‘Tis the season for some of the best flavors all year including gingerbread! The taste of gingerbread is one of my favorites, and if your taste buds agree, you’ll love these two recipes! There’s really nothing like warm, sweet comfort foods during the holidays and winter months. Good thing we can make these tasty treats healthy so we can avoid that nasty little word…guilt!
Recipe #1: Homemade Gingerbread Chai Tea Latte
Starbucks is famous for their seasonal drinks. I admit they taste delicious; the only thing is they’re loaded with sugar, and even the “skinnies” are loaded with artificial sweeteners. Too much sugar will cause all kinds of probs…like weight gain, bloat, weakened immune system, headaches, fatigue, aging, wrinkles, etc, etc.
So, instead of the Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, which has 29g of sugar in just the tall 12oz with nonfat milk and whipped cream {and a 16oz has 37g!}, let’s make a super easy, much healthier recipe at home. I promise it’s just as delicious…maybe even better 😉
What you need:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ heaping teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (use ¼ if you’d like it a little less gingery; ½ makes it pretty gingery!)
- ½ tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup
- Chai tea bag (I used Yogi Chai Black)
What to do:
- Boil water in tea kettle (or however you like to warm up water). Place chai tea bag and hot water in a measuring cup so it’s easy to pour into your mug later on. Let tea bag steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Blend almond milk, cinnamon, ginger and maple syrup in Vitamix for 3-4 minutes, which makes the mixture hot. If you don’t have a Vitamix, no worries, just heat the mixture on the stove on medium heat.
- Pour the gingerbread mixture into your favorite holiday mug, filling the mug about ¾ full. Then fill the rest of the mug with the hot chai tea.
- You can play with more or less of the chai tea and mixture to see what you prefer.
- You can also just drink the warm gingerbread mix without the tea for a non-caffeinated yummy treat.
- Top with cinnamon.
Recipe #2: Chocolatey Gingerbread Pear Minis
Have you seen or tasted the minis from Seasons 52? These little treats inspired my own seasonal creation, and again, made healthier with a whole lot less sugar. These mini little guilt-free indulgences are perfect for holiday parties, dessert to share with your fiancé {or a loved one}, or a little treat just for you! These are easy to make with minimal ingredients {the type of recipe I love}. Plus, the cacao powder adds extra antioxidants, magnesium, iron and fiber…allowing us to call it a superfood dessert!
What you need:
- 2 organic pears
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
What to do:
- Chop pears into cubed pieces.
- Pour maple syrup in mixing bowl and add pears, then mix.
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, melted coconut oil, and cacao powder.
- Mix well and until all pieces are coated with the mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees in a glass baking dish for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm & garnish with a cinnamon stick (optional).
Make sure to share with anyone who loves gingerbread flavored treats OR send to someone as a hint for them to make it for you!
I’d love to hear from you! In the comment section below, tell me:
- Do you love the taste of gingerbread?
- If so, which recipe are you most excited to try?
- If you make one or both of the recipes, please let me know what you think!
Cheers to gingerbread, the holidays & warm sweet treats!
Warmly,
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