Holiday Sweets

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I have a sweet tooth, and try as I might, I have yet to overcome it, so over the years I have watched for healthier alternatives to the standard holiday baked goods. This is a great time to break out those power pantry dessert recipes that don't have the processed sugar, fats and additives found in many holiday treats.

Dried fruits are some of the best options for making satisfying sweet treats that our bodies will appreciate and that will help us keep the holiday spirit. For years I have appreciated these natural sweet treats, and keeping them on hand can make all the difference in holiday baking.

Dates are one of the best natural sweeteners, and make a great foundation for some really satisfying desserts. Combined with nuts, chocolate and a bit of flavor from vanilla or coconut, and you can create treats that rival the best family cookie bars.

Other great dried fruits that can easily stand in with holiday sweets are apricots, raisins, figs, dried cranberries and dried apples. There are even some really good dried banana chips available (baked or freeze-dried) that are great for holiday baking.

Check out these paleo recipes made with dates: Paleo Grubs - 45 date recipes (some are savory, but most are sweet treats, with awesome ingredients.)

And a quick search for dried fruit desserts will yield a bunch of great options. So consider alternative sweets this holiday season to keep things festive and yet healthful. Dried fruits, especially dates and figs, can be a tremendous addition to holiday baking traditions.

By the Way

At Thanksgiving, our family enjoyed some almond-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates. They were awesome, and we will definitely be making those again. We even tried some of the dates stuffed with dark chocolate chips (and wrapped in bacon of course) - also exceptional, and with a more sophisticated taste.