Are you wondering how you can create tasty morsels for the holidays that are healthy as well as delicious? We’ve selected three great nutritious holiday treat recipes to keep you happy and healthy this holiday season. Each of the healthy holiday treats we’ve provided include nutrient-rich fruits or nuts.

Vanilla Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

This sane dessert recipe is compliments of Carrie Brown from Sane Solution.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz / 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 oz / 110g xylitol
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
•  ½ tsp salt
• 15 oz / 420g almond flour / ground almonds
• 2 tsp xanthan gum
• 4 oz / 110g dried unsweetened cranberries, finely chopped

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Preparation Instructions:

1. Mix butter, xylitol, vanilla and salt together with a hand mixer until well creamed.

2. Mix in almond flour, xanthan gum and chopped cranberries until a dough is formed.

3. Turn dough onto surface, using dusting of almond flour to prevent sticking if necessary.

4. Roll dough to ½ inch thick, and use a cutter to cut out shapes.

5. Place on a greased baking sheet.

6. Bake at 300F for around 20 minutes, just until they start to turn very pale brown.

7. Remove from oven and leave on baking sheets until cool. Do not try to move them!

8. Step away from the shortbread!

9. Once cool, using a spatula, carefully transfer to a wire rack to get completely cold.

10. Carrie highly recommends leaving them overnight if you can possibly stand it. They firm up and have a better texture.

Tips: This shortbread dough can be made in advance, stored in the fridge and baked as required. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling, cutting and baking. Store in an airtight container to keep your cookies fresh

Buttermilk Pralines

Pecans provide plenty of monounsaturated fat (the good kind of fat). The richness in taste from the buttermilk creates a mildly sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups raw brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
•  2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
•  1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Other Item(s) Needed: Wax Paper

Time to Make: 20 minutes

Preparation Instructions

1. Combine the first four ingredients  (raw brown sugar, buttermilk, baking soda and salt) in a large saucepan.

2. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Continue cooking over low heat until a candy thermometer registers 235° (10-12 minutes); stir occasionally.

3. Remove from heat; let stand five minutes.

4. Stir in nuts, butter, and vanilla; beat with a wooden spoon until

mixture begins to lose its shine (6-7 minutes).

5. Use a teaspoon and drop the pecan buttermilk mixture onto wax paper.

6. Let stand for 15- 20 minutes or until set.

Tip: For freshness store the pralines in an airtight container.

Organic Chocolate Covered Strawberries with A Twirl

Strawberries, with their red and green colors, fit in perfectly with the season. By using organic chocolate you can avoid any unnecessary fillers found in many chocolate bars.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces of organic semisweet chocolate, chopped into pieces
• 3 ounces of organic white chocolate, chopped into pieces
• 1 pound of whole large strawberries (15-20 strawberries)

Other Item(s) Needed: Wax Paper or Parchment Paper

Time to Make: 15-20 minutes

Preparation Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the strawberries very well.

2. Set on a paper towel or clean, dry dish towel to absorb all the exterior water on the strawberries.

3. Put the semisweet and white chocolates into two separate heat-proof bowls (or a smaller pan that sets into a larger pan).

4. Fill two medium saucepans with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmering boil over medium heat.

5. Turn off the heat; and then set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt.

6. Stir until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.

7. Remove from the heat.

8. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper.

9. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift up and twist the berry slightly, letting any excess chocolate go back into the bowl.

10. Set each strawberry on your wax or parchment paper individually.

11. Dip your fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries.

12. Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

 

Are you planning on trying any of these recipes instead of the usual unhealthy holiday fare?

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.

To find out about Rose’s thoughts on how to live a happier life, click here