Sides: Berry Nutty Chocolate Bites

Almonds are good for your brain, your cholesterol, your heart, your blood pressure, and your skin. Because of the manganese, copper and Riboflavin in almonds, they also can give you a boost of energy. And that's just one of the healthy ingredients in this treat.

This recipe calls for toasted almonds (almonds are at their tastiest when toasted). Simply put almonds on a shallow pan in a 350 degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Berry Nutty Chocolate Bites

• 6 oz. dark chocolate
• 1 cup dried berries (I used a mix of cherries, blueberries and cranberries)
• 1 cup toasted almonds (slivered almonds are what's picture, but sliced works beautifully)

Melt chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds, adding 15 seconds at a time until just barely melted. When melted, add berries and almonds and mix. Place tablespoon sized peices on wax paper or parchment paper. Place in freezer until hardened. (this only taked about 15 minutes) Store in airtight container in fridge.

Crunchy Fruit and Nut Roll Up

Here is another lunch box winner according to my toughest critics. There are lot of health benefits packed into this roll up. I made one of these for my high schooler using Flat Out bread (because I had just one left over) and I used two small fajita sized tortilla's for my children in middle and elementary school. 

Fruit and Nut Roll Up

• Flat Out or fajita sized tortilla's
• Nut Butter (I used peanut butter, will use almond butter next time)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (I used light)
• strawberry (about 2)
• banana (about half)
• 1 T fruit spread (I used Black Cherry Pollaner's All Fruit)
• toasted sliced almonds
• 1 tsp. Fiber One cereal

Whip nut butter and softened cream cheese together. Spread on wrap. Add sliced strawberries and banana. Microwave fruit spread until it's just the right consistency for drizzling. Drizzle over roll up. Add almonds and cereal. Roll up.