Chocolate banana reindeer pops

The treats train has not slowed down since Halloween and we still have a month to go until we all resolve to stop eating like there's a food shortage coming. But thankfully, we can feel full of holiday spirit, and not junk with these chocolate-covered banana reindeer. I tried this with a few different types of fruit, and bananas worked better than apples, strawberries, or grapes.

These treats are also easy to make allergen friendly. Melted carob worked just as well as regular milk, dark, and white chocolates. I used spelt pretzels because this ancient grain is easier to digest than regular wheat and the Happy Herbert brand's ingredient list is blissfully straightforward. However, there are many types of gluten-free pretzels out there that would make a good substitution. The coconut oil that thins out the chocolate also makes these frozen pops a little tropical, which reminds me that there are warmer days ahead. Eventually.

Chocolate banana reindeer pops

2 large bananas      
12-14 thin wooden popsicle sticks
Mini pretzels
Chocolate chips (milk, dark, white, carob, or dairy-free chips https://enjoylifefoods.com/our-food/baking-chocolate/chocolate-for-baking-mini-chips/) 

Cut each banana into thick slices (you should get about 6-7 slices from each large banana). Snap 12-14 pretzels in half and remove the middle nubbin.

Stick the ends of each pretzel into the sides of the banana pieces to make antlers. Stick a wooden popsicle stick into the bottom of the banana slice. Place all bananas with antlers and sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour, but up to one day.

Once the bananas are frozen, combine ½ bag of your preferred chocolate with 2 Tbsp unmelted coconut oil in a large bowl and melt in the microwave. Cook for 30 seconds on high and then in 10 second bursts until liquid, stirring between each burst. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove the bananas from the freezer one by one and dip in the melted chocolate. Tap off the excess and, using a small plate, transfer back to the baking sheet in the freezer and repeat with the other frozen bananas.

Let the covered bananas freeze for at least one hour, but up to five days before serving.

Yield: 12-14 banana reindeer

Chicken liver and berry puree

Yup, that's right. Chicken liver for babies. I was hesitant at first too, but we gave some to M when he was around 1 and he LOVED it. Who knew? M likes it plain, but combining it with berries and turning it a lovely purple color definitely makes it more appetizing.

M's passion for chicken liver is helpful since it’s one of our extended family’s staples for holidays and family dinners. And you know what? It’s easy to make and is a protein- and iron-rich dip for crackers or veggies. And it’s delicious. Trust me. Actually, don't trust me: Make it for yourself and see.

If you've made chicken liver before, skip these next few pictures. If you're a liver novice, here's what mine looks like at various stages of cooking:

Stage 1: Put some olive oil in a hot pan and add the livers, making sure that each one has some space in the pan. Cook in batches if you have to.

Stage 2: Ready to flip. Once you see brown creeping up the sides, flip those puppies over and continue to cook.

Stage 3: Add the onions. Once you have an even browning on both sides, add the chopped onions. It's okay if there are some pinkish areas remaining because cooking isn't over yet.

Stage 4: Cover. Once the onions are translucent and the livers are mostly browned (it's okay of there are some slightly pink nooks, but you should see any "raw" patches), cover and cook over a low flame for about 10 more minutes. 

Chopped chicken liver

.75 lb chicken livers
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion
2 hard-boiled eggs
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Heat olive oil over a medium flame. Add chicken livers and brown on both sides. Once livers are browned, add the chopped onions. (It’s okay if there are small bits of pink still showing on the livers in the nooks and crannies- see photos.) Cook on medium heat until onions are opaque, about 5-8 minutes. Cover and turn heat to low. Let simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until livers are cooked through.

Immediately add cooked livers and onions and all liquid to a food processor or blender with hard-boiled eggs and balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste, but I’m usually very generous with the salt at this phase. Pulse the food processor until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Taste again for seasoning.

Yield: about 2 cups

Berry compote

1 pint blueberries
1 pint blackberries
2 Tbsp water

Combine berries and water in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until the berries are cooked down, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool slightly. Puree. If your little is opposed to seeds (like mine), pass through a mesh strainer. 

Combo

2 Tbsp Chopped chicken liver
2 Tbsp Berry compote
1 Tbsp Applesauce

Candy sushi!

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

Whether you make them look “realistic” or just go with a rainbow of candy and ingredients, these Rice Krispy treat “sushi rolls” are easy, tasty, fast, and endlessly customizable.

Take me to the sushi!

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

There is nothing more to these sweets than making a batch of Rice Krispy treats, letting it cool slightly, and topping it with cut up or squished up candy.

Not only are these fun for parties or special occasions, they’re also a good project for rainy days with kids of basically any age. With a lot of direction, but 2-year-old was able to help and my 7-year-old could almost make these himself.

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

These also make a really fun egg and gluten-free treat that can help kids with allergies to feel included. You can also swap in vegan butter to make these dairy-free. Obviously, check your candy and marshmallow labels if allergies are part of the equation.

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

Candy sushi | Me & The Moose. Rice krispy treats, candy, and fruit rollups are all you need for a silly gluten- and egg-free treat. #meandthemoose #candysushi #sweetsushi #ricekrispytreats

You'll need:

3 Tbsp butter
6 cups Rice Krispies
10 oz large marshmallows or 5 cups mini marshmallows

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the marshmallows and melt, stirring frequently. When the marshmallows have mostly lost their shape, add Rice Krispies and stir to coat.

Let cool until the mixture can be handled.

Fruit rollups
Large Swedish fish
Hi-Chew candies, Mike n’ Ikes, gummy bears, gummy worms or any other candy you can cut up into tiny pieces
Starburst
Orange sprinkles (either sanding sugar or sugar pearls, but not jimmies)

Tools:

Water
Sharp knife
Pizza cutter

To assemble:

For the rolls: Cut up some Hi-Chews or Mike ‘n Ikes into small bits. Cut the fruit rollup into 1-inch strips. With wet hands, roll a small handful of the Rice Krispy mixture into a ball. Wrap the fruit rollup strips around the outside and squish the top and bottom of the bottom of the circle down a bit. Take a few pieces of the cut up candies and squish them into the Rice Krispies at the top of the roll.

For the pieces: Unroll a fruit roll and cut into 1/2 inch strips with the pizza cutter. With wet hands, roll a small handful cereal mixture into a ball and squish into more of a rectangle. Top with a Swedish Fish and wrap a strip of fruit roll around the whole Swedish fish/cereal combo. Secure the ends of the fruit roll strip with a few drops of water.

For the roe pieces (not pictured): Unroll a fruit roll and cut into 1-inch strips. With wet hands, roll a small handful cereal mixture into a ball and squish into more of a rectangle. Wrap a strip of fruit roll around the outside of the cereal mixture and secure the ends of the strip with a few drips of water. Let dry for a few minutes. Pick up the entire piece and dip the top into 2-3 Tbsp of orange sanding sugar OR top with orange sugar pearls.

For more candy sushi inspiration: Super professional candy sushi / Candy sushi birthday party / Molded fish candy sushi