Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!  We are so grateful for this holiday season, to enjoy the time with family, sharing special memories together, and thanking the Lord for His special gift of Jesus.

During the holidays we tend to indulge in treats more than any other time during the year. Treats can be fun to eat during special occasions, but this year try looking for treats with some nutritional value. Processed foods, artificial flavors or colors, or foods that contain high fructose corn syrup have no nutritional value. Make this season extra special for yourself by trying healthy alternatives.

My kids are just like everyone else when it comes to party snacks. However, rather than always being the bad guy, I often say yes to homemade chocolate chip cookies or other snacks with real ingredients and not manufactured chemicals. But they know that if the cake, cookies, or ice cream has food coloring, fake sugars or are highly processed, the answer will be no.

 Feel free to view our Pinterest page - so many desserts can actually be beneficial for you if they contain coconut, dates, avocado, nuts and fruits. Even real cocoa is considered a health food!

So do yourself and your family a favor this season. Make healthier homemade treats and you will be thankful to NOT feel the side effects of over-indulgence.  Start with this easy recipe below…and enjoy!

Chocolate Peppermint Bites

These rich, fudgy bites are full of peppermint flavor! Roll them in extra coconut shreds or finely crushed almonds for a different taste.

• 1 cup unsweetened cocao powder

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 3 Tbs. raw honey 

• ¼ tsp. peppermint extract

In a medium bowl, stir together all 4 ingredients. Chill for 30 minutes. Grab a heaping tablespoon at a time, roll the chocolate mixture into a ball, and place individual mini muffin paper liners. Refrigerate until ready to serve.