December is approaching, bringing with it a time filled with scents that awaken childhood memories. Maybe you're longing to bake Christmas treats with your family but want to avoid refined sugar, gluten, or dairy? You know how tricky it can be to find recipes that are both simple and right.
But Christmas shouldn't be a compromise. It can be enjoyable and kind to your body. That's why we've come up with three recipes using clean ingredients and the familiar feeling of Christmas.
Gingerbread balls with almond butter and coconut
Soft spiciness, creamy texture, and natural sweetness. These raw balls are just as delicious for a cozy Advent fika as they are for a cup of tea after a winter walk.
You need:
3/4 cup almond butter
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 tbsp coconut oil
1–2 tbsp maple syrup or date syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom
A pinch of ground cloves (optional)
A pinch of sea salt
Here's what you do:
Mix everything in a food processor until you have a smooth batter. Roll into balls and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Store in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for longer shelf life. Roll the balls in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or raw cacao for an extra festive touch.
Chocolate fudge with almond butter and sea salt
A soft and rich fudge with just the right amount of sweetness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas Eve or why not as a gift wrapped in parchment paper with twine?
You need:
1/3 cup almond butter
3 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1–2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
1 tsp vanilla powder
A pinch of sea salt
Here's what you do:
Gently melt the coconut oil. Stir in the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a small dish lined with parchment paper. Let it set in the freezer for at least an hour. Cut into pieces and store in the fridge.
Tips: Add some orange zest, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor!
Saffron muffins with almond flour
It's hard to make really juicy saffron buns without using flour. But you know what you can make? Golden and moist saffron muffins. No Christmas without saffron.
You need:
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp chia seeds + 5 tbsp water (let sit 10 minutes)
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp coconut sugar
0.5 g saffron (about 1/4 tsp or one packet)
1 tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
Here's what you do:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees. Mix chia seeds with water and let it swell for 10 minutes. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the chia "eggs" and other ingredients, mix until smooth. Pour into muffin cups. Bake for about 15-18 minutes.
Tips: Feel free to top it off with raisins, orange zest, or chopped almonds for extra flavor and Christmas vibes.
Don't forget to enjoy yourself
It's easy for December to turn into a long to-do list. Gifts, cleaning, baking, and expectations piling up. But it's also a time to relax a bit. To smell the saffron, spend extra time with family, and just be.
You don't have to do everything perfectly. Keep it simple. Bake something you enjoy, with ingredients that feel good for your body. And don't forget to give yourself a peaceful moment in the midst of it all.
