As you all know, I don’t mind the occasional healthy food compromise, especially on special occasions. Christmas qualifies as one of the most special occasions of all, doncha think? But when I turn over a package and see that the yummy contents therein contain hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup – I just can’t do it. (I know, I know. It’s best not to even read the label. Wait. What?)
What I love is trying to re-create some our favorite treats so that we can have our Christmas candy and eat it too. These treats are best shared and in moderation though, because they are full of sugar! (I know, I know. It’s best not to even think about how much sugar is in them. Wait. What?)
Here are some goodies I make every once in a while for a very special treat:
Homemade Peppermint Patties
These call for none other than mashed potatoes. Weird, but true. And they also have tons of powdered sugar in them. Better than high fructose corn syrup, but wowza. You’ll be amazed at how much these taste like the “real thing.”
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
This is my husband’s favorite. It’s super fun to make these for him every once in a while. We think they taste better than the packaged variety. It’s amazing how good peanut butter tastes when it’s only made with peanuts.
Chocolate Caramel Cups
These are ooey-gooey messy. But having a drop of caramel resting on one’s chin never hurt anyone.
Peanut Butter Truffles and Chocolate Caramel Truffles
Making these truffles is easier than you would think. And the result? Amazing.
Peanut Butter Honey Fudge
This is the easiest fudge you’ll ever make. It contains only three ingredients – peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. So good!
What’s your favorite Christmas candy? Ever tried making your own?
These all look so delicious-I’ll have to try to make at least a couple of them! It’s amazing though as we have been eating healthier my son’s tastes have changed. I made some snowballs with confectioners sugar and he declared them “too sweet” and only ate a couple over the course of a week-that never would have happened before!
My favorite Christmas treat is a Cuban Lunch, delicious!!!
These look great. I will have to try the peppermint patties because I am intrigued by the use of mashed potatoes. We did try your peanut butter cups and they are really good. I was even able to give them to my son with multiple food allergies.