Everyone deserves a treat on Easter, but the celebration doesn’t have to center on chocolate, jelly beans and bunny-shaped cakes. Put some spring in your step with these healthy Easter-themed snacks that are gluten-free and fun for the kids (or the kid in you).
Corny Canapés
Bake polenta in a casserole dish, then use cookie cutters to cut out Easter-friendly shapes, such as bunnies, eggs and baby chicks. Top with olive tapenade (for the adults) or tomato sauce and parmesan cheese (for the kids).
Chick-a-dee Chow
Combine cooked quinoa with canned or frozen corn kernels, black beans, pine nuts and sunflower seeds. Toss in your favorite vinaigrette or light gluten-free Ranch dressing.
Robin Eggs
Mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with a drop of blue food coloring. Dip blueberries into Greek yogurt and place on a lined baking sheet. Place in freezer until yogurt is set. Serve on a bed of toasted coconut flakes.
Eggs in a Basket
Dice hard-boiled eggs, then combine with 1 part mayo and 1 part Greek yogurt. Add chopped celery and grated carrots and stir until well mixed. Hollow out a tomato, then line with shredded lettuce. Scoop egg salad into center of tomato. Sprinkle paprika over the top. For an extra boost of omega-3s, add ground flax seed or hemp hearts to the mix. For more sophisticated flavor, add a teaspoon of curry powder.
Peanut Bunny Tails
Mix gluten-free puffed rice cereal or puffed millet cereal with peanut butter. Take a spoonful of dough and roll into a ball, then roll in shaved coconut. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat until all dough has been used, then place tray in refrigerator to set.
When it comes to the Easter basket, make sure to do your homework before indulging. Some candy can contain gluten. For a Gluten-Free Easter Candy List, visit www.CeliacCentral.org/newsletter/#Easter
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness offers Vitacost.com website visitors weekly recipes and blogs about living the gluten-free lifestyle. For more information about celiac disease and gluten-free living, visit www.celiaccentral.org.