Healthy Holiday Food Gifts!

Healthy Holiday Food Gifts Guest Blog by Kaylie Chrismon

The holidays can be difficult when trying to brainstorm for gifts for friends and loved ones. It can also be calorie-laden! Giving healthy holiday food gifts can remind people that the holidays aren’t always about sweets but are a time to savor hearty flavors and spend time with friends and family. Here are 5 fun, easy, and healthy holiday food gifts that will definitely be a hit.

1. Spiced Nuts (see photo at left)

This is an easy and delicious holiday recipe that can be eaten from the jar, scattered over oatmeal or yogurt, or served at a party. Nuts contain vitamin E, which is good for the hair and skin, omega-3 fatty acids, which fight against heart disease and inflammation, and protein, which will keep you going after a long day in the kitchen.

Recipe:

1 egg white

3 cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.)

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. allspice

Pinch of salt

1. Beat egg white until foamy.

2. Add the remaining ingredients into a bowl with the egg white.

3. Coat the nuts by combining the ingredients together.

4. Spread the nut mixture in one layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

5. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring once.

6. Allow the nuts to cool slightly, and then break apart. Allow them to cool completely, and then serve.

Make it a full gift: place the nuts on a small serving dish and wrap with clear or colored wrap and a bow!

2. 12 Days of Tea

The holidays, and winter, are cold. People love to sit around the fire and sip something warm. Tea has antioxidants, increases hydration status, and has zero calories. A warm win for the holidays. These cute variety packs of tea offer people the chance to try a lot of different flavors!

Make it a full gift: pair this with a mug and a book!

3. Fruit Basket

Make your own fruit basket! Seasonal fruits are a great gift because they can be an on-the-go breakfast for busy parents and workers or they can be an addition to a fruit salad. Fruit provides vitamins and fiber that keep you full and energized throughout the day. Include seasonal fruits, like pears, apples, oranges, figs, and pomegranates, for a colorful basket.

Make it a full gift: place the fruits in a serving bowl, wrap with clear or colored wrap, and add a bow!

4. Chili or Soup Mix

Along with the cold and holidays come the cravings for something warm and hearty. You can find jars and bags of chili and soup mix at gourmet food shops.

Make it a full gift: pair this with a wooden spoon that can be used to stir the chili or soup!

5. Muffin Mix

Muffins are a great comfort food that can also pair as a breakfast or snack food! Get crafty with this gift by making the mix yourself and putting it in a cute jar. Be sure to make a note card that says what ingredients to add when baking the muffins!

Recipe:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup quick cooking rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup dried fruit

1/3 cup chopped nuts

1. Layer all ingredients in a 1-quart jar. Tap gently between adding the layers to allow them to settle.

2. For baking, beat ¼ cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, and 1 egg together in a bowl, and add the ingredients from the jar.

3. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Recipe from Mixesinajar.com

Make it a full gift: pair this with an oven mitt; choose a holiday themed mitt or one that can be used all year long!

 

What food gift do you like to give for the holidays?