08 Mar Oatmeal Snack Balls For Babies + Toddlers

A quick and healthy snack for babies and toddlers that is both yummy and kind to new little toothy-pegs.

Makes: 12

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 2 hours soaking (optional)

Ingredients
80 g (23/4 oz/¹⁄³ cup) unsalted
raw cashews, preferably soaked
for 2 hours beforehand, then rinsed and drained
70 g (2½ oz/²⁄³ cup) rolled (porridge) oats
55 g (2 oz/¹⁄³ cup) dried cranberries
50 g (13/4 oz/½ cup) preservative-free dried apple
4 soft medjool dates, pitted
60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) coconut oil, melted and cooled
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

Put all the ingredients in a food processor, and whiz until the mixture gets clumpy.

Empty into a bowl, and shape into golf-sized balls using your hands.

Store in an airtight container in a cool place or the refrigerator (although they’ll be quite firm if kept this way).

Tip: Try shaping into fingers for easier gripping for little ones who are teething.

Note: This recipe is also Dairy-free and a popular pick for vegan fans.

This is an edited extract from Real Food for Babies & Toddlers by Vanessa Clarkson, Murdoch Books, $35.00 and is available in stores nationally.