No More Pre-Packaged Snacks

Apple Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 large apples

• 14 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ cup water

• 2 tsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Peel and chop apples. Simmer with water and cinnamon for 15 - 20 minutes until tender.

2. Mash for chunk sauce or blend for smooth.

Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

• 8 oz sharp cheddar (grated)

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup butter

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 Tbs cold water

Directions

1. Pulse cheese, flour and butter in a food processor until it looks like crumbs.

2. Add water until dough forms.

3. Roll thin, cut into squares, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 - 15 minutes.

Fruit Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups 100% fruit juice (apple or grape)

• 2 Tbs lemon juice

• 1 Tbs honey

Directions

1. Pour the fruit juice into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. You are looking to reduce the volume from 4 cups down to approximately 1 to 1 ¼ cups. This concentrates the natural sugars and pectin.

3. Once it has reached a syrupy, jam-like consistency (it should coat the back of a metal spoon heavily), stir in the lemon juice.

4. Line a baking sheet with hig-quality parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pour the syrup onto the center and spread it into a very thin, even rectangle.

5. Bake at your oven’s lowest setting (150 - 170 degrees) for 4 - 6 hours. It is done when the surface is no longer tacky to the touch but still flexible.

6. Let it cool completely, then use kitchen shears to cut the parchment and fruit together into strips. Roll them up for a “grab-and-go” snack.

Graham Crackers

Ingredients

• ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cups whole wheat flour

• ½ cup butter

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 Tbs honey

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Cream the butter and sugar.

2. Add honey and dry ingredients.

3. Roll between parchment paper and score into rectangles.

4. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1/3 cup honey

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter (melted)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients. Press very firmly into a parchment-lined pan.

2. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

3. Let cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Gummies

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups 100% fruit juice (pomegranate, grape, or cherry)

• 1 Tbs agar-agar powder

• 2 Tbs honey or maple syrup

• 1 Tbs lemon juice

Directions

1. Pour the fruit juice and agar-agar into a small saucepan while cold. Whisk thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps.

2. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Agar-agar must reach a boil to activate its setting properties.

3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in the honey and lemon juice.

4. Use a dropper to quickly fill silicone gummy molds. You must work fast, as agar-agar starts to set as soon as the temperature drops.

5. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then move to the refrigerator for 20 minutes to fully firm up.

6. Remove from molds and store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator.

Potato Chips

Ingredients

• 2 large Russet potatoes

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Sea salt

Directions

1. Slice potatoes paper-thin.

2. Soak in water for 30 minutes to remove starch.

3. Pat bone-dry and fry in 350 degrees Fahrenheit oil until golden.

4. Salt immediately.