Healthy Sweet Treats

Eating healthy does not have to mean that sweet treats are completely forbidden – what fun would that be? Just look for low calorie or low sugar options and enjoy (in moderation, of course). The following are a couple of my favorite dessert recipes. They are healthier than most, and great for satisfying any sweet tooth. Chocolate Tofu Pie: I realize that tofu may seem like a bad word to you. But (trust me) this recipe is a chocoholics dream, and no one will know that it has tofu in it! Ingredients: 1 (12 oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (12 oz) block of silken tofu, drained and chopped ¼ cup coffee or coffee liqueur 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey 1 premade graham cracker pie crust Fresh fruit to garnish (optional) Preparation: Melt the chocolate chips (carefully) in the microwave or stovetop in a metal bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Blend together melted chocolate, chopped tofu, coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture into the crust and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until set. Garnish with fruit and enjoy! Baked Cinnamon Apples: These are a perfect warm treat on a cool fall night, and the scent of sweet cinnamon will fill the house. Ingredients: 4 baking apples, peeled and cored ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter (optional) Apple cider Preparation: Core the apples and place upright into a baking dish. Put an equal amount of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small pat of butter into the core of each apple. Pour apple cider into the baking dish until about ¼ inch deep. Bake apples, uncovered, in a 375-degree oven until tender (around 30 minutes depending on size). Baste with the cider liquid a couple of times while baking.

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