Cocoa-orange Cereal and Nut Clusters are seen in this Sunday, June 29, 2008 photo. Off the shelf school snacks can be nothing but empty calories if you are not careful. Homemade snacks, like these Cocoa-orange Cereal and Nut Clusters, can be just as tasty but packed with whole-grains and natural sweeteners. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

By Jim Romanoff

For The Associated Press

Making your own snacks is one of the best ways to control what and how much children snack on.

Cocoa-orange cereal and nut clusters are irresistibly sweet and salty, plus they are no-bake and take only 15 minutes to prepare. These treats combine whole-grain cereal, nuts and fruit juice with a pleasant sweetness.

The recipe makes 24 bite-size servings that are easily portioned. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.Cocoa-Orange Cereal and Nut Clusters

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Makes 24 clusters

3 1/4 C. crunchy whole-grain corn cereal (such as Puffins)

1/2 C. powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting

1/2 C. chopped pecans

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 1/2 Tbsp. light corn syrup

Place the cereal in a large zip-close plastic bag. Press out all of the air and close the bag. With a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan, crush the cereal into fine crumbs.

In a large bowl, combine the crushed cereal, sugar, pecans and cocoa. Stir thoroughly. Add the orange juice concentrate and corn syrup, then stir until all ingredients are well moistened and the mixture holds together when squeezed into a ball.

Moistening your hands with cold water as needed, then form the mixture into 24 small balls.

Roll the balls in additional powdered sugar to coat.

Nutrition information per cluster: 51 calories; 18 calories from fat; 2 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 35 mg sodium.

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