NUTTY ENERGY BITES AND HOMEMADE FRUIT ROLL-UPS

For delicious after school snack foods, try these energy bites or create your own fruit roll-ups. Energy Bites are bursting with the flavors of nuts, coconut and honey and homemade roll-ups avoid processed sugar and artificial colors.

Nutty Energy Bites By Amanda Sorell

I adore these energy bites for after-work snacks and pre- or post-exercise nourishment. They’re easy to make and store well in the freezer. • 3 cups tahini • 1 cup nut butter • 2 cups honey • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) • 8 ounces shredded coconut • 1 cup chopped almonds or nuts of your choice Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (make smaller or larger if desired). Try rolling the balls in cocoa powder, or extra chopped nuts or coconut, if you like. Store balls in the fridge or freezer. If frozen, pull out a handful and let thaw for just a few minutes, and they’ll be ready to pop in your mouth!

Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups By Terese Roberts

Feel free to substitute other seasonal fruit for the Flickr/Mirandala picnic.com strawberries. Light-colored fruits will benefit from a dash of lemon juice added to the mix to prevent darkening. If you use apples, try adding a little cinnamon and nutmeg, too. • 4 cups strawberries, hulled, rinsed and chopped • 1⁄2 cup water • 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste Place strawberries and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, and then mash with a potato masher or purée in a food processor until smooth. Add honey to taste. Pour purée onto a nonstick dehydrator sheet or large baking pan lined with parchment paper. Dry in a food dehydrator for 6 to 8 hours, or in your oven on its lowest temperature setting for 10 hours or more, until smooth and not sticky. Cut fruit leather and parchment paper into strips of desired width. Roll up. Place in airtight bags or containers, and then store in fridge.