Healthy Holiday Baking...it is Possible!

Luisa on WFMZ

Baking cookies is a fun and festive part of your holidays. Don’t feel like all is lost when you are trying to eat healthy! There are wholesome ingredients you can use that not only make a tasty dessert; they also provide you with a variety of essential nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. Watch Luisa share her Healthy Holiday Baking tips on 69 News WFMZ!

 Maple syrup: A great source of minerals - manganese, zinc, calcium, & magnesium. provides energy and antioxidants  - which boost the immune system 

Blackstrap Molasses: Great for bone and heart health! A tasty source of iron, calcium, potassium

Coconut Flakes: Full of healthy fats and fiber it benefits heart health, digestion, & weight loss – keeps you satiated. 

Almond Flour: A nutritious, gluten free flour alternative. High in protein, fiber, manganese, and healthy fats it benefits skin, heart, and even stabilizes blood sugar levels. 

Dark Chocolate: A powerful and delicious source of antioxidants that boosts the immune system. . Look for 70% cacao or higher for the best benefits.

Lime Essential Oil: Citrus is another good immune booster.

Dark Chocolate Sunflower Buttercups Recipe

(Almost like a Recees Peanut Butter Cup…but better!)

  • 2 cups

  • 1 tbs Coconut oil

  • 2 cups Sunflower seeds

  • 4 tbs Maple syrup

  • 1 tbs Molasses

  • 1 tsp Vanilla

  • Pinch of Salt

Directions:

  1. Spread the sunflower seeds on a pan and roast for 10-12 minutes at 375F.

  2. Take out of the oven as soon as a few seeds turn golden. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.

  3. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

  4. Place the warm seeds along with everything else apart from the chocolate into a blender and pulse blend to make a sunflower seed caramel paste.

  5. Depending on your blender you may need to scrape down the sides and blend for several minutes until it combines.

  6. Melt the chocolate in a small cast iron pan with the coconut oil.

  7. Pour half of the chocolate into mini baking cups and then chill for a few minutes to set.

  8. Press the sunflower caramel into the baking cups then cover with the remaining chocolate.

  9. Chill to set.

Almond Flour Short Bread Cookies 

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(A healthy version of beloved chocolate chip cookies!)

  • 2 cup Almond flour

  • 6 tbs Butter

  • 6 tbs Maple syrup

  • 1/4 tsp Salt

  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

  • 1 cup Dark chocolate chips

  • 2 tsp Coconut oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. In a large bowl add all the ingredients, but except the chocolate chips. Using a spatula stir everything well until all is combined and the dough is smooth.

  3.  Add the chocolate chips and mix well.

  4. Roll balls of dough and then flatten on the sheet. It’s about 1 ½ tbs of dough per cookie. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets

  5. Bake for about 20 minutes, until very lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Coconut Lime Bites 

(A client favorite, so easy and tasty!)

  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut 

  • 3 tbs pure maple syrup -minerals

  • 3 tbs organic coconut oil 

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

  • 15-20 drops Lime Essential Oil 

 Directions:

Pour all the ingredients into food processor, blend, and stir until well mixed. Place mixed ingredients onto parchment paper, flatten evenly, and sprinkle coconut shreds on top. Freeze or cool in fridge. Once firm, cut into small squares and serve. 

Making wise ingredient choices results in tasty and healthy treats to eat and to share over the holidays. Plus, you won’t worry about getting empty calories!

Luisa Szakacs