During the holidays does your kitchen become a dessert factory pumping out sugar cookies, gingerbread and truffles to ring in the season? This year, we’re looking forward to taking a healthier approach by offering overindulged, stressed family and friends a treat they truly won’t regret eating. Consider sharing these easy, healthy foodie gifts to do the same.
Apricot and Fig Preserves
This vibrant jar of apricot jam is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to eat. Made essentially with just fruit, water and lemon juice, it’s also completely sugar free. Try other Made In Nature dried organic fruit to enjoy the best of the season year round.
Granola with Cranberries & Raisins
Share the gift of homemade granola. Crisp, flavorful and full of your favorite nuts, berries and seeds, once anyone’s tried the real deal it’s tough to go back to the store-bought stuff. Be sure to include the recipe, and if you’re feeling creative suggestions for other nut berry combinations like dried mangoes with cashews or apples with extra cinnamon. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Raw Truffle Balls
These elegant truffles make a lovely dessert but are healthy enough to also enjoy while snowshoeing or even for breakfast. Made with just dried fruit, nuts, unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of orange juice, friends won’t believe they’re sugar free and high in fiber. Even better, they’re also a snap to prepare.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberries and Pumpkinseed Mix
We like to keep this sweet and spicy mix on hand when we have company in town. The healthful snack is filling since it’s rich in fiber and simultaneously satisfies both sweet and salty cravings. Don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe.
Honey Date Loaf
Give banana bread a break with this Honey Date Loaf which is perfect for the holidays. Made with naturally sweet organic Deglet Noor Dates it only used 1/4 cup of honey and 1/2 cup brown sugar for sweetness. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a seasonal touch.
Pineapple Cranberry Apple Granola Bars
Your friends will thank you for sharing this easy and healthy grab n’ go breakfast/snack option. Making your granola bars may seem challenging but this recipe is truly a snap with only a handful of on-hand ingredients. Simply line a baking dish with parchment paper, bake, cut and serve. Voila!
Pineapple Coconut Cookies
Macaroons meet pineapple upside down cake, in these tender cookies. Grandparents will appreciate your update on the classic dessert (dot with maraschino cherries if you’re feeling cheeky). We love the rich coconut flavor and chunks of sweet pineapple.
Cranberry Mole
Mole may not be on your Christmas menu, but south of the border the dish is a holiday classic. Traditionally a rich blend of chilies and chocolate, during Christmas and Lent in Central Mexico it’s often made with romeritos, a wild Mexican shrub similar to rosemary, and served with dried shrimp cakes. Try our holiday mole version which features dried cranberries. Deliver in small mason jars with a suggestion to try it alongside a Christmas turkey or other poultry.
Cranberry Oatmeal and White Chocolate Cookies
Whole wheat flour and oats, peppered with sugar-free organic cranberries update this classic cookie recipe with a nutritional edge. Don’t stop there though, consider mixing in chopped nuts for a portion of the white chocolate chips.
Chocolate Dipped Candied Apricots
Naturally delectable dried apricots become even more of a treat when dipped in delicious dark chocolate and your favorite heart-healthy nuts or seeds. Try a variety of crunchy toppings such as crushed pistachios, macadamia nuts, cashews or even colorful sprinkles. Deliver in a parchment paper lined boxed.
