It’s the holidays – TREATS HAPPEN. Here is a round up of low guilt goodies for your next party, gathering or cookie swap.

I admit I have a sweet tooth. Instead of over indulging, I find ways to enjoy the foods I love while giving them a healthy(ish) spin.

For the Choco-holics……

White Hot Chocolate (pictured above)

Turtle Bark

White Chocolate Pistachio Crunch

30-Second Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding

Strawberry Crunch Bark

Chocolate Dipped Clementines

Cookies, Pie and Frozen Treats……

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Matcha Shortbread Cookies (above)

Oatmeal Cookies

Apple Cinnamon Crostada

Zeppole with Cannoli Dip

Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

Make a batch of cold and creamy green tea spiked ice cream to cool off this weekend. No machinery needed! Matcha green tea powder is filled with cell-protecting antioxidants and has a subtle earthy flavor that is perfect with vanilla. I first made this for a July 4th celebration served atop a blueberry crostada– needless to say my guests were pleased. A 1/4 cup serving on top of a fresh fruit dessert is all you need.

No Churn Matcha Ice Cream
Makes 20 (1/4 cup) servings

2 cups heavy cream
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons matcha powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form (like whipped cream for a sundae). In a separate bowl whisk the sweetened condensed milk, matcha and vanilla until well combined.
Using a rubber spatula, pour the matcha mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold until combined.
Pour mixture into a freezer safe bowl (I like to use a standard loaf pan), cover with a layer of parchment paper directly on the top of the mixture.
Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Calories: 155; Total fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Carbohydrate: 13g; Protein: 2.5g

I love making homemade gifts for family and friends. Simple ingredients and printable labels are are all you need! If you’re looking for last minute gifts that are still personal and creative – check out this list!

1.) Homemade Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub – recipe compliments of the lovely Kelly at New Leaf Wellness.

2) Herb Salt – this recipe for Basil Salt from Food Network magazine FN Dish is my fave.

 3.) Infused Vodka – most varieties only need a few days to steep. Cranberry-Orange is pictured above – see more ideas in this Healthy Eats post.

4) Homemade Ornaments – a great way to use school pics and popsicle sticks (just add some glue and stickers). What grandparent wouldn’t love these?

5) Custom Photo Crafts – photo printer and some fun frames can work wonders for a teacher or neighbor.