BEST COOKING RECIPES

Your air conditioner isn't the only thing that uses energy in the hot weather-your kids do
too.

Warm months usually means children are playing outside more. All that running
jumping and swimming uses up plenty of energy
so it's important to keep your kids well-fueled. Here's a recipe that can do just that. It's a fun
portable snack mix made with California raisins
so it has a sweet taste and supplies lots of energy.

Sunshine Snack Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups California raisins

2 cups low-fat granola cereal

1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces

1/2 cup sunflower kernels

Directions:

In large bowl
combine all ingredients; mix well.

Yields: 51/2 cups

Serves: 11

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Fun Fuel

The potassium in California raisins helps lower blood pressure
which has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to adding fiber to the diet
raisins rank among the top antioxidant foods and even contain phytochemicals that contribute to oral health.

The Taste Of Health

Of course
nutrition facts probably don't matter much to your children. Kids tend to focus on taste
and California raisins hold up well there
too. They make sweet
plump treats
which means they can be an easy way to help your children maintain a healthful diet-and to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

Cool Ideas

Looking for more summertime snack ideas? The California Raisin Marketing Board offers a host of tasty
easy-to-make recipes that require little to no time spent in the kitchen
giving you more time to spend with your kids. Try making Raisin Peanut Butter Balls for a quick snack or Spiced Apple Pie Party Mix for a good dose of dried fruits
nuts
cinnamon and nutmeg. Raisin Nachos with Cinnamon Dipping Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser
and try Raisin Delights for bite-size balls of cream cheese and sunflower seeds rolled in coconut. Or just snack on California raisins straight from the box.