Parents like for their children to enjoy the health benefits of good whole food like apples. This includes the parents of children who suffer from gluten allergy. The following treat ideas can provide wheat-free, gluten-free choices for healthy snacks.
Apple Cracker Topping
Arrange gluten-free crackers on a plate. Spoon a dollop of applesauce onto each cracker. Place an apple slice on top of the applesauce. Sprinkle a small amount of sugar cinnamon on top of each apple slice. This snack goes great with a glass of skim milk or gluten-free rice milk.
Apple Smoothie
In a blender combine one cored apple, one peeled banana, and ½ cup of skimmed milk or gluten-free rice milk. Pour into a glass - or two glasses for two smaller children. On hot days add an ice-cube.
Apple Dip
Core an apple and cut it into slices. Use a gluten-free chocolate soy pudding for dipping. ( Flavored yogurt also works well as a dip.) Place the individual pudding container in the middle of a plate and arrange the apple slices around it. Kids enjoy nice food presentation too!
Apple Parfait
In a parfait glass make alternate layers of apple sauce, yogurt, and gluten-free cereal. Place fresh apple slices or raisins on top.
Apple Tortilla
Lay out a gluten-free tortilla wrap. Spread margarine or butter on it. Arrange three or four apple slices in the middle and sprinkle cinnamon on top of the slices. Fold up the wrap and heat in the microwave for 30-40 seconds on high. Let it cool for a minute before eating. This treat also goes well with a glass of skim milk or gluten-free rice milk.
Apple Rings
Core an apple and cut it into rings. Spread peanut butter on each ring. Top the ring with gluten-free cereal, banana slices, or raisins. Two rings can be placed together with the other ingredients in the middle to make an apple-ring sandwich.
Apple Trail Mix
Core an apple and dice it up. Toss the diced apple pieces with raisins, seeds and nuts. Be careful to check the seeds and nuts for any wheat coating.
Apple Bake
This idea will take a little longer and goes in the oven, but is a great idea for dessert.
Core six apples and place them in a baking dish. Fill each apple with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake them in a 375 degree F oven for about 15 minutes, depending on individual taste. Serve the apples while they are warm. This is a great dessert for a cold day.
Many of these wheat-free apple snack ideas are simple enough to do with children as a kitchen project. Of course, they will need help with sharp utensils and hot food.
Because apples come in so many flavors and textures, it is fun to experiment with different kinds to get the whole range of tastes.
For more gluten-free snacks see Healthy Gluten-free Blueberry Snacks
For ideas for school snacks and lunches see Gluten-free Back-to-School Snacks and Lunches.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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