The holidays are the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making healthy treats that your kid will love. This season, why not try making Snowman Fruit Kabobs? They’re fun to create, healthy, and a great way to sneak in some nutritious snacks during the festivities.
Why Snowman Fruit Kabobs?
At Cornerstone, we know that making healthy eating enjoyable is an important part of fostering good habits. These snowman kabobs are a wonderful way to incorporate fresh fruits into a festive treat that your kid will be excited to eat. Plus, they’re customizable based on preferences and dietary needs, making them a perfect option for families and children with varying tastes and sensitivities.
What You’ll Need:
Fresh fruit of your choice (suggestions below)
Skewers or wooden sticks
Mini chocolate chips or raisins (for eyes and buttons)
Small pieces of carrot or orange bell pepper (for noses)
A small amount of whipped cream or yogurt (for hats and scarf)
Optional: Pretzel sticks (for arms)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Fruit: You can use any fruits you like, but we recommend a mix of round fruits such as:
Banana slices (for the snowman’s body)
Strawberries (for the bottom or middle sections)
Grapes (for the snowman’s head or arms)
Pineapple chunks or melon balls for a fun touch!
2. Assemble Your Snowman: On each skewer, stack pieces of fruit, starting with the largest piece at the bottom and working your way up to the smallest. You can create a traditional snowman shape with three stacked pieces or add a fun twist by using different fruit combinations for each “snowman.”
3. Add the Details:
Use chocolate chips or raisins to create eyes and buttons.
Add a small piece of carrot or orange bell pepper as a nose.
For a hat and scarf, use a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt to make it festive.
Optionally, use pretzel sticks to give your snowman arms.
Serve & Enjoy: Once your snowman kabobs are all put together, they’re ready to serve! These festive fruit treats are not only adorable but also packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Why Healthy Snacking Matters
Healthy snacking is important for all children, but it can be particularly beneficial for kids with autism. Children with autism often face unique challenges when it comes to nutrition, including sensory sensitivities, food preferences, and difficulty with mealtime routines. However, providing nutrient-dense snacks can have a profound impact on their physical and cognitive development, as well as their emotional well-being.
Supports Sensory Needs: Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities, including aversions to certain textures, tastes, or colors of food. By offering a variety of fruits with different textures, shapes, and colors, you can provide a sensory-friendly experience that encourages exploration and acceptance of new foods.
Promotes Healthy Habits: Teaching kids to enjoy healthy snacks helps create lasting habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. This is especially important for children with autism, who may have limited food preferences or become resistant to trying new foods. Fun and interactive treats like Snowman Fruit Kabobs are a playful way to encourage healthier choices and make mealtime enjoyable.
The holidays can be a busy time, but they also offer a chance to connect with family and create lasting memories. Incorporating fun, healthy activities like making Snowman Fruit Kabobs can be a great way to engage children and create a positive, enjoyable experience in the kitchen. Not only will your kids have a blast making these festive treats, but they’ll also feel proud to enjoy something they helped create! For more fun and educational ideas, check out our blog page for sensory-friendly fun!