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5 Healthy Baking Recipes to try this Winter

As the temperature continues to plummet, our bodies begin to crave warm, sweet comfort foods. Problem is that most of these foods are not healthy and are just going to add to that waistline. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to enjoy winter baked treats that are healthy and yummy.

1.Brownies
That’s right! Chocolate brownies are still on the menu as a healthy dessert recipe. Simply substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate which has less sugar. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and research shows that it may help with depression to chase away those winter blues. Top the desert with some favorite berries for an extra antioxidant boost. Yogurt ice-cream is the perfect accompaniment and provides the probiotics the body needs to aid digestion.

2.Baked Apples (Or Pears)
The bonus with this desert is that it doesn’t require any sugar to be sweet and delightful. The apples (or pears) add all the sweetness that is needed. Simply core the fruit and stuff with some healthy, raw (not roasted) nuts and spice to taste. Nuts are a good source of antioxidants and healthy fats. The recipe is quick to prepare and can be cooked slowly in a crockpot or faster on the stovetop.

3.Baked Oatmeal
Oatmeal cookies are healthy and a must to get through the winter months and this baked oatmeal alternative is perfect for breakfast or as a desert. Plus it gives those taste buds the sweetness they are craving with the addition of a cranberry-apple sauce. Serve straight out of the oven with some yogurt or coconut milk for a dairy free treat. Add a little cinnamon to give it that holiday flavor and some nuts to provide the essential fats the body needs.

4.Pumpkin Bread
Who says bread can’t be healthy and yummy? This pumpkin bread, served warm, out-of-the-oven won’t just satisfy that bread craving but is also a sweet treat. This is a yeast bread so it is going to take a bit of time to prepare. The cinnamon and pumpkin flavors are however well worth the wait. Plus, the bread has a swirl, dotted with raisins so that it is pleasing to the eyes and not just the taste-buds.

5.Chicken Pot Pie
Comfort food doesn’t always have to be sweet and there is nothing quite like a hot chicken pot pie to warm away the winter chills. Using just the breast of the chicken ensures a low fat dish and substituting white flour with whole-wheat flour gives you a low-GI feast. Carrots, peas, potatoes, onions and any other vegetables baked into the pie will provide a good dose of fiber as well as the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs. The recipe calls for less butter and contains only 1/4 teaspoon of salt to make it a heart-healthy meal. Season with fresh herbs for an extra health boost. Remember to try out different variations to give every pot-pie a unique twist without ever getting boring.

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