{"id":331,"date":"2019-11-27T13:15:25","date_gmt":"2019-11-27T14:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/?p=331"},"modified":"2024-06-12T18:50:57","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:50:57","slug":"giving-thanks-for-healthy-treats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/2019\/11\/27\/giving-thanks-for-healthy-treats\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving Thanks for Healthy Treats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Thanksgiving is the ultimate American epicurean celebration that brings family and friends together. Although turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are synonymous with this holiday, Thanksgiving dishes can vary greatly based on the ingredients used and how they are prepared.<\/p>\n

Every family has their own unique take on the holiday\u2019s food, incorporating culinary traditions, and Mom\u2019s special ingredients. No matter where your Thanksgiving travels take you, I have a few tasty treats that are easy to prepare and offer a healthier alternative to your traditional favorites, without compromising the tastes of the season!<\/p>\n

SWEET TOOTH SOLUTIONS<\/h2>\n

In an attempt to balance all the indulgences of the holiday season, turn to using \u2018real\u2019 ingredients when preparing tasty treats. Your sweet treat masterpiece will not only be prepared with a healthier option, but it will also taste amazing leaving your guests wanting the recipe!<\/p>\n

This Thanksgiving, eliminate the guilt of having seconds when the deserts arrive! The follow recipes are sweet, savory, and so deliciously healthy. Plus, they simple to make with only a few ingredients.<\/p>\n

Enjoy baking now, and you can thank me later!<\/p>\n

#1 CHOCOLATE BROWNIE COOKIE SANDWICH<\/h2>\n

Who doesn\u2019t like love cookies?! It\u2019s always a favorite treat that\u2019s tasty and easy to eat. These vegan cookies bake up thick and chewy and are stuffed with a chocolate mouse you can\u2019t resist!<\/p>\n

CHOCOLATE COOKIE<\/h3>\n

Total Time: 20-30 min
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\nServing: 16 cookies<\/p>\n

Cookie Ingredients:<\/h4>\n

\u2022\t1\/2 cup solid coconut oil (refined oil to avoid the coconut flavor OR unrefined oil to have a coconut flavor)
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\n\u2022\t1 1\/4 cups packed light brown sugar
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\n\u2022\t2 tsp vanilla extract
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup coconut milk (option: Thai coconut milk for thickness)
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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\n\u2022\t2 1\/4 cups all-purpose flour (option: coconut flour or gluten-free baking flour)
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\n\u2022\t1 tsp baking soda
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 tsp sea salt
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\n\u2022\t2 cups vegan chocolate chips<\/p>\n

COOKIE DIRECTIONS:<\/h4>\n

Prep: Preheat over to 375 degrees & line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for regular cookies (option: use a circular cookie cutter to bake in a shape)<\/p>\n

1.\tWhisk together coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until combined.
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\n2.\tAdd in coconut milk and applesauce until combine.
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\n3.\tIn a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and sea salt. Whisk until combined.
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\n4.\tCombine both bowls of ingredients together (wet & dry mixes) and stir until batter is thick.
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\n5.\tLastly, fold in 1 1\/2 cups of chocolate chips to the batter (saving a 1\/2 cup to add post bake)
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\n6.\tScoop large mounds of dough onto the cookie sheet, leaving a few inches between cookies to spread.
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\n7.\tBake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are done.
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\n8.\tPress remaining chocolate chips onto of the warm cookies.
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\n9.\tAllow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before removing them to a cooling rack.<\/p>\n

NOTE: If the dough is too dry, add in another tbsp. of coconut milk, if it\u2019s too sticky, add a little more flour, by tablespoon increments, until it thickens.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s one more part to make this sandwich come alive\u2026 the flourless fudge brownie! <\/p>\n

FUDGY BROWNIE<\/h3>\n

Total Time: 20 minutes
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\nServing: 12-16 depending if you make into a cookie sandwich, or serve as is!<\/p>\n

Brownie Ingredients:<\/h4>\n

\u2022\t2 cups pumpkin puree (option: can also use a banana or sweet potato)
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\n\u2022\t1 cup almond butter (option: use any nut butter of choice)
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 cup coca powder
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup maple syrup (option: granulated sweeter of choice)<\/p>\n

DIRECTIONS:<\/h3>\n

Prep: Preheat oven 350 and grease a small baking pan<\/p>\n

1.\tMelt nut butter (in microwave or on stove)
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\n2.\tIn a large bowl, mix the pumpkin (or alternative), nut butter, and dark cocoa powder until combined.
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\n3.\tPour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
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\n4.\tAllow to cool completely.
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\n5.\tCut the brownies and place them inside 2 cookies. Mold the brownie to fit your cookie size.
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\n6.\tRefrigerate for approximately 20 minutes to firm and set together!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a two in one desert!<\/p>\n

#2 BAKELESS PUMPKIN TARTS<\/h2>\n

For most people, pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving is a non-negotiable item. This vegan no-bake tart is an excellent option that resembles a classic favorite, plus it\u2019s lighter on your waistline!<\/p>\n

Total Time: 20 minutes, suggested to set overnight to allow approximately 4 hours to chill completely
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\nServing: 8 mini tarts<\/p>\n

Grain-free crust Ingredients: <\/h4>\n

\u2022\t1 cup walnuts (or pecans)
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
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\n\u2022\t2 tbsp. maple syrup
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\n\u2022\t1 tbsp. melted coconut oil
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 tsp sea salt<\/p>\n

Filling Ingredients: <\/h4>\n

\u2022\t1 cup pumpkin puree (option to use organic pumpkin from a can)
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup almond milk
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup melted coconut oil
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\n\u2022\t3\/4 cup pitted dates<\/p>\n

Spices: <\/h4>\n

\u2022\t1 tsp vanilla extract
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\n\u2022\t1 tsp cinnamon
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 tsp ground ginger
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\n\u2022\t1\/8 tsp ground cloves<\/p>\n

DIRECTIONS: <\/h3>\n

Prep: Start by lining a muffin tray with 8 parchment cup liners.<\/p>\n

Preparing Crust: <\/h4>\n

1.\tPulse nuts and shredded coconut in a food processor until finely grounded like a dusting.
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\n2.\tAdd the maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt into the processor until mixed and the dough begins to stick together.
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\n3.\tScoop the dough into heaping tablespoons into the parchment cups
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\n4.\tPress the dough down into each cup to form the crust.
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\n5.\tPlace the muffin tray in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.<\/p>\n

Preparing Filling: <\/h4>\n

6.\tCombine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
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\n7.\tRemove the chilled tray of crust and pour the batter evenly into the cups.
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\n8.\tPlace back in the fridge to set completely.
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\n9.\tTarts are ready when the center filling is firm to touch.
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\n10.\tServe as is, or top with coconut cream icing (preparation instruction listed in #3)<\/p>\n

Tastes as sweet as pie! <\/p>\n

#3 CARROT CUPCAKE DELIGHT<\/h2>\n

Carrot cake lovers will fancy this vegan option made with coconut whipped cream. They are moist, fluffy, and loaded with holiday spices.<\/p>\n

Total Time: 45 minutes
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\nServing: 12 cupcakes<\/p>\n

Cupcake Ingredients: <\/h4>\n

\u2022\t2 cups white coconut or spelt flour (alternative to wheat flour)
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 cup cane or coconut sugar
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\n\u2022\t2 tsp baking powder
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 tsp baking soda
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\n\u2022\t2 1\/2 cups shredded carrots
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 cup coconut oil
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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\n\u2022\t1\/2 cup orange juice (option to add for more flavor)
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\n\u2022\t1\/3 cup raisins<\/p>\n

Spices: <\/h4>\n

\u2022\t2 tsp cinnamon
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\n\u2022\t1 tsp ground ginger
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\n\u2022\t1\/4 tsp nutmeg
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\n\u2022\t2 tsp orange zest<\/p>\n

Coconut cream whipped icing ingredients: <\/h4>\n

1 can coconut milk (chilled in refrigerator overnight)
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\n2 tsp vanilla extract
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\n1 tbsp. cane or coconut sugar<\/p>\n

DIRECTIONS: <\/h3>\n

1.\tPreheat oven to 350 degrees
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\n2.\tMix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together in a bowl.
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\n3.\tAdd in the shredded carrots, oil, applesauce, and orange juice (if using). Mix until combined.
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\n4.\tStir in the raisins last and combined until mixed.
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\n5.\tLine a muffin tray with liners and spoon the batter evenly into each cup.
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\n6.\tBake for 23-28 minutes until a toothpick clears it clean.<\/p>\n

Coconut Cream Icing: <\/h4>\n

7.\tFind your coconut can in the fridge. The cream and liquid will have separated from the coldness. Begin to scoop out just the cream on top.
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\n8.\tAdd the vanilla extract and sugar.
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\n9.\tWhip on high speed, or give it some good arm strength, until it\u2019s smooth and whipped to perfection.
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\n10.\tIf you bake often and have a piping bag, fill it up. Otherwise, keep in bowl and place into fridge for 30 minutes to solidify while cupcakes finish baking.
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\n11.\tAllow cupcakes to cool, then apply the icing!
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\n12.\tGarnish the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon spice <\/p>\n

Never underestimate the power of good food in tasty treats. When prepared thoughtfully, you can make holiday deserts healthier for all to enjoy!<\/p>\n

Give thanks to those you love by giving them a healthier option to enjoy during desert time. From pumpkin tarts to cookies and cakes, these vegan desserts will have your guests drooling without missing the calorie dense ingredients.<\/p>\n

In gratitude,
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\nMaria\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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The post Giving Thanks for Healthy Treats<\/a> appeared first on Total Gym Pulse<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thanksgiving is the ultimate American epicurean celebration that brings family and friends together. Although turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are synonymous with this holiday, Thanksgiving dishes can vary greatly based on the ingredients used and how they are prepared. Every family has their own unique take on the holiday\u2019s food, incorporating culinary traditions, and Mom\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=331"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":337,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331\/revisions\/337"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/besttoplink.info\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}