Recipes for the Season of Sweet
By Dr. Alyssa Musgrove
The holiday season can pose a challenge for people trying to adopt healthier eating habits. If you find yourself questioning how you’re going to make it through this sweet-laden season, fear not. The good news is you can indulge (in moderation) without guilt. The key is not to deprive yourself of the sweet pleasures. Instead, find replacement recipes so you can enjoy your treats and stay healthy. Below are a few common holiday recipes made with healthier ingredients. You’ll still get the great taste, but you’ll also get nutrients that you won’t find in the sugar-filled standards.
Granny Smith Apple Crisp
Courtesy of: ElanasPantry.com
Filling:
4 large Granny Smith apples
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
¼ cup water
1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder
Topping:
1 cup blanched almond flour
¼ tsp. Celtic sea salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
In a 1.5-quart Pyrex bowl, toss apples, honey and lemon juice. Stir water and arrowroot powder together and make a slurry, then toss into apple mixture. Pour apple mixture into 8”x8” glass baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt and cinnamon. In a small bowl, combine vanilla, coconut oil and honey. Stir wet ingredients into dry (mixture will be very crumbly). Sprinkle topping over apple mixture. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until apples are soft, and topping is golden brown.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 rounded tablespoon of cacao powder
Stevia to taste (about 15 drops of liquid stevia or one packet of stevia powder)
1 Tbsp of coconut butter (you can find this in health food stores or online)
Directions:
Whisk all ingredients together in saucepan making sure ingredients are blended well while heating on the stove top. Serve when hot.
Jules’ Banana Pudding
Courtesy: Paleo Comfort Foods
1 can coconut milk (Thai Organic is a good choice)
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract (without corn syrup)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp coconut butter
3 really ripe bananas (almost black)
½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Whisk coconut milk, egg yolks and vanilla together over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
In a small frying pan, heat the coconut oil and coconut butter over medium heat and add slightly mashed bananas along with cinnamon. You’re just cooking long enough to let bananas start to caramelize somewhat.
Pour the coconut milk and egg mixture into a food processor or blender along with the cooked bananas and process until smooth and creamy. Empty contents into a bowl and place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface. This will prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate to chill and serve topped with some sliced bananas.
Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. In addition, the practice is committed to being a valuable source of information so that people can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent future illness. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.