Healthy Recipe: Homemade Poptarts

    Last semester, one of my Nutrition Professors told a story about the battle that occurs in the grocery store each time she goes grocery shopping. She said that her young child frequently breaks into tears right in the middle of the store because she refuses to buy him poptarts. While she was laughing while telling this story, it is disappointing to think of the ongoing health battle that occurs between parents and children because of the persuasiveness of advertising that targets children. The bright, bold colors on boxes in grocery aisles and fun scenarios on TV commercials are meant to make the product look appealing to children. And, since most parents want their children to be happy, when kids ask for the product they so desperately want, parents want to buy it if they can.  It is a consumer trap that is easy to fall into! We cannot blame the businesses; their primary focus is on making money. But, as parents, the primary focus is raising healthy children. With these homemade poptarts, you can make your kids a healthy breakfast, while keeping them happy too! 

 

1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 stick unsalted butter, 

      roughly chopped

1/3 cup honey

Jam of Choice

 

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, mix whole wheat flour, salt and baking powder. Using a pastry cutter or fork, press butter pieces into flour until a light crumb forms. You may need to use your hands at the end to make sure butter is fully incorporated into the dough. Stir in honey.

3. Once mostly combined, pour contents of the bowl onto a surface lightly sprinkled with flour. Use your hands to slightly knead dough, making sure all honey and flour is uniformly distributed. 

4. Optional: Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. If you allow the dough to firm up a bit, it is less sticky and easier to shape. You can also leave the dough in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if making ahead of time.  

5. Roll dough out on floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Using knife, Tupperware, or cookie cutter, cut into desired shapes. Make sure you will have a top and bottom for each tart! 

6. To assemble poptarts, place 1 piece of pastry dough on cookie sheet. Spoon 1-2 tsp of jam of choice into the middle of each pastry. Cover with another piece of dough. Using a fork, press edges gently to seal the poptarts. 

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just golden. Allow to cool and enjoy your homemade pastry tarts! 

    If you make smaller pastries, they make adorable “tea time” cookies and are very impressive to others, while being really easy to make. Step by Step assembly images available on my blog at www.racheleatsalot.wordpress.com.