Homemade Applesauce (Makes 10 Servings)

Directions
1. Wash and then cut apples in quarters. Apples can be peeled, but fiber will be decreased.
2. Combine apples and water in saucepan. Heat to boiling. Turn heat to low as soon as the water is boiling.
3. Simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in sugar and heat unit sugar is dissolved.
5. Serving suggestion - add 1 Tablespoon cinnamon and stir before serving.

Notes
Additional sugar can be added to increase sweetness. Brown sugar can be used instead of white.

Source: Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service, Eating Right is Basic
Nutrition Education Program

Butterfly Bites (Makes 6 Servings)
Designed with kids in mind, this recipe puts a new spin on snack time. Try different vegetables or dried fruit for a different looking "butterfly". (“Butterfly Bites ,” n.d.)
WARNING: Contains peanuts, be VERY careful if there are children with peanut allergies in the class with your child, possibly even skip this treat. Please enforce "NO SHARING" policy with your children and write on the packaging that it contains peanuts, and if you do send it in with your child, please let their teacher now that your child's lunch has peanut butter in it, they will know how to handle it.

Ingredients
3 celery (stalks)
12 twist pretzels (large, 3 ring)
6 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoon raisins

Directions
1. Wash hands and cooking area.
2. Clean celery with vegetable brush under cool running water.
3. Cut celery in half cross wise.
4. Fill center of each celery stick with one tablespoon of peanut butter. This is the body of the butterfly
5. Add two pretzels to form the butterfly’s wings.
6. Use extra pretzel pieces for antenna and raisins for decoration.

Source: Texas Cooperative Extension, The Texas A&M University System, Expanded Nutrition Program

Cookie Cutter Appetizers (Makes 1 Serving)
Make these appetizers for your next get-together. If you don't have a cookie cutter, just cut the tortilla into triangles. Add your favorite veggies to the filling. (“Cookie Cutter,” n.d.)

Ingredients
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 tablespoon cream cheese, low-fat
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup chopped vegetables (recommended: broccoli, carrots, red pepper, green onion)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut out multiple shapes from 1 whole wheat tortilla using cookie cutters.
3. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Place cut out tortilla shapes onto cookie sheet.
5. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While tortillas are baking, mix low-fat cream cheese with garlic powder. Set aside.
7. Wash and chop mixed vegetables.
8. Once tortilla cut outs are finished baking, let cool.
9. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto each cut out shape and decorate with mixed vegetables.

Notes
You will need cookie cutters.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos (Makes 4 Servings)
Fresh pico de gallo, cooked chicken, veggies, and cheese combine to make these tasty taquitos that are baked, not fried, for a healthy meal or snack. (“Crispy Chicken,” n.d.)

Ingredients
3 servings Pico de Gallo (2 cups)
1/2 cup chicken (cooked, finely chopped)
1/2 cup corn (no salt added, canned or frozen, thawed)
1/4 cup green onion (chopped)
1/4 cup bell pepper (green, chopped)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, reduced fat, or Monterey jack or queso fresco)
12 corn tortillas
2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions
1. Heat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup Pico de Gallo, chicken, corn, green onion, bell pepper, and cheese.
2. Soften tortillas on the stovetop or in the microwave oven, and spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up tightly and secure each with a toothpick.
3. Place rolled tortillas seam side down on a baking sheet and brush each lightly with oil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned., n.d.)
4. Place 3 taquitos on each plate and serve with remaining Pico de Gallo.

Crunchy Vegetable Wraps (Makes 4 Servings)
Full of fresh and colorful veggies, these wraps are a great way to help meet your MyPlate goal of making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. (“Crunchy Vegetable,” n.d.)

Ingredients
4 tablespoon cream cheese, low-fat (whipped)
2 flour tortillas
1/2 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 cup broccoli (washed and chopped)
1/4 cup carrot (peeled and grated)
1/4 cup zucchini (washed and cut into small strips)
1/4 cup summer squash (yellow, washed and cut into small strips)
1/2 tomato (diced)
1/8 cup green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
2 tablespoon chives (chopped fine)

Directions
1. In a small bowl, stir ranch seasoning into cream cheese, chill.
2. Wash and chop vegetables.
3. Steam broccoli in microwave for 1 minute with 1 tablespoon of water.
4. Spread cream cheese onto flour tortilla, staying one inch from edge. Sprinkle vegetables over cream cheese. Roll tortilla tightly.
5. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving (the wrap will hold its shape better). With a sharp knife slice into circles and serve.

Notes

• Be creative. Try different vegetables, herbs and spices. Examples- green beans, lettuce, radishes, corn; dill, oregano, basil, mint, curry or chili powder.
• You can substitute pre-made flavored cream cheeses- chive, herb or vegetable.
• Try a sweet cream cheese and add fruit to your wrap for a different twist.
• This wrap is great with soup or salad or served as a cool summer appetizer!

REFERENCES

Applesauce - Choose MyPlate, (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/applesauce

Butterfly Bites - Choose MyPlate, (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/butterfly-bite

Cookie Cutter Appetizers - Choose MyPlate, (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/cookie-cutter-appetizers

Crispy Taquitos - Choose MyPlate, (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/crispy-taquitos

Crunchy Vegetable Wraps - Choose MyPlate, (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/crunchy-vegetable-wraps

Baked Chicken Taquitos.[IMAGE]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.tryanythingonceculinary.com/baked-crispy-chicken-taquitos-forappetizerweek-and-a-potsandpans-giveaway/

Crunchy Vegetable Wraps. [IMAGE]. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://preventionrd.com/2013/09/meatless-monday-crunchy-veggie-wraps/

[Untitled picture of a “Sparky”,]. [IMAGE] Retrieved October 5, 2019 from https://eoss.asu.edu/getinvolved/traditions

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