Cooking for lucky lunch box: Ambra Lowenstein shares recipes for tasty and nutritious homemade snacks perfect to pop in the lunch pail.

It's back-to-school time and everyone's scrambling to get school supplies and easy snacks for packed lunches. But, why not do something different this year and give your loved ones some delicious and nutritious homemade treats in that lunch box or brown bag. As a former teacher, I was often appalled by the junk food that parents put into their kids' lunches. And, let's face it: articles and reports are popping up everywhere that those potato chips and candy bars may be contributing to childhood obesity and making it hard for children to pay attention in class. But, you can supply your kids with snacks they will truly enjoy and that will do their bodies some good, too!

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With these snacks, your kids will feel lucky opening that lunchbox, even if their friend has a pail full of junk food. They don't even have to know how healthy they are! But, there's no reason why the kids have to get all the good stuff. Throw some of these treats into your lunch, too, as you run out the door to work.

Ambra Lowenstein is the owner of Ambrosia's Delights Natural Cateringi, where good food nourishes the body, mind and soul. You can visit Ambrosia's Delights on the Web at www.ambrosiasdelights.com, or you can reach Ambra at 828-779-0325.

RAW FRUIT AND NUT TRUFFLES

While I like to eat healthy, I, and most children, definitely love
dessert. Here's a great dessert that's guilt-fTee but still sweet.
it has lots of vitamins, minerals, protein and omega- 3s. So go
ahead, drop a few of these yummy treats in that lunch box instead
of those Oreos.

Ingredients:

  1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried apples
1/8 cup dried cranberries
  2 tbs flax seeds (whole)
  2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup carob powder

Instructions:

To prepare, soak dates and cashews together for 1 hour (strain
and reserve liquid) and soak pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes
(strain). Then, in a food processor, combine dates, cashews,
pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, flax (which may create more moisture
that's somewhat gelatinous when added), apples and cranberries.
Pulse until broken but still chunky. Add a tiny bit of date liquid if
necessary (no more than 2 tablespoons). Pour carob powder onto
a plate. Spoon out date mixture and roll into halls, then roll hails
in carob powder to coat. Refrigerate.

SEED AND SEAWEED CRACKERS

Everyone wants some crunchy chips now and then, but who really
wants all those preservatives and fat? Here's a recipe for a healthy
snack with that crunch your kids desire. These crackers are great
for eating on their own or for dipping in their favorite hummus or
dressing. They're high in essential fatty acids, protein and amino
acids, and the seaweed is rich in minerals.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds
  1 tbs dried arame seaweed
  1 tbs Braggs liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

To prepare, soak the flax Seeds !n 1/4 cup water, and soak arame
in 1/4 cup water (strain, reserve liquid). Then, combine all
ingredients in a bowl. Add a splash of the reserved seaweed
liquid if the mixture is too dry. Taste and add salt if more is
desired. Spread mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been lined
with parchment paper that has been lightly oiled. Bake at 200
degrees with the oven door ajar for about an hour, or until the
cracker is crisp and breakable. Break into crackers of the size you
desire and enjoy.