Now that school days are back, parents may be wondering what nutritious baon they can pack for their children.

Here’s an idea. Mix peanut butter and cream to make a tasty fruit dip. Slice some fresh fruits and have the kids dip the fruits in the peanut butter mixture to add more flavor to the fruits.

To make it even more fun to eat, skewer the fruits in colorful cocktail toothpicks. This will also make it easier (and more sanitary) for them to dip the fruits. Now that’s one cool baon.

P.S. Be sure to tell your children NOT to share this baon with anyone who may be allergic to peanuts.

Creamy Peanut Butter Dip

Makes 2-3 servings

½ c creamy peanut butter

1 c all-purpose cream

1-2 tsp sugar (optional)

2-3 apples

2-3 bananas

1 fresh lemon

Cocktail toothpicks

Combine peanut butter and all-purpose cream in a large bowl. If desired, add sugar (one to two teaspoons, or to taste).  Stir mixture until smooth and well-blended. Cut apples into wedges (peel apples, if desired). Cut bananas into thick rounds. Squeeze some lemon juice on the fruits to keep them from turning brown. Thread the fruits into cocktail toothpicks or small skewers.

To pack: Divide the apples and bananas into two or three servings (depending on how many baon you’re preparing). Wrap the apple and banana skewers in aluminum foil or pack them in covered containers. Divide the peanut butter-cream mixture into two or three servings, and spoon into airtight covered containers (to prevent spillage).

To eat: Dip the fruits in the peanut butter cream mixture.

For more tips, recipes and stories, visit the author’s blog, www.normachikiamco.com, and Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/normachikiamco.  Follow on Twitter@NormaChikiamco.

Cook’s tips:

• There’s a variety of colorful toothpicks available in most supermarkets. Look for them in the picnic or party sections.

• You can also sprinkle chopped nuts into the peanut butter mixture to add more texture to the dip.

• Choose the freshest fruits available. If desired, you can also use fresh pineapples.

Have your children help in preparing the dip and the fruits.  Their participation will give them more incentive to eat the fruits.