By now you know that as kids nothing would have made us happier than to have a peanut butter and jelly sandy for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So as girls whose mom didn’t buy processed foods including meats like hot dogs, but who felt left out and envious (at that time!) of some of our friend’s pantry’s, you can only begin to imagine the foods we’d dream up. One of our all-time favorites was the Peanut Butter Banana Dog. Basically we’re talking a whole wheat hot dog bun, lined with peanut butter, stuffed with a banana (dog) and “relish”ed with a honey drizzle or a strawberry smile. Heaven!
Please fee free to search this site! And here are several to try…
Chocolate Drizzled Granola Balls
Skinny Chocolate Chunk Cookies
We’re not gonna lie, we still go crazy for these pups! And as Tammy’s daughters anxiously headed back to school, to ease their nerves, she packed them a lunch she knew they’d love and she read them an awesome book written by our friend Penny Schnee-Bosch called Mommy Always Comes Back —it reminds kids that mommy doesn’t leave them at school forever and will be back—so there’s no more separation anxiety! (click the book cover photo below, the title, or read more about it below for more info!)) The secret trick for Tammy was packing the book in their school bags with the tasty lunch so they could take out delicious and comforting items at lunch time!
The truth is—this recipe isn’t only amazing in the taste department, but it’s easy to make, fun to eat, great for energy, satiety and concentration too!
The key to a good lunch (whether for you or for kids!) is to make sure it provides long lasting energy to optimize focus and concentration, to provide adequate fuel to exercise (or run and be active after school without puttering out), and to fend off mood swings.
Look for lunches to contain these 3 characteristics:
The Peanut Butter Banana Dog’s got ‘em 😉 :
1) Quality carbohydrates: These are packed with nutrients and naturally contain fiber for long lasting energy (the dog’s whole wheat hot dog bun)
2) Protein: This extends the energy boost from the carbohydrates, provides satiety and prevent dips in blood sugar (the dog’s peanut butter, which also provides heart healthy fat)
3) Low in sugar. 1 in 3 kids is overweight and more than 2/3 of American adults are either overweight or obese. (This Dog gets its’ sweetness from fruit, and if want to add a little extra, a simple drizzle of honey is plenty!)
4) The meal is rounded out with a fruit or veggie to pack in health-promoting nutrients, disease fighting components, and fiber all while providing few calories. (the dog’s banana, strawberries for face [can also add buttons or hair], also we suggest serving with baby carrots)
Peanut Butter Banana Dog
Serves 1 hungry eater 🙂
Ingredients
1 whole wheat hot dog bun
1 -1/2 tablespoon peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
1/2 large banana
1 slice strawberry (or several raisins, for garnish/smiley face)
1 chopped nut (for garnish/ nose)
Directions
Simply open up the bun and line it with peanut butter. Stuff the banana in it and decorate face and body with a strawberry, nuts, raisins or chocolate chips and garnish however you choose. Eat and have fun! J
Nutrition Facts Per Peanut Butter Banana Dog: 319 calories, 40 g carbohydrate, 14 g fat, 11 g protein, 7 g fiber, 239 mg sodium
And pack Mommy Always Comes Back! book in their school bags with the tasty lunch so they could take out delicious and comforting items at lunch time!
About the book:
A charming picture book, Mommy Always Comes Back! was written by Penny Schnee-Bosch who is a veteran preschool teacher. School separation can be a breeze for you and your child. The book helps bridge the gap between home and school.
Children relate directly to Sarah’s school experience in Mommy Always Comes Back by Penny Schnee-Bosch. They will find comfort in knowing that they too can go to school, have fun and see mommy after dismissal.
After hearing the story the children will repeat the words mommy always comes back. They may even begin to say those words to their classmates who may be missing mommy
- 1 whole wheat hot dog bun
- 1 -1/2 tablespoon peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
- ½ large banana
- 1 slice strawberry (or several raisins, for garnish/smiley face)
- 1 chopped nut (for garnish/ nose)
- Simply open up the bun and line it with peanut butter. Stuff the banana in it and decorate face and body with a strawberry, nuts, raisins or chocolate chips and garnish however you choose. Eat and have fun!