Posted at: 12/04/2012 11:19 AM
Updated at: 12/05/2012 8:09 AM

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Hosting a Kids Holiday Exchange

Holiday treats are a great way to share and enjoy the holiday season, but more enjoyable is to host a treats exchange with your kids.   Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, Jen Haugen, will show your audience some creative ways to make exchanging treats entertaining, efficient and fun all at the same time.  Make memories in the kitchen!

  • Get Organized for the Big Day: The key to a fun time for all including the hostess is to be organized.  Jen will share key tips to help you plan for the big day.
    • Gather your recipes, make your lists and stock your pantry and refrigerator.
    • Check the dates of your key ingredients; baking powder, baking soda and other ingredients lose their power after their expiration date.
    • Mix up some dough in advance so the rolling can begin when the kids arrive.  Also have some cookies pre-baked so decorating can take place while the cookies are in the oven.
  • Your Donut, Your Way Donuts can be a healthy holiday tradition if you bake them instead of fry them, as well as change up the ingredients a little to result in a flavorful yet healthier treat.  Jen will share a simple recipe and way to get the kids involved.
  • Everything in Moderation Just because you making treats, doesn’t mean you have to sample them all day long.

Buttermilk Donuts

All you need:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup buttermilk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

All you do:
1.    In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, butter and yogurt until fluffy.  Beat in egg.  Set aside.  In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add to egg mixture and stir to combine. Add buttermilk and vanilla.
2.    Pour batter into re-sealable plastic bag.  Preheat donut maker according to manufacturer directions.  When the donut maker is heated, cut off a small corner of the plastic bag and fill each donut cup with two tablespoons batter.  Close lid and bake for 3-5 minutes or until golden.  Use enclosed fork to carefully remove donuts from machine and place on rack to cool.  Once cooled, ice with confectioner’s glaze.  

Confectioner’s Glaze:
Whisk together 2-1/4 cups powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons skim milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until sugar is dissolved and no lumps remain.  Use immediately to glaze donuts.  If using additional toppings, sprinkle over before glaze sets.

Makes about 30 donuts.
Nutrition Facts per donut with glaze:  90 calories, 1.5 g total fat, 1 g saturated, 0 g trans fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber 1 g protein.
Source:  Adapted from Hy-Vee Seasons, Holiday 2011

Jen Haugen represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert working throughout the community to promote healthy eating and nutrition. Jen is a Registered Dietitian and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

 



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