Holiday Healthy Peppermint Bark

This Holiday Healthy Peppermint Bark is the perfect balance with a mix of crunchy pumpkin seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and a touch of peppermint, it's a treat that brings joy and health. It's the perfect bite-sized way to add a little magic to your holiday season or anytime.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 3/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds and/or chopped almonds

• 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries

• 2 12-ounce bags of dark chocolate chips

• Natural crushed candy cane pieces in top (optional) or mint extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet, spread coconut and pumpkin seeds.

2. Bake for approximately 3 minutes or until coconut is lightly golden and fragrant ( keep an eye on this).

3. Add cranberries to parchment lined baking sheet and mix with coconut and seeds. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat ( or a double boiler) warm chocolate chips, stirring until chocolate is mostly melted. Remove from heat and keep stirring until chocolate is completely melted.

5. Pour chocolate over coconut, seeds, and cranberries. Using a silicone spatula, spread out into a smooth layer covering the parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of chocolate mixture if desired . Let cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until completely cool and solid. Once chilled, remove, break bark into pieces, and serve.

6. You may freeze for a later date …if its lasts that long!

   Note: If you choose not to use candy cane, you can add a few drops of mint extract to the chocolate.

No-Bake Pecan Snowballs

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves

• ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut

• 1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted (about 10 dates)

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Powdered sugar or coconut sugar (see note below)

Instructions

1. Place the pecans and shredded coconut in a large food processor fitted with an "S" blade, and process until the pecans are broken down and crumbly. Add in the rest of the ingredients and process again, until a sticky dough is formed. (It should stick together when pressed between two fingers.)

2. Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons and roll the dough between your hands, forming balls. Arrange the balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then place them in the freezer to set, about 1 to 2 hours. For a "snowball" look, roll the balls in powdered sugar -- just a light coating will do.

3. Store and serve these cookies in the fridge for best texture. They should keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks, though they didn't last nearly that long in our house before they were gobbled up!

Notes
If you'd prefer to roll the balls in coconut sugar or shredded coconut, roll them first before freezing, so the coating will stick better.