Claros to School: Fun Recipes to Make with Your Kids

The back-to-school season is upon us! As parents, we know how hectic this time of year can be, juggling between school runs, extracurricular activities, and homework. But in the midst of all the chaos, it's essential to maintain healthy eating habits for your kids. With a little creativity and some help from Claros Farm’s freeze-dried fruits, you can make snack time both fun and nutritious.

At Claros Farm, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, freeze-dried fruit products that are perfect for healthy snacks and easy meals. Our freeze-dried fruits—Strawberries, Blackberries, Tangerines, Figs, and Mulberries—retain their natural flavor and nutrients, making them the perfect addition to any recipe. Plus, they’re easy to store and use, making them a convenient option for busy families.

This Claros to School campaign is all about bringing you back-to-school snack and meal ideas that your kids will love, and that are quick and easy for parents to prepare. Here are some fun and healthy recipes using Claros Farm’s freeze-dried fruits that will make snack time a highlight of the day.

Let’s start with an easy, customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy mornings or an on-the-go snack. Kids love a good trail mix, and the freeze-dried fruits from Claros Farm add a sweet, tangy twist to the classic snack. Plus, this is a great recipe to involve your kids in, as they can mix and match their favorite ingredients!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Strawberries

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Blackberries

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Tangerines

• ½ cup roasted almonds or cashews

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

• ½ cup whole-grain cereal or granola

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.

2. Toss the mixture gently until everything is evenly distributed.

3. Portion out the trail mix into snack-sized bags or containers for an easy grab-and-go snack for school lunches.

Why It’s Great:

This trail mix is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the nuts and seeds, while the freeze-dried fruits provide natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. The variety of textures and tastes will keep snack time interesting and satisfying for your kids.

Energy bites are the perfect healthy snack for after school or a quick pick-me-up between activities. The freeze-dried Strawberries and Figs from Claros Farm add a delicious twist to these no-bake treats. Plus, they’re a fun and mess-free snack that your kids can help you roll and shape.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed

• ¼ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Figs, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey until well combined.

2. Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried Strawberries, chopped Figs, and chia seeds.

3. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Why It’s Great:

These energy bites are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and nut butter that will keep your kids fueled and energized throughout the day. The freeze-dried Strawberries and Figs add a touch of natural sweetness and a chewy texture that make these bites irresistible.

For a quick and healthy breakfast or an after-school snack, yogurt parfaits are always a hit. This recipe uses Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Tangerines to add a burst of citrus flavor and crunch to the parfait, which pairs perfectly with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or any yogurt of choice)

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Tangerines

• ¼ cup granola

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer half of the Greek yogurt at the bottom.

2. Sprinkle a layer of granola on top, followed by a layer of Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Tangerines.

3. Add the remaining yogurt, and top with more granola and Tangerines.

4. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness.

5. For extra color and flavor, add some fresh berries as a final touch.

Why It’s Great:

This parfait is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics from the yogurt, making it a nutritious option for breakfast or snack time. The freeze-dried Tangerines add a lovely crunch and a bright, refreshing citrus flavor that balances the creaminess of the yogurt.

4. Blackberry and Mulberry Oat Bars

Oat bars are another easy-to-make snack that can be packed into lunch boxes or eaten after school. These Blackberry and Mulberry Oat Bars are chewy, delicious, and full of wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and the freeze-dried fruits from Claros Farm.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• ½ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ cup coconut oil or butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Blackberries

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Mulberries

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the freeze-dried Blackberries, Mulberries, and chopped nuts.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

6. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Why It’s Great:

These bars are a great way to incorporate whole grains, fiber, and natural sweetness into your child’s diet. The freeze-dried Blackberries and Mulberries provide an antioxidant boost, while the oats offer long-lasting energy, making these bars both delicious and nutritious.

Smoothie bowls are a fun and colorful way to get your kids excited about eating fruits. With Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Blackberries and Strawberries, you can create a vibrant and nutrient-packed smoothie bowl that feels like a treat but is actually super healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana

• ½ cup frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc.)

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Strawberries

• ½ cup Claros Farm Freeze-Dried Blackberries

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• Toppings: granola, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, nuts, etc.

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen banana, frozen berries, freeze-dried Strawberries and Blackberries, almond milk, and chia seeds.

2. Blend until smooth and thick.

3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, like granola, fresh fruit, or coconut flakes.

Why It’s Great:

Smoothie bowls are a fantastic way to sneak in extra fruits and veggies into your child’s diet. The freeze-dried fruits provide natural sweetness and color, while the chia seeds and almond milk offer additional fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

As the school year ramps up, it's important to ensure your kids are eating nutritious snacks and meals that keep them energized and focused. With Claros Farm’s freeze-dried fruits, you can easily incorporate healthy, delicious ingredients into your daily routine. These recipes are designed to be fun and engaging for kids, helping them to build a positive relationship with food while enjoying the natural flavors and benefits of high-quality, freeze-dried fruits.

So, the next time you’re packing a lunchbox or planning an after-school snack, think Claros Farm and make snack time a delicious part of your Claros to School routine!