Recipe: Homemade fruit rolls

My kids have been a bit snack-sad ever since our dentist banned all fruits in gooey form. Watching them stare longingly at the boxes of tongue tattoos and gummy ponies every time we venture down the snack aisle of our grocery store is truly heartbreaking. That's not to say mama doesn't sneak in a box or two over summer vacation...A teeny amount of tooth decaying goodies is a small price to pay for summertime fun (plus I make they brush and floss really good after snacking). All in all, I hate the blasted snacks and I wish they didn't have such a pull on my kids.

What I do love is cooking with my kids. And they seem to love it too. They also love asking impossible questions about the workings of the world. This fruit rolls recipe from Green Kitchen Stories is obviously not the exact science of transforming preservatives, corn syrup, gelatin and a bit of fruit into flat rolls stamped with character tattoos but it's a healthy recipe to try with the kids. The recipe is versatile calling for fresh, frozen or even dried fruits that can be mixed into what seems like a bazillion combinations. And all you need is fruit. They've also included ideas for adding spices to the rolls for extra zing. I can't wait to get in the kitchen with the kids and work those fine motor skills washing, slicing, measuring, pouring, pureeing, spreading and rolling. And tasting, let's not forget that! A fruit roll up that's guilt-free fun for all!

(via Curbly)