With so many of our public holidays based around the consumption of confectionary, it can be difficult to keep our teeth and our kid’s teeth in check. With the arrival of Easter, we thought we’d offer up some healthy alternatives to simply chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.
Egg Nests
Egg nests are made with the following ingredients:
- Chocolate (200g dark chocolate)
- Shredded wheat/shreddies (85g)
- Mini eggs (100g)
- Cupcake cases
Method
Melt the chocolate into a bowl over some simmering water. Once melted, pour the melted chocolate over the shredded wheat and stir them together.
Lay the cases out. Spoon the mixture equally into each. Place a couple of mini eggs on the top of each. Place them in the fridge to cool. Once solid, they’re ready to eat!
Benefits
The benefits of foods high in fibre extend beyond your body’s wellbeing. When you chew, your mouth generates saliva which helps clean your teeth – so essentially eating high fibre vegetables such as spinach or beans is like pressure washing your teeth. They’re also good for overall health as they provide slow release energy, unlike chocolate which leaves us feeling drained after a momentary sugar high.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread contains significantly less sugar than other confectionary. Why not get creative for your kids this Easter and make some gingerbread treats they can search for on their Easter egg hunt?
- 350g plain flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 125g butter
- 175g soft brown sugar
- 1 free-range egg
- 4 tbsp golden syrup
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180o Line two baking trays.
- Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon together in a food processor. Add the butter and sugar – mix together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Beat together the egg and golden syrup then add these to the food processor – pulse until your mixture clumps together. You have your dough. Tip out the dough, kneading until smooth.
- Wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (to about 0.5cm thickness).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Once cooked, leave on the tray for 15 minutes and move to cooling rack.
Benefits
Gingerbread is a great alternative to chocolate or indeed, sweets and other types of confectionary high in sugar. It’s got all the great taste you might want from a sugary treat but actually contains considerably less sugar than other confectionary. As it doesn’t stick to your teeth like the above, you’ve got less chance of quick plaque build-up, cavities and gum disease.