Making Desserts with Less Processed Sugar

Almost all of us love desserts!

Desserts are often loaded with processed sugar, making them a not-so-healthy treat. But there are ways to make desserts using less processed sugar, without sacrificing taste. Here are some tips for making healthier desserts that the whole family will enjoy.

Sorghum

Cut back on your processed sugar intake by incorporating delicious, unrefined sugars (naturally smart sugars) in your desserts. Natural “smart sugars” like coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, dates, sorghum and molasses are all delicious and nutritious alternatives to overly processed white sugar. These delicious natural sweeteners can enhance the flavor of baked goods and give you a more wholesome treat. Plus, they often contain valuable nutrients such as zinc, potassium and magnesium that when consumed in moderation can help satisfy cravings without filling you with empty calories. So why not try using less processed sugar (naturally “smart sweeteners”) in your favorite desserts? Your taste buds – and metabolism – will thank you!

Dates

There are many sugar substitutes out there but most of those are processed also. There have been no studies conducted, at the time of this writing, indicating long-term health effects. Why risk using unknown/new fad sugars? My suggestion is to use “smart sweeteners” which will reduce health risks by consuming excess processed sugars greatly.

One recipe that we will do in the next blog post is mini Pavlovas. I’m actually experimenting with this recipe now so that we can add it to our kids cooking club and holiday baking programs. It is important to note that when using these alternatives, the amount of temperature, the ratio of smart sugar to another ingredient, and the cooking time may be adjusted. But your experimenting will pay off big time. Taste really won’t be affected and you will be a “family hero” just for trying.

Natural wild honey varies in flavor based on where it came from. Let adventures begin!

For example, when substituting honey for sugar in a recipe, use only half or two-thirds of the amount of sugar called for in a recipe because honey is sweeter than sugar. Additionally, if using honey, dates or maple syrup for baking it is important to reduce the oven temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and increase the cooking time slightly. This will prevent burning the dessert or creating bitter notes.

Top 5 Christmas Roast Beasts

If you’re looking for the perfect roast beast to serve your family this Christmas, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top beasts that are sure to make your holiday feast extra special. From traditional turkeys to succulent hams, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get ready to drool over these delicious roast beasts and start planning your holiday menu!

1. Roast Turkey – Juicy and tender, this classic roast is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham – Sweet and savory, this ham will be a hit with everyone at your table!

3. Lamb Leg Roast – Rich in flavor and incredibly tender, this roast is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

A raw leg of lamb on a wooden chopping Board. Rosemary, garlic, thyme, black pepper.

4. Venison Roast – If you’re looking for something more exotic, try out this gamey yet flavorful option that is sure to wow your guests!

Grilled sliced Venison with baked vegetables and berry sauce,

5. Beef Tenderloin Roast – This melt-in-your-mouth roast is sure to make an impressive statement on your Christmas dinner table!

 

Please share your all-time favorite memory involving roast beasts (either eating it or preparing it).

Holiday Trends for 2022

Picture courtesy of:
https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com

The holidays are a special time of year when warm and delicious smells fill the kitchen with love. This season, why not try something new and exciting? We’ve rounded up five of the highest-trending recipes for making your holiday extra special!

For those who are looking to spice things up, ethnic flavors like Mexican mole, Indian tikka masala, and Korean kimchi can be delightful additions to the traditional holiday spread. These recipes often call for ingredients like jalapeños, garam masala, or gochujang, so don’t forget your grocery list!

Another way to make this season different is by using unique cooking techniques like sous vide, smoking and fermentation. These methods can bring out flavors in food that you didn’t even know existed!

If you prefer a traditional holiday feast, try to make it your own by exploring cultural recipes from around the world. Recipes like Spanish paella, French coq au vin, or Italian lasagna are sure to impress your family and friends.

Finally, don’t forget about the sweet treats! Try adding seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, orange, cranberry or peppermint to cookies, cupcakes and more. For a fun twist on traditional desserts, try making unique ice cream flavors like honey lavender or bacon maple.

This holiday season, make your meals extraordinary with a little extra effort. With the right ingredients, cooking techniques and cultural recipes, you can transform your meal into something truly special. Happy Holidays!