“Tis the season” to enjoy plenty of sweets, even if you’re watching what you eat, this is the time when those good habits seem go out the window. Home-made cookies can give you the taste treats you want with a bit of healthy goodness and portion control. A gift of home-made cookies is a simple way to tell others you care about them.
Making cookies is as much fun as sharing them. Kids love to help and proudly say, “I made that.” Try decorating cookies (see recipes) or try this no-bake treat with dates, coconut and toasted rice cereal.
JINGLE BELL COOKIES
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates, (8 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1 cup shredded coconut
PREPARATION:
Combine butter, sugar and dates in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is no longer white and the dates are mostly melted, 8 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be a shiny, brown sticky mass. Remove from the heat.
Add salt, vanilla, rice cereal and coconut; stir well to combine.
When cool enough to handle, get your kids to help. Squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate until chilled.
Without missing a bite, you can add a touch of health to your Holiday cheer. Cut calories using applesauce. Toss nuts and pieces of fruit and molasses into your sweet cooking. Make cookies ahead and store in airtight containers with wax paper between the layers. Relax and enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
GET IN THE SPIRIT WITH SUGAR COOKIES!
RECIPE: Easy Sugar Cookies for Decorating
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, mix cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill until firm, 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in thickness. Use Christmas cookie cutters. With a floured spatula, transfer cookies to greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.
Kids Love Decorating: Use a paint brush. Make a paste (thin enough to spread, thick enough to stick) of 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons milk or water. Use separate bowls to add food coloring.
ENJOY!
TIPS and TRICKS:
Cut The Calories with Applesauce and Up the Taste
One egg = 1/4 cup of applesauce
Oil or butter: Use the same amount of applesauce instead of the oil or butter (IE: 1/4 cup of applesauce = 1/4 cup of oil or butter).
Replace Either the Eggs OR The Butter and Oil in your cookies with Applesauce
Crispy Cookies: Use applesauce in place of eggs or use applesauce to replace 1/2 the butter or oil.
Soft, Chewy Cookies: Use applesauce to replace the eggs or all the butter.
Cookie Cutters? If you don't have any, cut out a paper drawing of the shape you want. Put a little oil on one side.
Lay the oiled side on rolled out dough and cut around shape with a knife.
