Christmas favorites and healthy foods don’t usually mix, but they can. At my table today, I am sharing a Collection of my Favorite Healthy Holiday Recipes from past blogs. These are recipes that I have been making for years. Most of them are healthy, but a few of the recipes I only make once a year.
Homemade Healthier Hot Cocoa
First up is hot cocoa. I love chocolate, and when I am craving a treat after dinner, I drink a small cup of hot cocoa to satisfy me. I picked up a friend’s 7-year-old from dance and offered her a cup of hot cocoa, and she approved. This recipe is homemade and sweetened with maple syrup. Maple syrup contains many phytochemicals/antioxidants, and it’s tasty. Yes, it’s still a sugar, so let the cocoa be the superstar.
- 8 ounces milk or coconut milk (I use coconut milk most of the time)
- 1 TBSP cocoa (sometimes I use Dutch cocoa)
- 1 TBSP Maple syrup (Only add more if you need it sweeter)
Blend with a frother and microwave for 1.5 minutes, and froth again and serve with optional whipped cream.
Optional hot cocoa add-ins for added nutrition or taste
- Try ½ tsp mushroom powder (I add for calmness and health benefits) -or
- Add ½ tsp turmeric and a pinch of black pepper- or
- Try ¼ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg- or
- Add Peppermint extract to taste
My Favorite Christmas Salad
This is a salad I try to make for Christmas. It is easy to make and full of nutrients. Lettuce/greens of your choice, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, or pomegranates, red sliced onions, caramelized pecans, or feta cheese, plus homemade dressing, make it perfect. So easy and tasty. Here is the link to the recipe and other Christmas foods to serve with it.
Nutritious Veggies and Spinach Dip
I also like to take veggies and make a wreath with them. Use sliced cucumbers and broccoli to form a wreath on a plate with tomatoes mixed in, and place your dip in the center.
Serve it with spinach artichoke dip. Buy it made with Greek yogurt from Aldi, or make it homemade. The recipe for the dip is in this link with a few other Christmas party foods. Spinach and artichokes are great foods for your gut microbiome and are loaded with nutrients. You can also serve this dip with pita bread or wasa crackers.
Christmas Pomegranate Pistachio Bark
This has become a tradition in my house. In fact, I have made this twice this season.
- 1 12-ounce bag dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ½ cup pomegranate fruit seeds
- ½ cup chopped pistachio nuts
Melt one bag of dark chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Pour melted chocolate on top of a parchment-lined sheet pan and spread it thin. To the top of the melted chocolate, sprinkle the ½ cup of pomegranates and ½ cup of chopped pistachios.
Put the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. When it is firm, break into bark pieces and serve. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Extra Chocolate in the Bowl?
Add in some fresh mandarin orange slices, cover them in chocolate, and sprinkle with pistachios. Freeze on a sheet pan. Pop one in your mouth for a sweet treat. If you prefer nuts, add a handful of pistachios to the extra chocolate and place the spoonfuls on the sheet pan to cool in the refrigerator.
Links to other blogs I make only once a year. The sugar and calories are high, so portion control is key during the holidays.
Christmas Bread with Cardamom- a tradition I give to neighbors each year.
Egg Nog recipes are loaded with calories and good for those needing to gain weight.
Once a year, Chocolate Delights. Only make once a year.
Tips to eat healthy during the holiday season.
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