As the school holidays approach, families across South Africa are looking for ways to keep their kids busy. Whether planning a long road trip or a short day trip out, keeping children fed and happy is an important aspect of a successful road trip – but relying on sugar-laden snacks can lead to unwanted mood swings and unhappy passengers. To avoid this, the team from Laager Rooibos has put together a delicious assortment of homemade padkos recipes that will keep tummies full and drivers sane!

“The journey is most certainly part of the adventure, but parents with little children often dread the extended periods spent in a car during holidays!” commented Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager. “It’s tempting to simply rely on chips and treats to keep little passengers happy, but this can do more harm than good. We suggest preparing a few homemade snacks ahead of time to keep tummies full, spirits lifted, and parents sane!”

@lovefromthetwins Laager Rooibos Granola Bars

To start the holidays on a delicious note, Laager Rooibos ambassadors, Tebo & Lebo Ndala, have shared their latest recipe: Laager Rooibos Granola Bars – the ideal road trip snack! The twin chefs, food stylists, and sports nutritionists are passionate about food and family time, and this great Laager Rooibos Granola Bar recipe will keep the family fuelled on the road.

Laager Rooibos Granola Bars Ingredients

  • 1 Laager Citrus & Ginger Green Rooibos teabag (cut bag open and remove leaves)
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole almonds
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • Dark chocolate, melted, to garnish

Method:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
  2. Place the oats, Rooibos loose leaves, and almonds on a sheet pan and roast for about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Melt the butter, brown sugar, and honey on the stove. Once melted, mix well and add in the nutmeg and vanilla.
  4. Combine the melted mixture with the toasted oats and almonds. Mix until everything is coated.
  5. Pack mixture into a square pan and press it down so it’s firmly packed together.
  6. Chill in the fridge until set.
  7. Once set, remove from the pan, and cut into bars. Drizzle with dark chocolate. Enjoy!

@taetimsmith @nyummies Cinapple Oat Cups

Durban-based Taetim Smith, known for her @nyummies delicious baby and toddler meals and snacks, has shared one of her favourite padkos recipes to try!

Laager Tea4Kidz Chicken Cinapple Oat Cups Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup *Laager Tea4Kidz Milk (Apple & Berry)
  • ½ cup apple purée
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 larger eggs
  • ¼ cup pure honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon mixed spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup finely diced apple

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the apple purée, peanut butter, eggs, honey, vanilla, and Laager milk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Stir in dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, mixed spice and salt; stir well to combine.
  4. Fold in the diced apples.
  5. Evenly distribute the batter between muffin liners and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once ready to serve, feel free to eat warm or cold. I love topping mine with nut butter or melted chocolate once cooled.

*To make Laager milk: steep 2 Laager Tea4Kidz Rooibos (Apple & Berry) teabags in hot milk for 3 minutes and remove the teabags.

More Laager Rooibos Padkos Ideas

  • High Protein Laager Rooibos Apple Oat Muffins: The ultimate road trip fuel! These muffins are packed with fibre, protein, and the natural sweetness of apple, keeping the family energised. Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost, and enjoy a mess-free, grab-and-go snack. Full recipe here.
  • Low Sugar Laager Rooibos Blueberry Muffins: A healthier take on a classic, these muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with juicy blueberries. Perfect for satisfying cravings without the sugar crash, making them an ideal travel snack. Full recipe here.
  • Laager Tea4Kidz+ Rooibos Crunchies: A fun, crispy snack infused with the naturally caffeine-free goodness of Laager Rooibos. These crunchy bites are kid-friendly but delicious for all ages, offering a subtly sweet and wholesome treat for the car. Full recipe here.
  • Laager Rooibos Cinapple Oat Cups: A warm and comforting blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and hearty oats, baked into convenient single-serving cups. This is a great nourishing padkos snack that feels like dessert. Full recipe here.
  • Laager Rooibos and Honey Granola: A naturally sweet and aromatic granola infused with the rich, earthy flavours of Laager Rooibos tea. Drizzled with honey for a touch of golden sweetness, this homemade granola is great for snacking on in the car. Full recipe here.
  • Laager Rooibos Iced Tea: Keeping hydrated on long road trips is important, but it’s best to avoid sugary drinks. Rather prepare some home-made Laager Tea4Kidz+ iced tea infused with fruit for a healthy and refreshing option. See recipes here.

These and more Laager Rooibos recipes can be found under ‘Recipes’ at www.joekels.co.za

Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to follow @WithLoveFromTheTwins and @motherplugger on social media for more creative food inspiration