With the new year comes new resolutions. Many of us declare that we’ll eat healthier, turning our backs on many of the treats and goodies that we love. But what if eating healthier didn’t require putting down the cookies?
Desserts can be made a bit healthier with the right ingredients. Nuts like pecans certainly can pack nutrition into each sweet bite.
This recipe for “Pecan Cream Cheese Cookies” feature pecans prominently. With only 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving, pecans fit into plant-based diets, a keto diet, a Mediterranean diet, and other healthy eating plans. One serving of pecans contains 18 grams of unsaturated fat, including oleic acid, making them heart-healthy, according to the American Heart Association. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board.
Pecan Cream Cheese Cookies
21/3 cups all-purpose flour
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese and butter until well combined. Mix in the sugar and vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and gradually mix in the flour. Mix in the pecan pieces.
2. Roughly divide the dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or parchment paper, forming the dough into a log about 2 inches wide. Wrap well and freeze until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.
3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Unwrap one log and carefully roll the outside in the pecan meal, coating it well. Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the middle is just set and the cookies are just starting to turn light brown on the edges. Cool the cookies on wire racks. Work in batches until all of the dough has been used. Store the cookies in an airtight container.
Matcha has certainly taken the world by storm. Full of antioxidants and vitamins and adding a small energy boost, the green tea powder has its benefits. When combined with overnight oats and a few other tasty ingredients, it makes for a nutritious and easy meal option for any day of the week.
As the name suggests, overnight oats are prepared the night before and then the flavors marinate with the oats for several hours, producing a rich and creamy breakfast in the morning. Enjoy this recipe for “Matcha, Coconut and Cacao Overnight Oats,” courtesy of “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by Niki Webster, to help you maintain your healthy New Year’s resolutions.
Matcha, Coconut and Cacao Overnight Oats
5 tablespoons oats of your choice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
61/2 ounces plant-based milk, plus extra if needed
1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
2 tablespoons coconut yogurt
1 tablespoon cocoa nibs or dairy-free chocolate chips
1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
To make the overnight oats, add the oats, vanilla and milk to a mason jar or bowl and mix to combine. Cover and leave to soak overnight in the fridge.
Remove the oats from the fridge and stir in the matcha, yogurt, cacao nibs, and maple syrup.
Spoon into a bowl and add more plant-based milk to loosen if needed. Add toppings of your choice and enjoy.
Dining and Cooking