Raisins

It’s hard to imagine a better reason to eat raisins than their naturally sweet taste, but just 1 serving (1/4 cup) provides a delicious burst of energy- producing carbohydrates, along with fiber, potassium, iron, and some B vitamins. They are fat free, and cholesterol free. (Be sure to watch children under four with small food pieces.)

Raisin ideas: Sprinkle on breakfast cereal : Stir into hot oatmeal : Pack into lunches and backpacks for a quick snack at school : Make ants on a log! Spread peanut butter onto celery; dot with raisins : Add to muffins, pancakes, oatmeal cookies : Stir into applesauce : Mix with lowfat cream cheese and cinnamon for a wonderful spread on bagels

Look for raisins in the produce section, and in the bulk foods department.

Raisin Tidbits
It is believed that humans discovered raisins when they saw bunches of grapes drying on a vine.

The word raisin comes from a latin word that means “a cluster of grapes or berries.”

California is the biggest grower of raisins.

Raisin Recipes

Raisin Banana Energy Bars

Raisin Bear Crunch

Raisin, Carrot, and Pineapple Salad

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 cup chopped nuts

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 cup raisins

1 cup dried banana chips

1 cup honey-coated graham cereal squares

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In an 8 inch square pan, combine oats and nuts. Bake 20 minutes until oats are toasted, stirring occasionally. While oats are toasting, combine butter, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Pour over oat mixture. Add raisins, banana chips, and cereal squares. Toss to coat, and pressmixture firmly into pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely, and cut into bars.

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Raisin Bear Crunch

1 cup raisins

1 cup bear-shaped graham crackers

2 cups cereal

1 cup small pretzels

Combine all ingredients in a large, reclosable plastic container. Munch away!

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Raisin, Carrot, and Pineapple Salad

Serves 4

Here is a quick, easy, and kid- pleasing salad.

2 large carrots, peeled and grated

1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained

1/2 cup plain yogurt

3 Tbs. raisins

2 Tbs. walnut pieces

Combine all ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Serve chilled.

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