“To lengthen thy Life, lessen thy Meals.”
Benjamin Franklin
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of overindulging on fattening, processed, nutrient-poor foods. You can serve healthy, organic, delicious and satisfying holiday treats instead. Here are a few recipes for foods that are actually good for you.
Spicy Carmelized Pecans
From Jane Brody’s Good Food Gourmet
Use this healthful and easy to prepare treat in a salad, as an hors d’oeuvres, for a snack, or a homemade holiday gift.
- 2 cups pecan halves
- Water to cover
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil)
- 3 tablespoons organic sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon or more cayenne, to taste
1. Place the pecans in a large skillet or saucepan with water to cover. Bring the ingredients just to a simmer over high heat. Drain the nuts immediately, and set them aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sugar, salt and cayenne. Then add the nuts.
3. Return the pan to medium-high heat and cook the nuts, tossing them constantly with a spatula, until they are a caramel color. Remove from the pan to a platter, and let them cool in a single layer. Store the nuts in layers separated by wax paper.
Swiss Chard, Hummus and Avocado Hors d’oeuvre
I sampled this creative and oh so healthy hors d’oeuvre at Whole Foods the other day, and was pleasantly surprised at how tasty it was.
Smear fresh swiss chard with hummus and add slices of ripe avocado. Roll us and slice into bite-sized pieces. Simple!
Cranberry-Banana Bread
From The Wilson Farm Country Cookbook
Quick breads are just that, as well as nutritious, and make a perfect holiday gift or a delightful addition to a holiday brunch, luncheon or dinner.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup organic sugar
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup mashed banana (one)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup coarsely chopped organic cranberries
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs with an electric mixer. Stir in the banana, cranberries, water and vanilla. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together and stir them into the batter. Add the chopped nuts. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 55 minutes.
Dark Chocolate
Fill your Christmas stockings or your bon bon dish with dark chocolates – the health benefits are becoming well known. Click here to read more.
You can indulge this season with the right foods! Enjoy!!!
