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4 Simple Veggie Snacktivities

4/6/2020

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Monica Irwin, the creator of Veggie Buds Club, recently Skyped with Twin Cities Live to discuss 4 simple snacktivities (1-2 ingredients!) that are guaranteed to keep your kids entertained and well-nourished. A snacktivity is simply a snack and activity combination, they are all guaranteed to make veggies fun for your kids!
Carrot Tower: Slice 1-2 carrots into “coin” shapes. Place them on a plate with some of your child’s favorite dip (i.e. nut/seed butter, ranch, or hummus). Encourage your child to stack the carrot “coins” as high as they can to make a Carrot Tower while they snack on carrots and dip at the same time. They can also use the dip as “glue” to help hold the tower together!
Bean Tic Tac Toe: Create a “Tic Tac Toe” board with 4 green beans. Use any type of veggie, snack food, or dry beans for the “X’s” and “O’s” and play Bean Tic Tac Toe with your child! Place some extra green beans on the side and encourage your child to snack on these while you play.
Peas & Cheese Necklace: Twist 2 pipe cleaners together. Place a plate of sugar snap peas and cubed cheese in front of your child and have them poke them on the pipe cleaners to make a “Peas & Cheese Necklace”. Have fun with patterns and counting as you do this activity with your child. They can eat their necklace when complete!
Popcorn Garland: Pop some popcorn, preferably unsalted and unbuttered. Prepare a needle and thread for your child (you know your child best, only have them do this activity if you’re comfortable letting them use a real needle!). Have them poke popcorn on the needle and create a garland while snacking on popcorn at the same time.
Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Egg Muffins

2/18/2020

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Add an extra veggie boost to your breakfast routine with these egg muffins! They are a great make-ahead meal, simply warm up when it's time to eat. Also, if you omit the salt and pepper they are suitable for baby-led weaning finger food.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

This recipe packs a veggie punch! A whole head of cauliflower is mixed into these 12 egg muffins and you can't even taste it. This truly is a great recipe to help your children learn to love cauliflower!
Cheesy Cauliflower Egg Muffins

Cheesy Cauliflower Egg Muffins

Yield: 12 Egg Muffins
Author: Veggie Buds Club
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 18 MinTotal time: 23 Min
Add an extra veggie boost to your breakfast routine with these egg muffins! They are a great make-ahead meal, simply warm up when it's time to eat. Also, if you omit the salt and pepper they are suitable for baby-led weaning finger food.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower (or 4 cups of prepared riced cauliflower)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick oil.
  2. Roughly chop the cauliflower and add to a food processor. Pulse until fine and crumbly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add the riced cauliflower, cheese, salt and pepper.
  4. Spoon the eggs into the muffin pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until set.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Chewy Carrot Cake Granola Bars

2/10/2020

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These chewy granola bars are perfect for breakfast or for an on-the-go snack! They are similar in texture and flavor to commercially available Lara Bars but are even tastier as they're home-made.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Kids love granola bars so why not make some that pack a veggie punch?! Your kiddos are sure to enjoy these nutritious and naturally sweetened Chewy Carrot Cake Granola bars.
Chewy Carrot Cake Granola Bars

Chewy Carrot Cake Granola Bars

Author: Veggie Buds Club
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min
Kids love granola bars so why not make some that pack a veggie punch?! Your kiddos are sure to enjoy these nutritious and naturally sweetened Chewy Carrot Cake Granola bars.

Ingredients

  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 6 large Medjool dates
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 3/4 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 x 12 glass baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixture is fairly fine and sticky.
  3. Squish the mixture into the baking dish so it's an even layer.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture holds together well. Allow to cool and cut into bars.
  5. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or place in the fridge for up to a week.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
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​Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Carrot Cake Dip

2/9/2020

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You're sure to love this sweet and creamy dip filled with carrots! Kids can help peel and chop the carrots then measure and add all the ingredients to the food processor or blender. You can choose a few different dippers to see which combo you like best. Fruit, pretzels, or even veggies like celery and carrots sticks are delicious in this dip.

This recipe was developed by Happy Kids Kitchen for Veggie Buds Club.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Many kids are big dip fans so blending veggies into a dip is a great way to introduce them to veggies in a form other than simply raw or cooked.
Carrot Cake Dip

Carrot Cake Dip

Author: Happy Kids Kitchen
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min
You're sure to love this sweet and creamy dip filled with carrots! You can choose a few different dippers to see which combo you like best. Fruit, pretzels, or even veggies like celery and carrots sticks are delicious in this dip.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 large carrots
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternative
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Dippers such as sliced apples, carrot sticks, celery, pretzels, and graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Peel carrots then cut into a small dice. Measure 1 1/2 cups diced carrot and add to a small pot. Cover carrots with water and simmer on the stove top until very soft, about 8 minutes.
  2. Drain carrots really well and place on a paper or kitchen towel to dry. Set aside to cool or place in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
  3. Once carrots are cool, add carrots and remaining ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice to make sure everything is well incorporated. Scoop dip into a bowl and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, if desired. Serve chilled.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Carrot Hummus

2/2/2020

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This orange hummus made with carrots instead of garbanzo beans is slightly sweet and a pretty shade of orange. Roasting the carrots really makes for a rich and satisfying dip and this Carrot Hummus is perfect for dippers or spreading on a wrap.

This carrot-packed dip was created by Eat Pretty Darling for Veggie Buds Club.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Many kids are big dip fans so blending veggies into a dip is a great way to introduce them to veggies in a form other than simply raw or cooked.
Carrot Hummus

Carrot Hummus

Author: Eat Pretty Darling
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 35 Min
This orange hummus made with carrots instead of garbanzo beans is slightly sweet and a pretty shade of orange. Roasting the carrots really makes for a rich and satisfying dip and this Carrot Hummus is perfect for dippers or spreading on a wrap.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons Tahini
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 5 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a baking sheet, toss carrots in olive oil, cumin, salt and pepper. Roast until the carrots are tender, stirring halfway through, about 25 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Add roasted carrots, garlic powder, Tahini, lime juice and water to a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Slowly add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil with the food processor running slowly.
  3. Serve with carrots, bell peppers, pretzels, or pita chips.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
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Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Outrageous Orange Granola

10/17/2019

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Orange you glad it’s pumpkin season?? We gathered our favorite orange veggies to pair with pumpkin: sweet potato and carrots! Did you know you can add veggies to granola!? Yes, this granola is packed with a veggie punch and it tastes delicious! Our orange foods makes this the perfect topping for yogurt, great to eat with milk, or just by the spoonful.

This recipe was developed by Eat Pretty Darling for Veggie Buds Club.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Ask your kids how many orange veggies and fruits can they think of? Take turns! They say an orange veggie/fruit, then you say an orange veggie/fruit, and so on. Making veggies "fun" and part of a game will make them less "scary" at meal time.
Outrageous Orange Granola

Outrageous Orange Granola

Author: Eat Pretty Darling
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 45 Min
Did you know you can add veggies to granola!? Yes, this granola is packed with an orange veggie punch (carrot, pumpkin, and sweet potato!) and it tastes delicious.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, whisk the coconut oil, maple syrup and pumpkin purée together on low heat.
  2. Mix together the oats, seeds, spices, and salt in a large bowl. Quickly pour the saucepan mixture on top of the oats once it is warmed. Mix with a wooden spoon.
  3. Spread out the mixture on two large baking sheets. Bake for 25-35 minutes, stirring halfway. Once the mix is golden brown it is ready to be removed from the oven.
  4. Once it has cooled completely, transfer to an airtight container. It will keep for around 2 weeks.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Jack-o-Lantern Smoothie

10/7/2019

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Need a quick, easy, and delicious snack that celebrates pumpkin? Try this sweet, refreshing smoothie that tastes just like pumpkin pie! This recipe also includes some optional frozen cauliflower for an extra veggie-boost. If you want to make the smoothie even more festive for Halloween, instructions on how to create easy Jack-O-Lantern cups are below.

​This recipe was developed by Happy Kids Kitchen for Veggie Buds Club.​

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Kids will love to help by measuring the ingredients, adding them to the blender, and working those blender buttons!
Jack-o-Lantern Smoothie

Jack-o-Lantern Smoothie

Yield: 3 8-ounce smoothies
Author: Happy Kids Kitchen
Need a quick, easy, and delicious snack that celebrates pumpkin? Try this sweet, refreshing smoothie that tastes just like pumpkin pie. This recipe also includes some optional frozen cauliflower for an extra veggie-boost.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, homemade or canned
  • 1 banana, frozen
  • 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower (optional)
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek, regular, or dairy-free yogurt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or additional cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 1 pitted date
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add additional milk to make a thinner smoothie or blend in more ice to thicken the smoothie.
  2. Pour into cups and serve with a fun, reusable straw.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
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How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Cups
You can make Jack-O-Lantern cups two ways:
  1. If using a plastic cup, draw a jack-o-lantern face directly onto the cup with a black marker. Sharpie permanent markers seems to work best.
  2. If using a glass jar or cup, cut triangle “eyes” and a mouth shape out of black construction paper. Use tape or a glue stick to attach the paper to the glass (the paper easily peels off and glue washes off).
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Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Dilly Beans

9/16/2019

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Have you ever made your own pickles? A quick “refrigerator” pickle is so much easier than it sounds and no messing around with sterilizing or canning equipment. Just 6 simple ingredients, a night in the fridge, and you’ve got a yummy side dish or snack!

This recipe was developed by Happy Kids Kitchen for Veggie Buds Club.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Be sure to get the kids into the kitchen to help prep the green beans! They can either use a child-safe knife to trim the ends off the beans or snap them with their fingers. Measure and mix the ingredients for the brine together then pour it into your jar. The hardest part is waiting a little while to give the crunchy, tangy beans a try, but I promise it will be worth it!
Dilly Beans

Dilly Beans

Yield: 1 pint jar
Author: Happy Kids Kitchen
A quick “refrigerator” pickle is so much easier than it sounds and no messing around with sterilizing or canning equipment. Just 6 simple ingredients, a night in the fridge, and you’ve got a yummy side dish or snack!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound fresh green beans
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fine sea salt or pickling salt
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
  • 1 to 2 sprigs fresh dill
  • 1 large garlic clove, sliced

Instructions

  1. Trim ends off of beans and cut to fit inside a wide-mouth pint sized canning jar. Pack beans tightly into the jar.
  2. Add vinegar, water, salt, and honey (optional) to a small pot. Place over medium heat, stirring gently until salt and honey are dissolved. Pour into a glass measuring cup or other container with a spout for easy pouring.
  3. Place dill and garlic into the jar with the beans. Pour brine mixture over the beans, stopping when they are just covered.
  4. Place top on the jar and refrigerate overnight or 1 to 2 days for the best flavor. Beans can be kept covered and refrigerated for up to a month.
Did you make this recipe?
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Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Corn Sunflower Food Art

8/15/2019

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Kids love sweet corn but sometimes a whole corn on the cob can be difficult to eat. Try slicing the cobs into smaller rounds and transforming them into sunflowers! The cobs are smaller so they're easier to eat and the sunflower "food art" becomes a special treat.

​This recipe was developed by Eat Pretty Darling for Veggie Buds Club.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Transforming veggies into food art is a very effective way to get children interested in trying them! These "Corn Sunflowers" are so simple to make that your children can make them with little assistance.
Corn Sunflowers

Corn Sunflowers

Author: Eat Pretty Darling
Kids love sweet corn but sometimes a whole corn on the cob can be difficult to eat. Try slicing the cobs into smaller rounds and transforming them into sunflowers! The cobs are smaller so they're easier to eat and the sunflower "food art" becomes a special treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 corn cob, cooked
  • Green toothpicks
  • Black olives, sliced

Instructions

  1. Slice the corn cob into one inch rounds. Stick a toothpick in one end and top with a black olive in the center.
  2. Kids can pick them up by the toothpick or just hold them in their hands to nibble around the edges and eat the “petals” of the sunflower.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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Clean Caramel Corn

8/12/2019

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You are sure to enjoy this simple and all-natural caramel popcorn! Popped in coconut oil and sweetened with maple syrup and a little bit of vanilla, it's the perfect afternoon snack or popcorn treat for your next movie night.

"Learn to Love Veggies" Tip

Read the classic children's book, "The Popcorn Book" by Tomie dePaola while enjoying this sweet popcorn snack!

More about this book:
Tony likes to cook. Tiny likes to read. But both twins like to eat . . . POPCORN! So while Tony cooks it, Tiny reads about what popcorn is, how it's stored, how it's cooked, how different Native American people made it, how much popcorn Americans eat, popcorn stories and legends, and popcorn recipes.
Clean Caramel Corn

Clean Caramel Corn

Author: Veggie Buds Club
Popped in coconut oil and sweetened with maple syrup and a little bit of vanilla, this Clean Caramel Corn is the perfect afternoon snack or popcorn treat for your next movie night!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/8 cup maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. ​Place 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a pot and melt over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover with a tight fitting lid. Shake pan back and forth occasionally until more than 3 seconds elapses between pops. Immediately remove the pot from heat and pour the popcorn into a bowl.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, place the remaining coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Boil for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the popcorn kernels and stir well. Allow to cool and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @veggiebudsclub on instagram and hashtag it #veggiebudsclub
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Check out our shop for products that teach kids to learn to love veggies! This includes veggie activity boxes, kid-safe knives, interactive placemats, and more.
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