Do you cringe at the thought of maneuvering a crowded mall in search for the perfect gift? Take a deep breath. There’s an easier way – and it comes from the heart.
Everyone loves to eat – and the less effort it takes, the better. So, why not give your loved ones a more nutritious gift this year? Whether it’s for friends or family, you have countless ways to make someone’s day brighter with food. You don’t have to serve them up on a platter, but here are some ideas to get your mouth watering and your creative juices flowing.
No-Bake Loaded Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites
This gluten-free snack makes an easy go-to treat anyone would feel good about eating – and it only takes about 10 minutes to make.
What you need
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup crushed honey-roasted nuts or maple-glazed pecans
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup natural no-stir peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to make it
- Grind up nuts in a blender and add to mixing bowl.
- Add oats, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, cinnamon and mix.
- Add peanut butter and stir.
- Add honey a little at a time, mix often.
- Add vanilla and mix with hands.
- Roll batter into small balls (about an inch or so) and place on tray with parchment paper underneath.
- Freeze for 20-30 minutes.
Put them in a decorative tin and voila!
Recipe:
cottercrunch.com
Mason Jar Monster Cookies
Easy to make and filled with nutritious ingredients like coconut oil, oats and flaxseed, these cookies are delicious and good for you. This recipe lets you share the goodness with a dozen other health-conscious cookie lovers.
What you need
- 12 Mason jars
- 6 cups coconut sugar (1/2 cup each jar)
- 9 teaspoons baking soda (3/4 teaspoon each jar)
- 2 1/4 cups milled flax seed (3 tablespoons each jar)
- 18 cups of oats (1 1/2 cups each jar)
- 24 ounces chocolate chips (2 ounces each jar)
- 24 ounces colored M&M’S® (2 ounces each jar)
How to make it
- Fill mason jars with ingredients in order listed, starting with coconut sugar on the bottom.
- Press down each layer tightly as you go. Screw on lids.
- Use some ribbon to attach a tag with baking instructions:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees while you mix together 2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 1 egg.
Add Mason jar ingredients, bake about 10 minutes and cool.
Recipe:
deliciousbydre.com
Healthier Coconut Almond ChexTM Mix
You can make this versatile snack in minutes, and it’s easy to take it with you wherever you go.
What you need
- 1 cup Honey Nut ChexTM cereal
- 2 cups Multi Grain CheeriosTM
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
How to make it
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray with nonstick spray).
- In a large bowl, combine cereals, oats, coconut, almonds and salt. Set aside.
- In small pot, melt coconut oil and honey together over medium heat.
- Turn off heat and add almond extract.
- Pour the honey mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until well coated.
- Pour onto the baking sheet and spread it out in an even layer.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet, break into pieces and place in a festive box.
Tip: Use the same measuring cup for the coconut oil and the honey, and your honey will slide right out.
Recipe:
lovelylittlekitchen.com
Do you wish you had a community to inspire you and support the choices you make to improve your family’s nutrition habits? Now you do. Join the conversation, or start your own, using #TasteOfHealth
