Ali Shapiro

Simplify the Holidays in a Healthy Way (recipes as seen on NBC 10! Show)

The time and energy crunch of the holidays are upon us. This usually means more stress and more sugar to keep us going. Below are three quick, simple no-sugar, holiday recipes that you can also use as gift ideas for family and friends. They are the perfect guilt and stress free solution!

To get more information on these recipes and the health benefits, check out my NBC segment under Media. It will be posted as soon as it is available. I also highlight decadent naturally sugar-free fudge. That recipe is posted on a separate blog entry. It's just as scandously delicious!

The first two recipes are courtesy of ecoliciouslife.blogspot.com.

Chocolate-Dipped Monogrammed Apricots

1 lb.  dried apricots

1 1/4 C. gluten-free semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2  gluten-free white chocolate chips (only if monograming)

Pastry bag or press with writing tip (only if monograming)

1.  Lay out wax paper on counter.

2.  Melt chocolate in saucepan over low heat stir constantly and do not leave unattended.

3.  When Chocolate becomes a creamy consistency pour carefully into a bowl next to wax paper.

4.  Lightly dip half the apricot into chocolate and place on wax paper until hardened.

5.  Once all apricots are dipped, repeat steps 2 with white chocolate. 

6.  Once white chocolate is melted, allow it to sit for a minute. 

7.  Carefully spoon the chocolate into the pastry bag or press and write initials or designs on apricots.

Chocolate Truffles

Blend together in Vita-mixer until smooth (blender would probably work too): 

3/4 C. raw cashews

3/4 C. Water 

Melt 1 pound dark or semi-sweet chocolate (Trader Joe's sells Belgian semi-sweet baking chocolate in 8 oz bars that is pretty much just Cacao and cane sugar or you could use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Mix together melted chocolate and cashew mixture in big bowl and stick in freezer until hardened.  

Scoop into balls with a mellon baller (if you want big truffles) or a small spoon. 

Roll in Cocoa powder or Shredded Coconut.

Store in refrigerator.

Brown Rice Krispy Treats

1 cup almond butter

1 cup brown rice syrup

4 cups brown rice crispy cereal

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix together almond butter and rice syrup on a low flame until easily pourable.  Pour over brown rice crispy cereal and mix until well coated. Sprinkle in chocolate chips.  Press all ingredients into a 9 by 13 baking pan.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.