Happy Tuesday! ? Dr. Kelly here. Healthier dessert recipes
With the Holiday season upon us, it is nice to have a couple healthier desserts to choose from.
The healthiest & my favorite dessert is FRUIT.
I like frozen blueberries with whipped cream & a little drizzled chocolate. You can melt chocolate or look for a syrup without high fructose corn syrup.
Hersey’s sells one: Hershey’s simple 5 syrup. It’s not healthy, but better than others.
If I am being true to my healthy diet, I eat grain, dairy & egg free.
I use Simple Mills products as a quick short cut.
If a recipe calls for dairy, I use a milk alternative.
For the oil I use the same amount of applesauce.
For the eggs, I use either ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
1 egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds + 3 TBSP of water.
I am not the best cook or baker. What I have typically done for new recipes is a google search. I have listed a couple of different options for healthier recipes.
https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/healthy-cookie-dough-bites/
https://www.rainbownourishments.com/raw-vegan-brownies/
This one is a little more complex and I have not made it. But would like too!
https://paleoglutenfree.com/recipes/healthy-homemade-paleo-twix-bars/
Let me share with you my newfound secret for recipes.
What my newfound secret for a recipe is……. Chat GPT.
I don’t know if you feel comfortable using Chat GPT, but it has been good for recipes.
It is like using google.
You can specifically type in exactly what you want.
Only have a few ingredients in your pantry, type those ingredients in and ask for a recipe.
While on ChiroThin I cook without oils or sugar.
Chat GPT finds creative new recipes for me to try.
This one for Banana Oatmeal cookies:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and mix until everything is well combined. If desired, fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
4. Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers as they won’t spread much during baking.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious and healthy banana oatmeal cookies!
Grain-Free Granola
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, combine chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Mix well to combine.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
• In a small bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
• Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated.
5. Bake:
• Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake and Stir:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
7. Add Dried Fruits (Optional):
• If you’re using dried fruits, add them to the granola after you remove it from the oven and while it’s still warm. Mix well to combine.
8. Cool Completely:
• Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.
9. Store:
• Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
No matter what your desserts are this holiday season, enjoy it!
Text us or respond to this email with your favorite healthy dessert.
Happy holidays to you and your family!
Yours in Healthy Naturally,
Dr. Kelly