Sweets made sweeter...

 

So, since being pregnant I've somehow developed quite the sweet tooth. It's always been there, lingering below the surface, coming out during Easter when my favorite candy reappears (Cadbury mini eggs), or during Christmas time when my Grandma's pies are in abundance. Typically I only was really drawn to this type of thing during special occasions.  I'd never been much of a sugar fanatic. But now, I find myself gravitating towards the dessert case at coffee shops, the candy store downtown, or the cookie aisle in the grocery store far too often for my liking. I enjoy being healthy, and I enjoy the occasional sweet, but as I caught myself eating a fifth Samoa the other day I realized enough was enough!  At that moment I swore off Girl Scout cookies (until next year anyway) and vowed to get this sugar loving demon inside of me exorcised (or exercised! get it?! haha). Desserts are delicious treats, but for me, I feel my best when they remain just that- treats- an every once and awhile kinda thing.  So, I wracked my brain and recipe bookmarks coming up with some healthy options that will satisfy my sweet tooth but won't sabotage my health/fitness goals.  You can click the name of the treat to see the recipe, and the first two are actually from this blog and some of my favorite things in the whole world. Over the next few weeks I'll be trying some of these recipes out, and sharing with all of you here. For now though, here are some GREAT options for anyone with a sweet tooth who'd like to stay more on the healthy side. And if you have a favorite healthy dessert recipe, I'd love to check it out too. Happy snacking!

vegan apple dessert 

applesauce oatmeal muffins 

broiled mango 

lemon-blush napoleons

lemon cream (via tofu) with blackberries

blueberry lemon tiramisu

banana cashew balls

raw vegan cherry cobbler

vegan apricot crisp

peanut butter balls

healthy oatmeal cookies

a Sunday treat- vegan and delicious!

raw, vegan pie from the raw food festival last fall!

Lately I've really been enjoying the change in season. All summer I anticipated the first chilly night, green leaves turning gold, and the first day I could wear tights, a scarf, and have an excuse to bundle up a bit more. When I think of cold weather I think of comfort food, and when I think of comfort food I think of pie, which is one of my most favorite indulgences in the entire world. I love pie so much, especially in the fall and winter. An indulgence now and again is great, but often when the weather gets cold I find myself craving it a lot more often and daily pie probably isn't the best idea. The following recipe is one of my FAVORITE things to eat and a favorite treat my Mom makes for me when I come home for a visit. I think of it as a pie substitute- it tastes similar to the inside of a juicy apple pie but without any of the added sugars. It's super healthy and incredibly delicious. I could eat it by the bowlful, which I usually do! If you're looking to be even more health conscious you can omit the raisins, or if you want a little something different you could also add walnuts. Really, you could go crazy and add anything you could dream up. I think that some shredded coconut would be delicious too. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup raisins
• 6-8 apples peeled, sliced, and diced

Directions:

1) Put quarter cup of water into a pan

2) Add in fruit and put lid on pan

3) Turn the heat on until water is simmering, then turn heat to low

4) Cook for about 5 minutes on low (lid still on but taking off to stir occasionally)

5) After 5 minutes add about a teaspoon of cinnamon, stir, and continue to cook on low for another 5 minutes or until apples are done to your liking. 10 minutes is ideal for me.

...and wa-la! You have a quick, super easy, and tasty dessert (or great topping for oatmeal, or even vanilla ice cream, etc.!) I eat it hot, but I've had it cold before too. Enjoy, and let me know if you decide to try it. Here's a photo of the batch I ate today:

DELICIOUS!