Mulled Holiday Cider

A warm and fragrant addition to any festive fall or winter event.

*Recipe from Guiding Stars

 

Servings: 10

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider

4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

1 Tablespoon whole cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon allspice

6 pieces orange peel

Directions

1. In a stock pot, combine all the ingredients. Simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool a bit and strain. Serve warm or cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Reheat and serve in mugs.

Nutritional Information (Serving Size: 6.4 fluid oz): Calories: 130, Fat: 0.5g,  Saturated fat: 0g,  Sodium: 10 mg, Carbohydrates: 32g  Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 25g,  Protein: 1g 

"Healthier" Dark Chocolate Turtles

INGREDIENTS 3 ½ oz. dark chocolate 1 cup pitted dates 2 oz. pecan halves (aout 40-45 small halves)

DIRECTIONS 1. Process dates until they become a sticky, thick, jam-like consistency. 2. Roll processed dates into 15 marble-sized balls. 3. Press 2-3 pecan halves into the date balls and then place in freezer for 10 minutes to set. 4. Melt dark chocolate over low heat in a saucepan or in the microwave. 5. Using a spoon, pour a small amount of chocolate sauce over each of the date/pecan mound.  6. Place in freezer for at least 10 minutes.

Whole Grain Apple Cranberry Stuffing

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, hot
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped
6 cups day-old whole grain baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 large eggs, scrambled
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dried sage leaf, chopped



Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 11-inch oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the broth and cranberries in a small bowl and let soak for 30 minutes. Saute the celery and onions in the butter in a large skillet until tender, 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
Place the baguette cubes into a largebowl. Pour the broth and cranberries over. Pour in the eggs, and then add the salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, cinnamon and sage and mix together.
Mix in the onion and celery mixture. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared dish and bake until the center is set, 35 to 40 minutes.

HOLIDAY TREAT

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

Put ¼ cup popcorn kernels in a brown bag and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Melt one full size Hershey’s dark chocolate bar in microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute and then stir. Repeat until melted. Drizzle over popcorn and top with ¼ cup crushed candy cane. Enjoy!

Serving size 1 cup - 80 kcal, 2.4g fat, 1.6g sat fat

Strategies for Holiday Eating

As the holidays approach, so do the numerous parties. This can present many challenges when trying to eat healthy. Here are some helpful strategies to keep your outings healthy and happy.

• Move your socializing away from the food.
• Start your day with smaller meals if you plan on treating yourself later.
• Include as many fruits and vegetables as you can either prior to the party or during the party.
• Don't starve yourself prior to the party. It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain you are full. You can eat a lot in 20 minutes.
• Don’t rush to eat– take time to socialize.
• Start off with a nonalcoholic, low-calorie drink.
• If there is a buffet, scan the entire buffet before putting every food item on your plate.
• Include some type of exercising when possible. Walking or climbing the stairs are activities that don't require going to the gym.
• Maintain weight rather than setting a goal for weight loss during the holidays to avoid disappointment.
• Most of all, enjoy the holidays!

Stay on Track for the Holidays

When the winter holidays arrive, many individuals tend to forget about their commitments to healthy eating. With the stress of planning events and catering to your family’s needs, along with the cravings for traditional holiday foods, it is easy to slip into some unhealthy eating habits. If you are hosting a holiday event, there are several ways to alter traditional recipes to cut fat, salt, and calories. These suggestions ensure that taste is not sacrificed in the making!

• Substitute two egg whites for each whole egg in a recipe to cut cholesterol
• Use low-sodium chicken broth when preparing mashed squash or potatoes. The strong flavor of the broth reduces the need for tons of added butter or margarine.
• Substitute applesauce for oil, butter, or margarine in baked goods like muffins and quick breads. Try substituting a small amount first as the texture and flavor of the product may change
• Sliced almonds can make a delicious topping on green bean casserole instead of fried onions
• Remember to use low-fat cheese when making casseroles and other holiday dishes