Recipes — Freeze Dried Banana Slices

5 Easy-to-Make Snacks Perfect for Last-Minute Traveling

It’s already August, which means vacation time is right around the corner. But, if you are anything like most people, chances are you have yet to start packing. While tucking away your bathing suit at the very last minute is no big deal, neglecting to throw in a couple of snacks can be all types of frustrating during a long trip. To avoid packing all the wrong things or - worse - leaving your tote bag empty and your stomach growling, we gathered around these five last minute snacks for traveling that are super easy to make, healthy and - most importantly - packed with flavor. So, consider yourself road-trip ready.

1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Requiring just three ingredients, this last-minute snack is the epitome of easy. But, don't let the short ingredient list fool you. Thanks to dark chocolate’s sweet taste, the travel-friendly nosh is bound to swoon your taste buds even when heat and hundreds of miles are slowly getting the better of you.
Ingredients:
3 ½ ounces of dark chocolate
½ tsp coconut oil
½ cup of freeze dried whole strawberries
Instructions:

1. Line a tray with waxed paper and set aside.
2. Add the chocolate to a heat-proof mug and place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
3. Once the time is up, remove the mug from the microwave and using a spoon, and gently stir the slightly melted chocolate.
4. Then, place the mug in the microwave once again for another 15-20 seconds.
5. Repeat the same procedure until the chocolate is completely melted and then stir in the coconut oil.
6. Dip the whole strawberries into the chocolate and arrange them on the tray.
7. Place them in the fridge and chill for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Peanut Butter & Banana Chips Wrap

Packed with fiber and lots of flavor, bananas are one of those foods that can readily turn any snack into a gourmet treat. Take this peanut butter and banana wrap, for example. Made in less than 5 minutes, this last minute snack is perfect for anyone who needs something filling to munch on while on the road without discounting on flavor. Kudos to those who go the extra mile and add candied nuts to the mix!
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp freeze dried banana slices
1 tbsp candied cashews (optional)
A pinch of coconut sugar
Instructions:

1. Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla evenly.
2. Top with the banana slices, candied cashews, and coconut sugar.
3. Roll up the tortilla tightly and store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag.

3. Stuffed Olives

We get it: Not everyone is a fan of sweet snacks. But, going outside the potato chip box while on the road is not an easy feat. That's why you need this healthier snack recipe in your life. At just three ingredients, this nibble takes almost zero time to prep, and is all kinds of delicious. Not to mention that it's packed with fiber, thanks to red bell peppers. That basically means that just a few bites can keep you full for a long time!
Ingredients:
½ cup green olives, pitted
2-3 tsp freeze dried red bell peppers
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. Fill half a cup with lukewarm water and add the red bell peppers.
2. Let them sit for a while until they are hydrated.
3. Then, transfer them to a small bowl, squeeze the excess water away and add some salt.
4. Using a fork, mash the hydrated bell peppers until you form a thick paste.
5. Stuff the pitted olives with the paste and store them in an airtight container.

4. Fruit & Nut Clusters

Somewhere between the subtly sweet taste, crunchy cashews, and fiber rich berries, this 4 ingredient snack screams “travel material.” So, if you want to spend more time on your suitcase than prepping your snack bag, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Ingredients:
½ cup cashews, unsalted and finely chopped
½ cup freeze dried Berry De-Lite blend
4 ounces of chocolate, melted
1-2 tbsp coconut flakes
1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the melted chocolate and stir in the fruits, cashews, coconut flakes, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated with chocolate.
2. Set several paper cupcake cases and spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture in each of them.
3. Freeze for about 5-10 minutes and transfer to a ziplock bag.

5. Tomato Parmesan Crisps

While veggie chips can definitely do the trick and keep your hunger at bay, nothing hits the spot quite like a cheesy oven-baked crisp. But, this twist on the favorite snack comes with a generous serving of tomato flakes, making your munching experience all the more decadent. Who said road trip food is unhealthy and boring?
Ingredients:
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp dehydrated tomato flakes
Instructions:

1. Add ¼ cup of lukewarm water in a bowl and stir in the tomato flakes. Let them sit there for 10-15 minutes until they are hydrated.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Once the tomato flakes are hydrated, remove them from the bowl, squeeze any excess water and add them to a separate bowl along with the grated parmesan cheese. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined.
4. Spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture onto the baking sheet and form small cheese “discs.” Make sure you leave enough room between one another to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
6. Let them cool for a while and store them in an airtight container.

So, what's your go-to last-minute snack? We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments down below!

 

5 Healthy Treats For Mothers This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is here with us once more. A day dedicated to celebrating mothers. They are selfless humans who have sacrificed a lot to bring us into this world. They have nurtured us and we owe them, don’t we? We celebrate them for all the amazing things that they have done for us. Show your appreciation and wow your mother with these healthy, delicious Mother's Day treats.

Frozen Chocolate Banana bites¹

Bringing together the best recipes for Mother’s Day, this frozen banana bites is a Mother’s Day must have. Your dad will definitely want a taste of this. Offering the flavorful goodness of banana with a taste of chocolate. Frozen banana bites are easy to make with freeze dried bananas. Rehydrate a pack of banana chunks, then toss them in the freezer for one hour.
Mix half a cup of chocolate chips with half a cup of peanut butter. Microwave on high for one minute and stir until smooth. Dip the banana chunks into the peanut butter and chocolate mixture, then roll over the shredded coconut to coat on all sides. Put in the freezer again for an hour, then serve. It's such a tasty and healthy treat that your mom will love.

Peach and mango smoothie²

Surprise your mom with a glass of healthy sweet smoothie on Mother’s Day. You can serve her in the morning or as a refreshing afternoon snack or a dinner dessert.
You will need a pack of mango chunks, peach slices, a banana and sugar or honey according to your preference. Use freeze dried peach slices and mango chunks since they don’t require any washing peeling or slicing. You can make this delicious smoothie in under five minutes.
After rehydrating the fruits, place them in the blender. Add sugar or honey, ice cubes, and mango nectar and blend until smooth. Pour into your mom’s favorite glass and let her enjoy the awesomeness. You can serve it to her with a piece of cake.

Peaches & Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup³

This delicious fruit salad is refreshing for those hot summer afternoons while basking in the sun. Your mom will surely love this. You can pair with vanilla ice cream.
Select ripe peaches, or better still, buy a pack of our freeze dried peach slices. Put them on a plate and combine with a cup of blueberries and fresh mint. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on it and let them soak. You can add a little sugar. Cover and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours. Add a cup of blackberries or raspberries (or both) right before serving.

Banana Pancakes⁴

I'm pretty sure banana pancakes are one of the major reasons that bananas exist. Banana pancakes are easy to make and take a short time.
To prepare banana pancakes, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. You can add sugar or honey. Mash the rehydrated bananas with a fork in another bowl until smooth. Whisk in the eggs. Add milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Melt some butter and add to the banana mixture. Fold in flour a little at a time into the banana mixture until well blended. The batter should be thick.
Fry over a non-stick pan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can drop in hot oil and cook until brown. Flip the pancake to cook the both sides. Serve with sliced bananas while hot.

Mango Chunks Dessert ⁵

This dessert needs two ripe mangoes, agave syrup, and a yogurt topping. Put half of the chopped mango cubes in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Put the puree in a bowl and stir in agave syrup and almond extract. Place the remaining mango cubes in the food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped and set aside.
Make yogurt filling by mixing a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt with a cup of frozen whipping cream. Mix half of the mango puree and half of the yogurt mixture. Top up with the slightly processed mango cubes. Pour over the yogurt topping and cover. Refrigerate for about 8 hours and serve. It can be taken in the morning or during the afternoon. Yum!
This Mother’s Day, take time to treat your mom or the mom to your kids with these amazing healthy treats. And don’t forget to purchase freeze dried bananas, mangoes, and peaches, because you’ll need them for these recipes. Have fun.
Wishing all the awesome moms a Happy Mother’s Day.

 








References

1. http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2011/05/frozen-banana-bites.html
2. https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/peach-mango-smoothies.html
3. https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/peaches-berries-with-lemon-mint-syrup.html
4. http://www.redappleapron.com/banana-pancakes/
5. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/263982/mango-tiramisu/

5 Must-Try Dehydrated & Freeze Dried Food Snack Recipes You'll Drool Over

We've all been there: It's around mid-afternoon, and what was once a tummy rumble has evolved into full-blown hunger. At this point, you are unable to control yourself. So, you instinctively reach for anything that can tame this feeling, whether it's a calorie-packed candy bar or a sugar-laden latte. Unfortunately, going down that road is as unhealthy as it sounds.
If you are looking for a quick but nutritious alternative, dehydrated and freeze dried foods are a great place to start. These bite-sized versions of our favorite veggies and fruits contain the same amount of nutrients as the real deal, and are equally tasty and require very little prep time, which makes them the perfect candidate for when you are going down with the afternoon munchies. So, what's not to like?
So, if you are ready to shake up your old eating habits and make some healthy adjustments, these delicious freeze dried food snack recipes are worth a spot in your recipe book. Let the snacking begin!

1. Dark Chocolate Bark with Berries

Not that dark chocolate doesn't taste great as is, but a few crunchy (nutrient-dense) additions sure wouldn't hurt. This sweet treat is great for anyone with a sweet tooth that still wants to sneak some antioxidants and fiber into their body. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to make. So, what are you waiting for?
Ingredients:
10 ounces dark chocolate
1 1/4 cups freeze dried Berry De-lite Blend
2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions:

1. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. (Tip: Opt for the low heat setting to prevent it from burning and sticking to the bottom of your pot. Patience is key during this step.)
3. Once the chocolate is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the freeze dried berry de-lite blend. Optionally, you can add the honey during this step.
4. Then, pour it onto the pan and spread it into an even layer. At this point, you decide how thick your bark is going to be.
5. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of freeze dried berries and place it into the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

2. Tropical Trail Mix

Touché: Trail mix and a healthy diet don't always see eye to eye. But, what happens if you replace the usual suspects (see: M&Ms, milk chocolate drops, and pretzels) with some healthier-for-you options like freeze dried fruit? You get full access to a delicious, low-cal snack, that's what happens! So, next time you whip up a batch of homemade trail mix, skip the sugary fixins, and opt for a handful of freeze dried apples, apricots, bananas, mangos, or anything your heart desires.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole almonds, preferably roasted
1 cup cashews
½ cup pepitas
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup freeze dried Tropical De-lite Blend
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix until they are evenly combined.
2. Store leftovers in air-tight containers.

3. Homemade Crackers with Garlic & Rosemary

Contrary to popular belief, crackers are super easy to make at home. That being said, it's unnecessary to spend a bunch of money on the store-bought versions which -let's not forget- are also packed with sodium and hard-to-pronounce preservatives. So, if you want to snack smart and watch out for your health, this recipe is a definite keeper.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup olive oil
2 tsp baking powder
1-2 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1 tsp pepper
Poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary).
3. Then, add the water and olive oil and mix well. If the dough is still a bit dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
4. Flour a surface and transfer the dough.
5. Using a rolling pin, thin it out as much as possible and cut it into round or square shapes.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Place the soon-to-be crackers onto the tray and make small holes on them using a fork.
8. Optionally, sprinkle with poppy seeds.
9. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden.

4. Blueberry Energy Balls

Sure, granola bars seem like the best option to beat a midday slump, but did you know that this “healthy” snack is actually drenched in sugar? To avoid negating an hour's worth of treadmill action, energy bites do exactly what their name suggests; they refill your empty energy tank and keep you going until lunchtime rolls around. Isn't that what snacks are supposed to do, anyway?
Ingredients:
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
4 tbsp chia seeds
4 tbsp nut butter (peanut & almond work the best)
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
1/3 cup freeze dried blueberries, halved
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil and blend until they are well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, coconut, and blueberries).
3. Pour the nut butter mixture into the second bowl and mix well.
4. Cover with a dry towel and set it aside for 30 minutes minimum.
5. Using a tablespoon, form small balls of the mixture and place them in a container.
6. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

5. Banana Strawberry S'mores

From their sweet flavor to their gooey texture, s'mores know what it takes to become a front-runner snack. However, sun-soaked days and a campfire are not the only excuses to indulge in this classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate combo. If you are ready to treat your taste buds to a new (healthier) s'mores version, this delicious freeze dried food snack recipe is a dream come true.
Ingredients:
6 Graham crackers, cut in half
6 ounces dark chocolate, cut into six large chunks
12 marshmallows
¼ cup freeze dried strawberries – sliced or whole
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. Crack each Graham's cracker in half and use one as the top layer and one at the bottom.
3. Arrange them on a large plate and coat them with the freeze dried banana slices and strawberries.
4. Then, top with the chocolate chunks.
5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the marshmallows on top of it.
6. Roast them for 3-5 minutes or until they turn brownish. Remember to rotate them so that they don't burn.
7. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and place them on top of the chocolate.
8. Lastly, add the second cracker on top and serve.

So, which one of these recipes you can't wait to try? Do you have any dehydrated or freeze dried food snack recipes that you'd like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section down below!

 

4 Easy Meal Ideas That You Can Cook With Your Children in 2018

After a week long absence from home due to work, you need to spend quality time with your children. There’s no better way to spend time and teach them valuable skills like cooking with them. Here are a few meal ideas that you can cook with your children over the weekend.

Salad in a jar¹

Most parents complain that it is a hustle to get kids to eat salads. I bet you do agree with me. They may take a bite here and there, but a whole plate, never. You can make them eat by presenting it in a fun and exciting way. Allow them to be in control of the ingredients. Be sure that they'll be happy to indulge without your usual push.
You will need

• Four different vegetables - Allow them to select what to put in the jar. The rule is that they should select not less than four. Try mixing up colors, for example, with our dehydrated/rehydrated carrots, cucumbers, peas, corn, and lettuce.
• A fruit to sweeten up the salad, like our freeze dried strawberries, apples, mangoes, or blueberries
• A mason jar

Method

• Show your children to cut up the veggies using a butter knife or scissors which are perfect for little hands. If you go with our veggies, all you have to do is rehydrate to keep it safe for your children.
• Let them layer the chopped veggies on a large platter.
• Ask them to take a little at a time as they layer the veggies on the jar, starting from the heaviest to the lightest. They should finish up with greens, in this case, lettuce. A nice arrangement would be to put carrot at the bottom, then peas, corn, avocado, strawberries and lettuce on top.
• Refrigerate for eating later. Or if they want to eat immediately, they should shake the jar, and then pour into the plate.

Watermelon and berry cookie-shaped fruit salad²

 You will need

• Watermelon/ Rehydrated Freeze Dried Pineapple Chunks
• Berries/ you can use any of our freeze dried blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Cookie cutter

Method

• Peel the watermelon and cut into flat pieces.
• Let the kids cut the watermelon into various shapes using cookie cutters
• Mix the blueberries, raspberries, or even Papayas with the melon. Serve immediately.

Banana, peanut butter spread with chocolate chips³

You will need

• 2 whole wheat tortilla, about 8 inches each
• 1 banana, thinly sliced/ you can also use our freeze dried banana slices
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoon chocolate chips

 Method

1. Let each kid spread peanut butter on their tortilla.
2. Ask them to arrange the banana slices on half the tortilla.
3. Let them sprinkle chocolate chips over the banana.
4. Fold the tortilla so that the halves meet. Cook it in a skillet over low heat until it turns golden brown on both sides as crispy enough according to your preference.
5. Let them cut up a tortilla into three using a pizza cutter from the folded edge to the center. This avoids the filling from squeezing out.

Taco pizza⁴

You will need

• 2kg/ 4.4 lbs ground beef
• Mixed spices for seasoning
• 10-ounce refrigerated pizza dough
• 16 oz Refried beans / our easily rehydratable refried beans are incredibly delicious, without all the extra additives and preservatives
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes/ use our rehydrated dried tomato flakes.
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 4 chopped onions / use our rehydrated chopped onions to reduce tears.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Fry the ground beef over medium heat until brown. Drain the grease. Then, add the seasonings.
3. Remove the pizza dough and let it stay at room temperature for five minutes before using. Place the pizza dough on unbuttered cookie sheets, pressing it at the bottom and all sides of the cookie sheet.
4. Bake the pizza dough for 10 minutes until it's lightly golden. Then remove it.
5. Heat the beans in the microwave for a minute. Spread the beans over the pizza crust while it’s still warm. Then, cover with the ground beef. Sprinkle cheese. Add the olives, onion and tomatoes.
6. Bake for another 7 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately
7. The kids will enjoy chopping and spreading the ingredients and slicing the pizza.

Are you looking for ways to bond with your children? Cooking with them is a fantastic way to spend time with them and share a home cooked meal.
Please share other meal ideas that you have tried before in the comments!

 








References

1. https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/COOKING-WITH-KIDS--SALAD-IN-A-JAR
2. https://witandwhistle.com/2011/07/05/cookie-cutter-fruit-salad/
3. https://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/05/peanut-butter-banana-quesadillas/
4. https://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/taco-pizza/