Nut Nog & Peanut Butter Balls!

We’re all in the thick of it.

Work parties, celebrations with friends, family gatherings and a whole heck of a lot of food. It’s everywhere. Honestly, you can hardly swing your party dress without hitting a dessert tray.

But there is no need to spend the next few weeks holed up in your living room, avoiding food-related social situations.

If there ever is a time to address a few flaws in our diet, it certainly isn’t around the holidays. Here’s the deal: It’s what we eat most of the time, not from time to time, that has the greatest impact on our health.

If we eat well & exercise year round, during the holidays we will no longer face food-induced panic attacks.

Today, I am excited to share with you two favorite holiday treats that have received a healthy makeover so that you can go ahead and kick back, relax with family & friends, and enjoy good food and all-around good times.

Be in the moment. Taste every bite. Eat guilt-free.

After all, good health is for living.

Are you a LOVER of egg nog?

Even though Christmas is egg nog’s really big day, I know many people love to guzzle sip it the whole season through.

So, I went to work on finding an Egg Nog replacement that you could love & cherish.

I mean, why not push the envelope a little and play with the flavors?

This creamy Nut Nog will spice up your Christmas or any party celebration but with no raw egg, refined sugar or cream. That’s right, this little baby is pure whole food deliciousness.

It’s so good, you just may be toasting with it all year long.

Nut Nog Recipe: serves 4

2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
3/4 cup raw pecans
2 cups water (more to thin to your desired consistency)
4 shots of rum (optional) 
1 can coconut milk

Blend all the ingredients together in your high-speed blender until smooth. Pour into individual glasses and add rum if desired!

Craving something decadent?

This scrumptious treat pairs a pretty awesome combination – dark chocolate & peanut butter.

And another perk, these balls are cinch to whip up!

“Good for you” never tasted so good.

Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup almonds, sliced or chopped
1/2 cup organic peanut butter (you can always substitute almond butter or any other nut butter)
1/2 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
2 bars of Green & Black 80% dark chocolate bars or 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips 

Place dates in a food processor and pulse until blended. Break up the dates and add your almonds, vanilla and peanut butter. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully mixed together. This may take a few minutes and you may have to stop and break it up a few times. Roll dough into balls and dip in melted dark chocolate. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the fridge until the chocolate sets. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week — if they last that long!

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Treat? Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you…