Healthy Holiday Goodies

Oh, the holidays and how much I love them! The lights, the mood, getting together with friends and family,. And eating ….. a lot. I love it, but I hate how all the eating makes me feel, so this year my resolution is to make lots of goodies for Christmas but make them healthy. Impossible, you say? Not these cookies, I promise. Since I try to live by the rule that, whatever I put into my mouth should have some sort of nutrition AND taste good, these recipes really have all that. So here’s to a holiday of guilt free sweets.

Raw Walnut Fudge — Traditional fudge is loaded with dairy, sugar and butter. This walnut fudge makes me happy because it not only tastes good BUT also is good for my body. http://bettyrawker.com/2013/12/02/raw-walnut-fudge/

Peppermint Bark Cookies — I found this recipe on pinterest (yay for pinterest) and, since my hubby loves mint, I knew I had to make these cookies for him. They are truly amazing and just scream Christmas, in my opinion.

http://brittanyangell.com/peppermint-bark-cookies-glutengraindairysoyeggstarch-free/

Raw Truffles — I’ve always had a sweet spot for truffles but not for how bad they are for you. Here is a much better option of raw truffles that taste amazing. No one will know these are healthy, raw truffles.

http://www.damyhealth.com/2012/02/healthy-truffles-chocolates-and-raw-cookies/

Healthy Gingerbread Chocolate Mousse — This a “raw” recipe for an amazing and guilt free mousse that is perfect for Christmas. It’s also my kids’ favorite. How can you not love feeding your kids a chocolate treat and vegetables at the same time?

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 large ripe banana
• 3 Tbsp. raw cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp. cocoa nibs
• ½ vanilla bean
• 1 tbsp. agave nectar or honey
• 2 tsp. gingerbread or pumpkin pie spice

Split vanilla bean in half and scrape out seeds, and place in a food processor along with everything else. Process until you have a smooth puree. Chill in fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Homemade and healthy nog — No Christmas should go without eggnog, in my opinion. My mom would always make homemade nog, and it was delicious and actually easy. If you prefer eggless eggnog, here is a great vegan recipe from http://www.damyhealth.com:

• 3 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  

  

• 4 Tbsp. agave nectar
• 2 Tbsp. vanilla
• Dash of salt
• 1 Tbsp. rum extract
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• Rum or Brandy (optional)

In a medium saucepan (medium/low heat), place all ingredients and stir until completely warm. Pour into a glass and add rum or brandy if desired.  Ho-Ho-Ho!