This fruity snake is basically a restructured fruit and yogurt bowl. It takes a few extra minutes to make but that time is well worth it when it comes to getting picky eaters to willfully eat some fruit. A different way of plating food (and adding some chocolate googly eyes) can make even the most basic ingredients a little extra special. There are a lot of popular diets that focus on taking foods or whole food groups away but one of the best changes we can make to our nutritional habits is adding in more fresh produce whenever and however possible. 
Strawberries and bananas are a classic combination with complementary colours, textures and flavours. They are both bursting with several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants but are particularly high in vitamin C. This is an important vitamin, especially for those who don’t eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables, because it enhances immunity, heals wounds and is needed for the growth and repair of tissues. Growing kids of course need plentiful amounts, as do teenagers who tend to ignore healthy food in favour of more cool processed food and even fully grown adults need it to function at their best. Other fruits can be used for the snake but it is easiest to get ones that are already the desired size and have similar circumferences so they line up cohesively.
The fruit slices can be placed on a skewer or will stand up on their own with some filling like thick yogurt or nut or seed butter. These bindings also add in some healthy fats and protein, making it all well balanced. Added sugars are one of the few nutrients that I generally try to avoid (technically they are “anti-nutrients” because they offer nothing and tax the body) so I normally use plain Greek yogurt. It is really thick and the missing sugars aren’t as noticeable as with regular yogurt, but if it is just too tart then try sweetening it with natural options like liquid honey or maple syrup. If none of that is appealing then go for what you like and try to find the best quality option that suits you.
The snake’s eyes are easy to make with small circles of yogurt and mini chocolate chips. The tongue can be made with a thin slice of any available fruit- I used some mango for a different colour but whatever you have on hand works.
Strawberry Banana Snake
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Serves: 1
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 dozen medium strawberries (approximately), cut into ⅛ inch slices*
- 1 large banana, cut into ⅛ inch slices
- Greek yogurt or nut/seed butter
- 1 inch square thin slice of mango or another fruit (for the tongue)
- 2 mini chocolate chips
- *the bottom pieces near the point will be too small so keep them for fruit salad or freeze and throw them in your next smoothie
DIRECTIONS:
- The fastest way to assemble the snake is with a piping bag and a small circular tip. If you don't have one then take a sturdy plastic bag (small freezer proof zip locks work really well) and cut one of the bottom corners about ⅛ of an inch away from the edge- this will make a tiny hole to easily control the flow of yogurt. Place a spoonful (around ¼ cup) of yogurt into the bag then twist the top of the bag around until it is tightly around the yogurt. The top part will kind of look like a tornado, hold that part in your right hand as if you are holding a hammer, thumb facing up. Press your left index finger and thumb pad together like you are signalling "perfect" around the twisted bag up against the yogurt. Holding it this way gives you good control and makes it easy to adjust. Press a bit of yogurt out to get a feel for it then keep twisting the bag as you go.
- Cut the mango into a thin strip that fans out at the end then cut a triangle into the fan. Place a whole strawberry on a plate for the head, make a small cut in the pointy end and stick the tongue in. Using the piping bag place a dime sized amount of yogurt on the first slice of banana then place the banana slice on the plate up against the large size of the strawberry. Repeat, alternating strawberry and banana slices until complete. Pipe two small circles of yogurt on the top of the strawberry head then press the chocolate chips on top.
- Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving, for up to a few hours.
