There are certain staples of the holiday season, like getting together with family, being thankful for all that you have – and desserts. Yes, just like family and being thankful, desserts are a fundamental part of the holiday season. Is your mouth starting to water just thinking about all of the scrumptious desserts that will be served at your holiday gatherings? But wait, what’s that? – A bell ringing in your head, reminding you that while those desserts may be delightful, they also make panic months down the line, when swimsuit season is approaching.
Well, don’t sweat the sweet stuff this year. With some simple adjustments to your dessert menu, you can serve mouthwatering treats that will tickle the sweet tooth, but won’t leave too much of a lasting impact. Here’s are some low-calorie, easy to prepare, delicious holiday desserts that are certainly worth trying:
Instead of serving traditional pumpkin pie this year, try this delicious, healthy and easy to make alternative. The ingredients are simple and include:
· 1 pound of silken tofu
· ½ cup of salt
· 2/3 cup of maple syrup
· 1 cup of canned, unsweetened pumpkin
· ¾ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
· ½ cup of extra virgin coconut oil
To make the pudding, just add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend them until they create a creamy concoction. Next, melt the coconut oil in the microwave until it is softened and then pour it, ever so slowly, into the mixture while the pudding is blending. Pour the pudding into individual cups or into one large bowl and set it in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes. Delicious, nutritious, and so easy to make!
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These desserts are given their name because they resemble tracks that boots leave behind in the snow, but don’t let the name fool you; they are tasty holiday treats that can be whipped up in minutes. Even better, they’re low on calories! Simply gather:
· ½ cup of salted butter
· 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
· 2 large eggs
· 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
· ½ teaspoons of espresso powder
· 2 tablespoons of canola oil
· Confectioner’s sugar for garnish
Begin by preheating a Belgian waffle iron. Mix together the butter and sugar, and beat the eggs and vanilla into the mixture. Add in the flour, the oil, the cocoa powder. and the espresso powder and vigorously beat until well mixed. Once the batter is mixed, place teaspoonfuls onto the waffle iron, about 1 inch apart. Close the cover of the waffle iron and let the mixture cook for about 1 minute until they have puffed up. You don’t want to overcook them, so keep a close eye. When done, remove them from the iron, let cool, and sprinkle confectioner’s sugar over the top.
This recipe is so easy to make that it will likely become a staple at all of your holiday events, and every other event you host. Plus, it’s delicious and low fat! For this treat, you’ll need:
· 4 large, ripened bananas that have been peeled and cut into thirds
· ¾ cup of semisweet melted chocolate chips
· ¼ cup of shredded coconut
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax paper. Place a Popsicle stick into the bottom of each piece of cut banana. Dip the bananas in the melted chocolate and then sprinkle the coconut over them. Set the bananas onto the baking sheet and into the freezer until they are frozen through. You really can’t get much easier than that!
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Skip those heavy desserts that leave their mark on your waistline long after the holidays are over. Instead, whip up these fast, easy, and good for you treats that will give your sweet tooth the tickle it desires, and won’t give your waistline the extra inches that it doesn’t.
Tara Heath is a freelance writer in Southern California. She is looking forward to this holiday season, and can’t wait to prepare these treats for her friends and family. She contributes content to the Candy Concepts Inc. blog.
