Peanut Butter Fudge (Low sugar)

This is super easy fudge. There are only 4 ingredients.  It is also low in sugar. It tastes creamy and delicious. You will love it. Great treat for the holidays. Who can resist chocolate and peanut butter.  Happy Holidays.

Ingredients

1 C dark chocolate chips
2 T coconut oil
1 T honey for vegan add maple syrup
2 T natural peanut butter

Directions  made about 8 pieces

1. Place chips and oil in a bowl and place in microwave and let them cook until they are all melted. Don't over cook. It took about a minute.
2. Take out of the microwave and stir in honey and peanut butter while it is still hot. Stir until all creamy and smooth.
3. Pour into a greased container. I used a small load pan. That is about 5 3/4 long and 3 1/4 inch wide.
4. Place pan in the fridge. It hardened in about 30 min. Cut into small bite size pieces.
5. Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge. Yum!
* Double the recipe if you want to make more.

Peppermint Cream Hot Cocoa (Dairy Free)

 So peppermint and chocolate are a favorite at our house. So I thought it would be fun to make it into hot cocoa on a cooler day like today. It is a delicious way to warm up. I even made it dairy free. It is a fast and easy recipe. You won't be buying mixing again when you see how easy it is. It was a nice creamy treat. Happy Holidays.

Ingredients

2/3 C  canned coconut milk (chilled at least a couple hours)
1 1/2 C cashew milk or almond milk of milk of your choosing
1 1/2 T cocoa
5 T honey or vegan sweetener
1/2 tsp peppermint oil or peppermint extract
Whipped coconut milk.

Directions

1. In a saucepan on medium heat. Pour coconut milk and cashew milk together. Stir in the cocoa. I used a wire whisk.
2. Stir in honey and oil. Heat until all the cocoa is warm.
3. Take off the heat pour into cups.
4. With the remaining thick coconut milk off the top.  Not the liquid. Beat the milk until soft peaks form and place a dollop of cream on top the hot cocoa. Enjoy!

*You can also try dairy free Creamy pumpkin spice hot cocoa. 

Steamed Persimmon Pudding (Recipe from Grandma)

So I thought it would be fun to make a recipe my mom and her mom used to make. I think it is fun to keep recipes from the past going. It is so easy now to look things up on the internet and not make that phone call to Mom or Grandma and ask them for their recipe. So my challenge is to make a phone call and get a recipe from the past for this holiday season. To keep old traditions alive.

I did make a few changes to it. To make it a little healthier. I was pleased how naturally sweet persimmons are. Therefore you don't need to add as much sweetener either. Did you know persimmons health benefits? High in vitamin C also anti-inflammatory benefits. Here are some more benefits. 

This tasted really good warm with the warm sauce over it. Thank you Grandma and Mom for sharing some of the past with me and my family. This pudding reminds me of the verse. "No bring us some Figgie pudding..... " I always loved that verse even though I didn't know what Figgie pudding tastes like. :) This would be fun for a holiday gathering.

Persimmon Puree

Ingredients

4 persimmons
1/3 C honey
1/4 C coconut oil (melted)
1 egg beaten
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 C Your favorite whole grain flour (I used kamut flour)
1/3 C ground chia *Optional
3/4 C milk (I used cashew milk)
1 C currants or rasins
1 C chopped walnuts  *optional

Caramel Sauce

1 C coconut milk
1/4 C honey
1 T coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla

Persimmon Pudding

Caramel Sauce

Directions  Heat oven to 350

1. Take stems off of the persimmons. Place in sauce pan with a small amount of water with lid on. Until they are soft when you prick with a fork. Take off the heat and peal off the skin.
2. Place persimmons in blender and blend until smooth, and should be 1 1/4 C puree.
3. In a bowl add the ingredients as listed. Stir until all combined.
4. Pour into greased mold. I used small mason jars. You could use a large container and cook it all together. You could also use ramekins.
5. Place the containers or containers you choose into a larger pan with water that goes up about 1/4" on the sides. (It helps to let it steam.)
6. Place into heated oven. Cooking time with vary according to size of container. Should be done in 25 to 30 min. When toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the pudding is cooking. Heat a small sauce pan on medium heat. Pour in milk, honey and oil. Cook and stir often until slightly thickened. Take off the heat and stir in vanilla.
8.  Drizzle sauce over the top of the pudding while its warm. You could also serve with whipped coconut cream, Whipping cream or ice cream.

Holiday Season Planning to reduce stress and add peace to your season

holiday planning

So the holiday season is here. I have some ideas that may help to make your season brighter. If you have some that have worked for you,  I would love to hear them. We celebrate Christmas at our house. I think of the "Prince of Peace" . "Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not at the world giveth , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."  I like to think of the peace He brings that you can't find in the world. How ever you celebrate the season. I am all about making it a peaceful time, and getting rid of the stress. Here are some ideas I had.

1. Plan out what is important to you and your family what traditions are worth keeping. Eliminate the extra stuff that adds the extra stress. We can sometimes create are own stress by having too much on our list.
2. Then stop thinking "I have to... I need to, or I should... "Think I choose to. I am committed to. These words make you happier and not make you feel like a martyr.   
3. Stay within a budget. It shouldn't be about the amount spent on the gifts that is important. The thought behind it is the important part.  The spirit of the season is not bought at a store.
4. Reach out and give a bit of joy to someone else.
5. Breathe (Like they tell us in yoga class.) It really helps me when I feel pressure building. Just slow down.
6. Take time to exercise. Get out, and get some light outside. Even if it is cold bundle up, and go out even if its for a short time. Light and fresh air give me energy.
7. Eat right most of the time and just allow a few splurges. You will feel better. It will help your family to stay healthier too.
8. Simplify where you can. (We bought a prelit tree this year :) It is amazing and worth every penny.)
9. I find some ways to give service in our community prior to Thanksgiving. Instead of cramming everything into December. It also spreads service throughout the year. It is another great way to simplify December.
10. Get enough sleep. Sleep literally helps to detoxify your brain.
11. Spend time around small children. They help light up the season.  
12. Enjoy the season. Don't let it pass by without enjoying it.  Those around you will enjoy it more if you are happier too. :)

These ideas have helped me. One of my favorite Chistmas was when I had my fifth child on Dec. 19th. (Our 4th daughter) I had planned ahead and, enjoyed a relaxing time with my family.  I hope that it is a season of peace at your home. Tomorrow we will have ideas for hostess gifts or friend and neighbor gifts. (If this part of the season adds stress then don't add it to your list.  You can choose.)