The same story exists in many households around the world – kids who are bored with the same old snacks and moms who just don’t know what to do to get their kids to eat healthier foods. Would you believe the solution is as simple as a drop…a drop of essential oil! For years, essential oils have been used as natural flavorings in many of the foods that we buy at the grocery store. Would you be surprised to know that essential oils are used to flavor everything from hot dogs to ice cream to soups, in both organic and non-organic products? In fact, even the lemon juice that you buy may be spiked with some lemon oil to give it an extra kick!
One of the best ways to amp up the flavor of your kids’ favorite treats is to add an essential oil twist, like adding a drop of Wild Orange to some dried cranberries. While there is a vast array of essential oils available, be sure that you are only using high quality oils that are marked as safe for consumption. In addition, I suggest only using a select number of essential oils in your cooking and baking because of their flavor profile. If you have it in your spice cabinet, there is probably an essential oil as well; some of my favorites to use are Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wild Orange.
Remember that essential oils are 50-70% more concentrated than their herbal counterparts, so you only want to use a tiny bit at a time. This means that sometimes you may not even use a full drop, but dip a toothpick in the oil and swirl it in your concoction (like Cinnamon, Clove, and Peppermint). Be sure to follow the suggestions in the recipes for adding the oils to ensure the right balance of flavor. That said, you always want to add, taste, and then adjust if you need to add more. A bit at a time is the way to go. Also remember to use glass or metal when baking with essential oils, as the powerful oils can negatively affect plastic.
Now…let’s talk deliciousness! Below are several categories of treats that your kiddos are sure to love. These are just guidelines that you can use to create your own versions perfectly suited for your family. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients for the taste that tickles your tongue.
SMOOTHIES
They’re creamy. They’re cold. They’re like a milkshake to little eyes, except Smart Moms know that they can be filled with nutrient-rich ingredients to support growing bodies. To give it a flavor boost with essential oils, soak your fruit in water with a few drops of oils and some coconut oil or olive oil. The fatty carrier oil will help to distribute the essential oil and will also add some healthy fat to the smoothie. Then simply drain the excess and blend away!
BLUEBERRY-LEMON SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or flavored)
- ½ cup milk or coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 1 drop dōTERRA Lemon essential oil
Directions:
In a blender, add the blueberries, yogurt, and milk. Blend until smooth. Spoon the coconut oil into a glass container. (If not already melted, set the glass container in a hot water bath for about 30 seconds and stir with a metal spoon or whisk to completely melt.) Add the essential oil to the coconut oil, and swirl. Then add to the blender quickly and continue to blend for 30 more seconds. Pour into a glass container and enjoy!
SALSAS
Spicy or subtle, savory or sweet, salsas are the cure to many snacking woes. The trick is to balance flavors, taste after each addition, and to pulse, not blend, to your desired consistency. The fresher the ingredients, the sassier the salsa will be. Even better, you can make your own chips by baking corn tortillas in the oven with a bit of salt and garlic powder, or bake flour tortillas with a bit of cinnamon and sugar for a sweeter version.
SPICY RAINBOW SALSA
Ingredients:
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 yellow bell or sweet pepper, cored and diced
- 1 orange bell or sweet pepper, cored and diced
- 1 green chile, jalapeño, or green bell pepper, cored and diced (depending on your spice preference)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 drops dōTERRA Lime essential oil
Directions:
Combine the tomatoes, peppers, chile, black beans, corn, cilantro, and red onion in a large bowl; if you prefer a smoother salsa, combine in a blender and pulse until you have your desired consistency. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and Lime essential oil until well combined. Pour the mixture over the veggies and toss until well combined. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to intensify. If your kiddos prefer a spicier version, Sriracha will add a little kick. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dish.
FUNKY RAINBOW FRUIT SALSA
Ingredients:
- 10 strawberries, destemmed and diced
- 1 cup raspberries, halved
- 1 nectarine, pitted and diced
- 1 mango, pitted and diced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 granny smith apple, cored, peeled, and diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 drop dōTERRA Lemon essential oil
Directions:
Mix all of the fruit together in a bowl and toss. Add the essential oil to the orange juice and dump into the mix. Toss some more until evenly coated. Serve with baked tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon or just a spoon!
PANCAKES
I know what you’re thinking…healthy pancakes? Well, sort of. They still have sugar in them for sweetness, but it is a lot healthier recipe than most. Plus, it packs the added bonus of dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend and Cinnamon Bark. And Greek yogurt! You won’t believe the creaminess these pancakes have! You can also adapt the recipe with different oil flavors if you prefer, or sub out things like the eggs with applesauce if you have any allergies or eating plans to follow.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 c. oatmeal
- 1 c. flour
- ¼ c. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¾ c. plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ c. milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 drop Cinnamon Bark essential oil
- ¼ c. canola oil
- 2-4 drops dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend (depending on taste)
Directions:
1) Mash bananas with a fork in a medium mixing bowl and then mix in the yogurt, eggs, milk, canola oil, vanilla, and On Guard.
2) In a large mixing bowl, add oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and Cinnamon Bark EO. Mix well.
3) Add banana mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. Do not overmix.
4) Spray griddle with non-stick spray and use a small ladle to scoop out the mixture onto the griddle. Cook on medium high heat as you would regular pancakes, waiting for bubbles top pop on the top before you flip.
As always, I suggest discussing the use of essential oils in your family with your trusted healthcare provider before starting anything new. I would love to share other ways that essential oils can help you, a Smart Mom, to take care of your family and especially you. For more education on essential oils, be sure to check out a copy of my latest book, The Smart Mom’s Guide to Essential Oils for information, education, and tons of DIY recipes that you can make at home with your family.
If you know you are ready to get started with dōTERRA essential oils, you can sign up with me immediately here.
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