Berry mango roll ups made at home using fresh fruit for school lunchboxes. A dried fruit snack that's healthy and stores well.
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In my years of growing teeny tiny humans I have learned all sorts of new things. One thing I didn't know is that they have growth spurts.
Ok so that's not a proven fact but I'm going to say that's the reason why I had two days during my last pregnancy where no matter how much I ate I was still ravenous and ready for bed at 8pm.
I have been eating quite a bit more than usual and my restraint for not eating all my baked goods is waning.
The solution is to attempt to make things that I can snack on guilt-free - healthy snacks - or at least know that bub is getting some sort of nutrients from what I'm gobbling down.
Back in my school days when I was Miss fussy eater and the only fruit I ate was apples, I used to love strawberry roll-ups.
Some people might know them as fruit straps but to me they tasted just like lollies. Come to think about it they probably had just as much sugar as lollies but they did claim to be 'natural' which is a big trap when it comes to packaged food.
It never occurred to me to make my own roll-ups for on-the-go fruit snacking and then I saw some over on Henry Happened.
Stephanie's recipe used kiwi and mango but I wanted to make something just like the ones I so enjoyed when I was little.
As I've always got a good supply of raspberries in the freezer, I used a combination of frozen raspberries, frozen mango and fresh strawberries.
All you do is whizz it all up in a blender then simmer the pureed fruit with a tiny bit of sugar and a spoon of lemon juice for a few minutes, spread it on a silicone baking mat and bake it for a few hours.
I think I may have made mine a little too thin (I wanted the mixture to go a long way) but they were so very tasty - just like lollies - and this time I know there are no nasties other than a teaspoon of sugar and we know that just helps the medicine go down.
Enjoy!
What about you? What fruit combo would you put in a roll-up?
Recipe
Berry mango roll ups
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- ½ cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup chopped mango
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to it's lowest fan-forced setting and line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat.
- In a blender, puree the fruit together then transfer it to a small saucepan.
- Add the sugar and lemon juice and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring every now and then.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking mat using an icing spatula and make sure that is is evenly spread and the same thickness all over.
- Bake for 4 hours, or until the fruit spread is a little bit sticky, but still firm to the touch.
- Take the tray out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly then transfer it to a sheel of baking paper.
- Use scissors to trim the edges then cut thick strips, roll them up and tie them with kitchen string.
Nutrition
The Life of Clare says
I've been meaning to do this as well! I'm totally with you on the growth spurts!
Claire says
Ok good. They don't write about them in the books!
Hotly Spiced says
I couldn't stop eating when I was pregnant. I used to be up and down to the fridge and pantry all day long. I believe they certainly do have growth spurts, especially towards the end when they're doubling and tripling their weight. These are a terrific idea and I had no clue you could make your own. I'll have to give this a try during the school holidays - these will be a great snack for my little Alfie xx
Claire says
I'm so glad I'm not the only one. They don't write about that in the books! x
erin @ she cooks she gardens says
These are great, Claire! I can't believe how easy they are to make.
Claire says
Aren't they easy!
Jessica says
I am always so curious about these - I knew you could make them, but never knew how. What a great snack for you and the little one. ;)
Claire says
They are a great snack Jess!
Lisa the Gourmet Wog says
Oh my god! Roll ups!! These brought back a flood of memories! I have to admit we had them in our lunch box pretty much every day and now that we're all more food wise I don't think I'd EVER give them to my daughter but this is a fabulous fabulous idea, love that there is so little sugar and nothing else. What a wonderful idea Claire, love it xx
Claire says
Thanks Lisa. Weren't they delicious back in the day?
Tamara Coleman says
I've always wanted to make my own fruit roll ups! I think its finally time :)
http://www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com
Claire says
It is Tamara!
GourmetGetaways says
I love the idea of this recipe!
I have never let my children have the commercial variety because of the thought of colours, flavours and preservatives but these are perfect! Pinning this :)
Claire says
They're just as good I think GG!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I doubt there IS a better combo than this, Claire. You will be a fantastic mum and that baby will always come first with you two. :)
Claire says
Aww shucks thanks Maureen!