Festive and Flavorful Holiday Snacks
(Family Features) The holidays are filled with delicious food - from indulgent breakfasts to decadent desserts - but snacks can get overlooked. Spice up this holiday season with festive snacks that are perfect for a quick on-the-go bite or a taste of your favorite holiday dessert.
Although beloved in pie, pecans are a versatile nut that can be used beyond the pie shell - add them to a snack mix, incorporate them into granola or munch on them straight from the bag. Delicious and nutritious, 1 ounce of pecans offers 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber, plus 12 grams of "good" monounsaturated fats and only 2 grams of saturated fat - perfect to power you through long days of holiday shopping.
This holiday season, nosh on a handful of these spiced Gingerbread Pecans for a sweet and savory snack while decorating the house or wrapping presents late at night, or set out a bowl for the family to enjoy.
You can also make snack-sized versions of your favorite holiday desserts to have on-hand when you're craving a quick and tasty treat. Chopped pecans add a flavorful and nutrient-dense crunch to these paleo-friendly No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites, while pecan halves provide a festive touch to these Reindeer Pecan Brownies.
Discover more nutritious, delicious and festive recipes at AmericanPecan.com.
Reindeer Pecan Brownies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 brownies
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pecan or canola oil
- 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 20 raw pecan halves, cut in half
- 40 candy eyeballs
- 20 red chocolate candies
- 1/4 cup chocolate chip
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- In large bowl, whisk melted butter, oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until mixture is thick and pale in color, about 1 minute.
- Sift in flour and cocoa powder. Add espresso powder, if desired, and salt. Using rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into butter mixture until just combined. Batter should be thick.
- Using 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, transfer batter to prepared mini muffin tin. Bake 13-15 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean, with some lingering crumbs.
- Add chocolate chips to heat-proof bowl; microwave until smooth and melted. Pour melted chocolate into sandwich bag and cut off small portion of one corner to use as tip. Use melted chocolate to "glue" on pecan antlers, candy eyeballs and red candy noses to brownies.
- Allow chocolate to set before transferring brownies to airtight container.
Note: Brownies will stay fresh for up to three days.
Gingerbread Pecans
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 cups (6 servings)
- 1 large egg white, beaten
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice blend
- 1 pinch salt
- Preheat oven to 300 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In large bowl, use fork to whisk beaten egg until frothy. Add pecans and stir until coated. Sprinkle pecans with granulated sugar, brown sugar, gingerbread spice and salt. Stir to coat evenly. Spread pecans in even layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake pecans 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow pecans to cool completely.
Note: Pecans can be stored in airtight container for up to four days.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bites (6 servings)
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecan pieces
- 3/4 cup pitted medjool dates (about 7 dates), soaked in hot water 10 minutes
- 1 pinch pink salt
Filling:
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 pinch pink salt
- 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)
- 12 raw pecan halves, for topping
- To make crust: In food processor, process pecan pieces, drained dates and salt until combined and "dough" starts to form into ball.
- To make filling: In bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, pink salt and collagen peptides, if desired. Whisk until smooth.
- Line cupcake tin and evenly distribute crust mixture, about 1 1/2 tablespoons in each cupcake opening. Use fingers to press crust into even layer.
- Evenly disperse pumpkin pie filling among openings until tins are about half full.
- Top each with one pecan half and place in freezer at least one hour.
Source: American Pecan Council
Easy Tiramisu Dip
(Culinary.net) Do you know that moment when something sweet hits your taste buds and a smile instantly spreads across your face? It’s almost magic to some. To others it’s just simply bliss. This holiday season, try something that’s simple yet sophisticated for an easy way to ensure smiles all around.
Try an Easy Tiramisu Dip because whether you’re relaxing at home, having a small get-together with friends or joining your annual family gathering virtually, this dip is sure to spread culinary cheer.
The recipe starts with “easy,” and it holds true to its name. With a short list of ingredients and only a handful of instructions, this is something you can whip up (literally) in just a few moments. Also, using minimal tools in the kitchen is always a plus for at-home chefs. The only appliance needed to make this recipe is a mixer.
The outcome is fluffy, rich and sweet with a hint of espresso. It’s not overpowering, however, so little ones or non-coffee lovers can still enjoy this delicious dip.
This is also a unique dessert because it can be served cool or chilled. If you are planning to take a sweet treat to a party this holiday season, this is nearly perfect. No oven time needed and simple to serve to kids and adults alike.
Serve with ladyfingers or fruit to bring that sweetness to a whole new level, and it’s topped with a final sprinkle of cocoa powder to give it that extra appeal. You do eat with your eyes first after all.
Give this one a try and see the faces of your loved ones light up with joy this season. This creamy, tasty dip is sure to impress.
For more easy dessert recipes, visit Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Easy Tiramisu Dip
Servings: 4
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- wafers or fruit, for dipping
- In medium bowl, whisk heavy whipping cream and espresso powder until blended.
- In large bowl, use hand mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Mascarpone cheese and beat until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition. Add vanilla extract; beat mixture. Add espresso mixture; beat until soft peaks form.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Spoon mixture into serving bowl. Sprinkle with cocoa powder. Serve with wafers or fruit.