by Claire C. McKiernan

Whether you are entertaining or want to bring something along on your holiday visit, here are three easy, healthy appetizers that kids will enjoy making and eating.





          Stuffed Dates
Pitted whole dates
Cheddar cheese cubes or walnut halves
Kids can break shelled walnuts in half and place one in each date, or cut up cheddar cheese cubes to stuff into dates. (If you buy the cheese already in cubes, they still need to be cut in half.)


Celery Boats (healthier version of ants on a log)
4-6 Celery stalks (cut in halves or thirds)
2 small mashed Bananas, or one large
6 Tblspns Peanut Butter
Nuts, seeds, and/or raisins (such as slivered almonds, walnut pieces, sunflower seeds, etc.)
Mix bananas and peanut butter, spread into celery “boat” and press nuts, seeds, and/or raisins gently on top so they stick.


Fruit Dip
4 oz. regular or reduced-fat cream cheese (half package)
1.5 – 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, 0% fat)
1 tsp lemon zest
1/8 – 1/4 cup honey (according to taste)
Mix and serve with chunks of fresh apples, melons, grapes, firm pears, and/or pineapple. For a different flavor, substitute ½ tsp. cinnamon for the lemon zest.