food for Kids
Connie says
What a great looking book! It’s nice to see a kid’s snack that’s not full of artificial coloring and flavor. Kids can and will appreciate good food, we don’t have to junk it up to appeal to them.
Thanks for bringing the book to my attention!
Nichol says
I’m on the search for a healthy snack book for my kids and after school kids that come here. I don’t need all the other stuff though. Sounds like a great guide book though.
Sky says
Sounds like a great book. I’m always trying to get better food into my kids.
Kasandria says
Wow. I want that book! I struggle with the kids eating healthy and still enjoying it.
Kas
Louise says
Oh Yum, that’s a great snack idea and would be loved by both Zoe and Miles. And I don’t think I would be able to keep my own hands out of it either. Sounds like a book full of great ideas to eat healthy!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
the recipe sounds interesting! I am always looking for kid friendly recipes 🙂
Night Owl Mama says
My kids are so picky this sounds like it’s a good book thanks
Jenn says
That looks like an awesome resource!! I am always looking for delicious, whole foods for my kiddos.
Vickie Couturier says
this would be a great gift for a new mom or mom to be