Sunday, May 14, 2006

The Family Corner - snacks

Snacks for Organization and Alertness!
MCAS testing is this week. Why not send in snacks that would help your children function at their best. Crunchy snacks are alerting. Chewy snacks are organizing. Of course, there are always Cheetoes and Starbursts, but here are healthy ideas to try.
Apple rings:
1. Preheat oven to 225°. Line two baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper.

2. Peel an apple and slice in thin rings across the core (seeds will fall away and you get a nice star pattern in the middle). Transfer slices to baking sheets. Bake until tops look dried, about 30 minutes. Flip slices; bake until completely dried, 25 to 30 minutes more. Dry on wire racks. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Dried pineapple flowers:
1. Preheat oven to 225°. Line two baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper.

2. Peel pineapple. Using a small melon baller, remove and discard pineapple "eyes." Using a sharp knife, cut pineapple crosswise into very thin slices. Transfer slices to baking sheets. Bake until tops look dried, about 30 minutes. Flip slices; bake until completely dried, 25 to 30 minutes more. Dry on wire racks. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.