Hey there, friends! The holiday season is all about enjoying the little (or big) indulgences in life. But let's be honest, sometimes that indulgence can leave us feeling a little off. Well, this year, you can enjoy all the festive flavors without the sugar crash or guilt, thanks to Jessica Seinfeld’s fantastic new cookbook, Not Too Sweet. It’s packed with recipes that are not only delicious but also kind to your body.
Jessica herself says, “When I want that dessert experience, I now go for something that doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down or with that sticky-sweet hangover feeling. The recipes in this book are full of flavor and fun, but they’re made with less sugar.” Imagine serving one of these incredible creations at your holiday gathering. Your guests will be amazed by the taste, and you'll secretly know you're being kind to everyone's health. Now, that's what I call a win-win!
Delicious Caramelized Pears With Cider
Ready to dive into something truly special? Here's a recipe for Caramelized Pears with Cider that will leave your taste buds dancing. You'll need 4 firm but ripe pears (Bosc works beautifully), 2 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter (or vegan butter if you prefer), 1 cup of apple cider, 1/4 cup of golden raisins, a dash of grated nutmeg, a tiny pinch of kosher salt, and 1/4 cup of roasted, whole hazelnuts, skins removed and chopped.
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Here's how you make this delightful treat:
1. First, position an oven rack right in the middle of your oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel your pears and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Be sure to scoop out the cores.
2. Next, place a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the skillet. Place the pears cut side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they're golden brown. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
3. Now, take the pears out and place them in a serving dish or bowls, cut side up. Add the cider, raisins, and nutmeg to the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Let it simmer rapidly for 4 to 6 minutes, until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Add the remaining butter and a pinch of salt, swirling to melt it in. Once it's ready, remove from heat.
4. Finally, pour the glaze over the pears, sprinkle with hazelnuts, and serve. These caramelized pears are sure to be the star of your holiday table!
Decadent Chocolate Brownies
For those with a sweet tooth, these Chocolate Brownies are the perfect solution. Gather a medium sweet potato, 10 Medjool dates (pitted), about 3 cups of boiling water, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1/2 cup of superfine almond flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (melted).
Follow these steps to create these heavenly brownies:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
2. Prick the sweet potato with a fork and bake it on a small rimmed sheet pan for 40 minutes. Once it's cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and measure out 3/4 cup.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Place the dates in a small bowl, cover them with boiling water by about
