This Christmas season, Healthy Susquehanna will share recipes for healthy gluten-free treats, Christmas cookie classics and alternatives to sweet treats, among other things. The list will grow, but here are some ideas to get you started!
Reindeer PB&J
Holiday treats don’t have to be laden with sugar. Weis Markets is selling peanut butter for $ 3.37 for these simple snacks that are full of protein and are a hit with the kids!
Preparation:
- Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut out a heart shape from the middle of 8 slices of wholemeal bread.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each of the 4 hearts.
- Arrange 2 pretzels on top of the 4 hearts with peanut butter sticking out from the top of each heart to look like antlers.
- Put a simple piece of “heart bread” on top to make a sandwich.
- Top each sandwich with 2 simple M & Ms for the “eyes” and 1 peanut M & M for the “nose”.
Hot chocolate
Make this low calorie, delicious hot cocoa drink to celebrate the winter holidays!
Preparation:
- In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of skimmed milk over low heat until it only bubbles, stirring frequently. Not cook.
- Take it off the stove.
- Add 2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Sugar is being sold on Weis Markets this week.
- Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Gluten-free snickerdoodles
Made with almond and coconut flour, these gluten-free cookies are a delicious treat. These healthy snickerdoodles are a gluten-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups of blanched almond flour
- 1 teaspoon coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Preparation:
- Melt coconut oil on low power in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, egg, brown sugar, coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and salt. Stir well to combine. Add baking soda and stir well.
- Cover the dough with cling film and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon on a small plate. Take the cookie dough out of the refrigerator and roll tablespoons into 1-inch balls. Roll the cookie dough balls in a cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat them completely and place them on the baking sheet. Do not smooth.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Almond Snow Cookies
These festive almond cookies are a great addition to your Christmas cookie tray. Almonds and whole wheat flour add some fiber and protein to these simple treats.
Ingredients:
-
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
-
2/3 cup granulated sugar
-
2 tbsp brown sugar
-
2 eggs
-
3 teaspoons of almond extract
-
1 cup of blanched almonds, finely ground
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup of whole wheat flour
-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Preparation:
- Beat the butter in a bowl with a hand mixer until creamy. Mix in sugar, eggs and almond extract. Stir in the almonds and flour with a spoon.
- Chill overnight. Bring to room temperature for baking.
- Preheat the oven to 375 °. Put powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll the balls in sugar to coat them evenly. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they feel firm. Cool on a wire rack.
- Presentation tip: press a sliver of almonds onto the ball of dough before baking for a professional look.
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