Peanuts: A Kid-Friendly Powerhouse for After-School Snacks

What makes these recipes so special? The magic ingredient: peanuts.

Basking in the sun’s glow and sharing a meal with loved ones not only brings us closer but also creates cherished memories. And when those meals feature beloved recipes, it’s bound to captivate everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. After all, isn’t it always about good food and great company?

Our little chefs can dive right into the heart of these moments with two mouth-watering recipes crafted just for them: the Mexinut Dip and Asian Peanut Slaw. These snacks are not only delicious but also wonderfully kid-friendly. Engaging young ones in the kitchen fosters creativity, confidence, and a love for wholesome food.

What makes these recipes so special? The magic ingredient: peanuts. Beyond their rich flavor and crunchy texture, peanuts are a dynamo of nutrition. They boast 26% protein, making them an excellent energy source for active kids, especially when they return home hungry from school. Just one serving provides approximately 30% of a 4-6-year-old’s and 26% of a 7-10-year-old’s recommended daily protein intake.

But it doesn’t stop there. Peanuts are packed with six essential vitamins – including vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6 – and seven crucial minerals like phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and calcium. Hence the well-earned title, “nutrition in a nutshell.

Interestingly, there’s a high probability that the peanuts in your pantry hail from the United States’ peanut capital, Georgia. This state is home to roughly 4,000 dedicated peanut farmers and produces a whopping 52% of the nation’s peanuts.

Craving more delightful, peanut-powered recipes that are a hit with the entire family? Explore a treasure trove of ideas at GAPeanuts.com. So, roll up those sleeves, gather the kids, and make cooking a fun-filled family affair!

Kid-Friendly Green Chile Recipes: Safety and Tasty Snacks

Working with ingredients in the kitchen can be a fun way for kids to learn and play. But when dealing with chilies, safety is paramount. If your young chefs are handling green chiles, ensure they wear gloves and avoid touching their eyes or face. Always supervise them closely and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Mexinut Dip

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Yield: 4 cups  

Ingredients

  • 1 can (11 1/2 ounces) condensed bean with bacon soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10 ounces) tomatoes and green chiles
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon hot chili powder
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter            
  • corn chips or crackers    

Directions

  1. In a 2-quart microwave-safe container, combine soup, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and green chiles, onion, chili powder and peanut butter. Cover with glass or plastic lid.  
  2. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes; stir. Microwave 2 1/2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  
  3. Stir before serving with corn chips or crackers.  

Asian Peanut Slaw

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission  

Ingredients

  • 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
  • 1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 bag (16 ounces) three-colored deli slaw mix chow mein noodles  

Directions

  1. Start by draining the juice from the mandarin oranges into a mixing bowl, setting the oranges aside for later.
  2. In the bowl with the juice, blend in the dressing, peanut butter, and red pepper, whisking until everything is well combined.
  3. Gently mix in the peanuts, the reserved mandarin oranges, and the coleslaw mix, ensuring everything is coated well with the dressing.
  4. Before serving, garnish your dish with chow mein noodles for an added crunch.

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