Healthy Hockey Snacks

When I signed up for motherhood no one ever told me how much food children can eat – especially when they’re growing athletes. Instead of putting money away for their future education, I’m contemplating putting a savings plan in place for the exorbitant grocery bills I’m going to have when my two children are teenagers – I’m sure the cost of food for two teenage boys will far surpass any tuition fees. Even now, my children can empty a box of granola bars in seconds and still be hungry. Especially during the busy hockey season, it always seems to be a challenge to find quick and healthy snacks for them to have before and after their games. But thanks to a few wonderful friends, I now have some healthy options that seem to be much more filling than the boxed grocery store variety. I have shared them for you below.  I hope you enjoy them!

Happy Hockey Days!

Back to the Bench Bars (similar to Lara bars)  – makes 15 balls

Ingredients:
1 c dried cranberries
¼ c packed chopped dates
1 c hot water
1 c raw almonds
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp salt
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 c unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Combine wet ingredients and let sit for 10+ minutes.
2. Meanwhile grind the almonds in a food processor until they are finely chopped but not in a paste.  This may best be done by processing in smaller batches. Add the cinnamon,cocoa and salt
3. Drain the fruit and pat dry with a paper towel.
4. Combine all ingredients in the processor. Process until mixed
5. Roll into bite sized balls. Roll in coconut.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Enjoy.

 

Power Play Power Balls (our family favourite)

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup peanut butter
⅓ cup ground flax
½  cup honey
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
½ cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together by hand
2. Roll into 1 inch balls and store in fridge for at least 30 min. Enjoy

Enforcer Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped dates
½ cup finely shredded carrots
½ cup ground flax
⅔ cup rolled oats
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
⅛ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to food processor
2. Pulse 5-7 times, then process until thick mixture forms
3. Form into 14-16 balls and pop in freezer for 15 min to set.  
4. Enjoy and store leftovers in freezer.

Attacking Zone Apricot Snack Bites

Ingredients:
⅓ cup peanut butter
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey
¼ tsp almond extract
2 cups cereal flakes
½ cup finely chopped dried apricots
2 tbsp toasted almonds
½ tsp ginger

Instructions

1. Add first 4 ingredients to saucepan, heat and melt until creamy
2. Remove from heat
3. Add the remaining ingredients to saucepan and mix well
4. Wet hands slightly to form into 1 inch balls.  Makes 15
5. Place in refrigerator for at least 30 min

Hockey Mom Homemade Hummas

Makes 6 servings or about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or 1 1/2 cups (250 grams) cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) water
Dash ground paprika, for serving
1/4 cup (60 ml) well-stirred tahini, see this homemade tahini recipe 

Directions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process for 30 seconds more.
2. Cut up peppers and carrots into vegetable sticks
3. Slice cucumbers into rounds
4. Arrange vegetables on a platter and put hummus mixture into serving bowl.

Please note that these are not my own recipes (but my children did enjoy giving the names of these recipes a hockey twist)!

 

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