Chocolate Covered Pecan Truffles

Try making these Chocolate Covered Pecan Truffles for your next holiday dessert option! Pecans promote blood sugar control, boost cognitive health and reduce inflammation. They also serve as an excellent source of both fiber and antioxidants! Coconut sugar is a healthy sweetener alternative due to its lower glycemic index. It also contains several minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. Maple syrup contains several nutrients including manganese and antioxidants, both of which help reduce inflammation. Serve these truffles at your next holiday gathering and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups finely chopped pecans

• 1 cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs

• ¾ cup coconut sugar

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate morsels

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a large bowl, combine the pecans, graham cracker crumbs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

3) Scoop two tbsp of the mixture and roll into balls. Line them evenly on the lined baking sheet.

4) Transfer the pan to the freezer and allow to chill for at least one hour.

5) Combine the chocolate morsels and coconut oil in a small saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until melted.

6) Dip the truffles into the melted chocolate. Use any remaining chocolate to drizzle onto the truffles.

7) Chill in the freezer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

8) Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Pie

Try making this Sweet Potato Pie for your next healthy dessert option! Sweet potatoes serve as an excellent source of many nutrients including antioxidants, fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. They also boost gut health, prevent the development of cancer, support healthy vision, and enhance brain function. Ginger offers pain relief, improves blood sugar levels, and reduces inflammation. Cinnamon and nutmeg both serve as a great source of antioxidants and help to boost digestive health. Serve this healthy, delicious pie for your next family holiday get-together and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 par-baked gluten free pie crust

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 2 eggs, whisked

• 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk

• 2 cups sweet potato puree

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) In a large bowl, combine the coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sea salt.

3) Add in the whisked eggs, coconut milk, and sweet potato puree. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture.

4) Pour the sweet potato mixture into the par-baked pie crust.

5) Bake in the oven for at least 1 hour or until the edges of the crust begin to brown.

6) Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before storing in the refrigerator.

7) Leave the pie in the fridge for at least five hours or overnight. Slice the chilled pie and enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Caramels

Try making these healthy Chocolate Covered Caramels for your next dessert option! Dates are packed with many nutrients including iron, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Maca powder offers a long list of health benefits including balancing hormones, improving mood, strengthening bones, and improving memory. Tahini will help add a nutty flavor to these caramels while also supplying your body with many antioxidants. Sea salt helps promote hydration, and as a result, improves skin health. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dates, soaked and drained

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp maca powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• Extra sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add all ingredients, except the chocolate chips and coconut oil, to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Take breaks to scrape the sides with a spatula.

3) Transfer mixture to a bowl and place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Once hardened, shape 1 tbsp of the caramel into candy pieces.

4) Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan and melt over low-medium heat. Coat the caramels with the chocolate and line on the prepared baking sheet.

5) Top with extra sea salt and place in the freezer. Allow to freeze for at least one hour and enjoy!

Banana Pudding

Try making this Banana Pudding for your next healthy dessert option! Bananas are rich in many nutrients including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Cashews support weight loss, healthy bones, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Coconut helps boost energy levels and is a well known anti-microbial. Serve this banana pudding with your favorite gluten-free and dairy-free toasted cookies and enjoy!  

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups raw, unsalted cashews (soaked and drained)

• 13 oz can full-fat canned coconut milk (only the solid top portion, discard the liquid)

• ⅓ cup dairy-free yogurt

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 4 bananas, sliced

• Gluten and dairy-free toasted cookies, crushed

• Dairy-free whipped cream

Instructions:

1) Add the cashews, solid portion of coconut milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.

2) Prepare about 5 mason jars. Layer in the jars as follows: crushed cookies, pudding, bananas, whipped cream, repeat.

3) Store in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving and enjoy!