December is a time for celebrating. We’ve just had Thanksgiving, we’re counting down until Christmas and the new year. And traditionally, how do we celebrate?
Via Giphy
Yep, with cocktails, cake and kilos.
We could tell you to slow down. To choose healthy cocktails, try intermittent fasting and learn how to curb your cravings. But we’re not going to because it’s important to indulge every now and then. I mean, what’s Christmas without pudding and New Years without a hangover, right?
So to have your cake and eat it too, we’ve found some of our favourite holiday dessert recipes. They’re a little bit naughty and oh-so nice, just what Santa ordered.
Fruit Mince Pies
I know many people aren’t fond of mince pies but they’re my favourite. Like hot cross buns, I wish they were available all year round. I made these ones from Deliciously Ella last year and they were a hit even with the non-allergens. And the best thing is they’re super easy to make.
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Cinnamon Stars
The best way to indulge without going overboard is to control your portions. These mini cinnamon stars are perfect for just that. Make them in December and enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee throughout the month to get you in the Christmas spirit, or pop them into gift bags or advent calendars as a special surprise.
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Gingerbread Loaf
This is the Christmas version of banana bread and it’s equally as tasty. It’s free from dairy, sweetened with dates and apple sauce, and can be made gluten free by a simple flour swap. It’s sweet and a little bit spicy.
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Spiced Fruit Bake
Christmas desserts are all about two things: spices and fruit. And this bake by Cotter Crunch heroes them both. Add it to custard and ice cream, pop it atop pancakes or granola, or enjoy it on its own.
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Matcha White Chocolate Bark
For the perfect bite-size indulgence, make this white chocolate and matcha bark from Milly’s Kitchen. With only four ingredients, it’s easy to make and can be prepared days ahead so you’re not slaving away in the kitchen come the 25th.
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Coconut Christmas Snowballs
Decorate the table with these coconut bites from Sweet As Honey. They look like snowballs and taste like Christmas.
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Gingerbread Nice Cream
Gingerbread nice cream. Need we say more?
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Eggnog Rice Pudding
In my household, we always have rice pudding. We hide an almond in the mixture and whoever finds it in their serving wins a prize. In other countries, it’s believed that the winner of the almond receives good luck for the year. But whether searching for an almond or not, it’s not hard to eat it to the bottom. Try this delicious eggnog version and feel free to change the sweetener for a healthier choice.
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Christmas Pudding
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas Pudding and this year you’ll out-do yourself with this recipe from Deliciously Ella. It’s free from gluten and dairy, and full of fruit. And when drizzled with vanilla cashew custard, you’ll certainly have room for this dessert.
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Now your food is sorted, why not wash it down with a celebratory drink? Make these healthy cocktails too.
