2 Recipes for Healthy Holiday Treats

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are actually kinda healthy--not low-calorie, but they are packed with vitamin A, fiber and iron.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or trans-fat-free margarine
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. milk
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1-1/2 cups unbleached white flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two cookie sheets with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, cream together pumpkin, sugars, butter and egg. In a small dish, dissolve baking soda into milk. Set aside. In a separate bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt and spices. Add baking soda mixture to flour mixture.

Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or the batter will get tough. Add vanilla extract, chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

PEANUTTY ENERGY BARS

This prizewinning recipe, courtesy of the Peanut Institute, offers a yummy alternative to commercial energy bars. They are perfect for hikers and bikers, as well as for a satisfying afternoon snack. They are relatively high in fat--but it's healthful fat from peanuts and sunflower seeds.

For variety, you can make this recipe with cashews and cashew butter, and/or add a variety of dried fruits (cranberries, cherries).

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seed kernels (or more peanuts/other nuts)
• 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal, old-fashioned or instant
• 2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla             
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, oat-
meal, and toasted rice cereal (and wheat germ). Set aside.

In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir until blended.

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients; mix well.

For squares, spoon the mixture into an 8"x 8" pan coated with cooking spray; for bars spoon it into a 9" x 13" pan. Press down firmly. (It helps to coat your fingers with oil or cooking spray.)

Let stand for about an hour, then cut into squares or bars.

Yield: 16 squares or bars                           
Total calories: 3,600
Calories per serving: 225                           
30 g Carb; 6 g Pro; 9 g Fat