Healthy holiday cookies?

December 4th, 2008

Hi, Everyone –

I know, I know the words “healthy holiday cookies” seem like an oxymoron, but there really are some delicious and nutritious recipes out there that can help you curb your holiday sweet tooth. The winner of Eating Well’s 2008 Cookie Contest, Frances Van Vynckt’s Angel Delights are both delightful and angelic due to their healthy nutritional rap sheet.

Check out the recipe below – and you don’t even have to bake anything!

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates (8 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1 cup shredded coconut

1. Combine butter, sugar and dates in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is no longer white and the dates are mostly melted, 8 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be a shiny, brown sticky mass. Remove from the heat.
2. Add salt, vanilla, cereal and coconut; stir well to combine.
3. When cool enough to handle, squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chilled.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per cookie: 52 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 3 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 15 mg sodium; 39 mg potassium.

Dr. Snyder

Entry Filed under: Eating Healthy