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.

Cinnamon Baked Apples

One of my favorite cooked fruits during the holidays (or anytime). The warming spice of cinnamon helps balance blood sugar and fights inflammation making this a win win! I’ll even have this for breakfast with some plain yogurt or on my oats!

Ingredients:

6 large apples ( mix it up with some honey crisp and tart granny Smith)

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

2/3 cup of coconut sugar

1 pinch of nutmeg

1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons of fresh apple juice (or water)

1 pinch salt

Coconut whipped creme or vanilla bean ice creme (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put to the side a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Peel, core and cut apple into quarters. Slice lengthwise into thin even slices.

Add slices to baking dish and add on top lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cornstarch, apple juice or water, and salt. Mix to combine and cover loosely with foil.

Bake for 45 minutes covered. Remove foil and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the center is soft and the apples have caramelized a bit.

Top with coconut whipped creme or vanilla ice creme or enjoy au natural!

Super Chia Seed Jam

Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses packed with essential nutrients. Rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, they offer so many health benefits. Adding chia seeds to your diet, aids in digestion, promote heart health, and boost energy levels. Additionally, their high antioxidant content can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Try this instead of your regular jam. You ( and your body) will be hooked !

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine the berries and honey or maple syrup over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the berries begin to break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Mash the berries with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency.

2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice, if using.

3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to gel and thicken the jam.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

5. Transfer the jam to a clean jar and let it cool completely before refrigerating. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

6. Enjoy your homemade chia seed jam on toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.