“But Mom, I want to take in cookies!” said every child when it comes to their birthday, but that it isn’t that simple anymore. With more students developing food allergies, more schools are cracking down on the kind of birthday treats your child can take into class to celebrate. Sure, you could take in 15 cookies and 15 apples, but who wants make the kids who can’t have the cookie sad, or worse, worry about cross contamination reactions? No one wants to do that. Along with restricting what kids can bring in because of allergies, most parents do not want their kids eating “unhealthy” items during the school day. Don’t fret! We have a quick recipe that will fit the gluten free, dairy free, healthy food categories for your next classroom treat-making experience.
Gluten-Free Cheerio Treats
Servings 24
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsps. Unsalted Butter
- 6 Cups Mini Marshmallows
- 3 Cups Frosted Cheerios
- 3 Cups Honey Nut Cheerios
Instructions:
- Prepare a 9x13 pan with wax paper
- In saucepan, melt butter then add marshmallows
- Keep stirring until smooth
- Once smooth remove from heat and stir in cheerios
- Pour into pan evenly
- Let harden for several hours
- Serve J
For extra fun, melt in a microwave safe bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle on top of the hardened treats and add sprinkles.
While some kids are gluten free, there are others who may be dairy free or allergic to peanuts. With that being said, we have a recipe that will fit all of those needs. Introducing, puppy chow! This snack is sure to be a hit with all of the kids and their dietary needs.
Puppy Chow
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Peanut Free
Servings 18
Ingredients:
- 6 Cups rice Chex
- ½ Cups Dairy-free Chocolate Chips
- ¼ Cup Sunbutter
- 3 Tbsp Nondairy Butter
- ½ Tsp Gluten Free Vanilla
- 1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions:
- Measure Chex into a large bowl
- Measure powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set aside
- Combine chocolate chips, sunbutter, nondairy butter and vanilla into saucepan on medium heat. Stir until melted and mixed smoothly
- Pour chocolate mixture over Chex and mix carefully. Try not to crush the cereal
- Add the powdered sugar and still carefully again. Continue mixing until all the of the cereal is covered
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in freezer
- Serve J
We know it can be hard with allergies and picky children, but hopefully these two items can help add a fun healthy treat to your child’s classroom. All of the above listed ingredients can be found at your local Marc’s. Be sure to check out our weekly
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