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Recipes for Healthier Christmas Holiday Treats

Here are ways to get some nutrients in your holiday treats with the use of dried fruits, nuts, spices, whole-grain cereals and even chocolate. Fruits and nuts are rich in antioxidants; cinnamon suppresses blood sugar spikes; chocolate may help your heart and your mood.

Peanut Butter Clusters

Ingredients:
10 ounces Peanut Butter Chips
1/2 cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup regular oats, uncooked
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
Microwave chips in a bowl on high power until melted, about 1-1/2 minutes. Stir. Add remaining ingredients; mix thoroughly. Using your hands, firmly roll into 1-inch balls. Cool.

Yield: 3 dozen balls

Nutrition information per ball:
Calories: 64
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0
Sodium: 19mg

Orange Fruit Nut Truffles

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup orange-essence dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate-covered raisins (or plain raisins if preferred)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a food processor with the knife blade, blend all ingredients until a dough-like ball forms. Using your hands, roll into 1-inch balls. Optional: Top each with a walnut piece.

Yield: 3 dozen balls

Nutrition information per ball:
Calories: 62
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 1mg

Mint Chocolate Clusters

Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon mint extract
½ cup pecan pieces
2/3 cup Cherrios
1/3 cup M & M's mini baking bits (or raisins)

Microwave chocolate chips in a bowl on high power until melted, about two minutes. Stir in mint. Thoroughly stir in remaining ingredients. Using a teaspoon, drop 1-1/2 inch pieces on wax paper. Cool.

Yield: 2 dozen pieces

Nutrition information per piece:
Calories: 68
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 8mg