anti inflammatory foods Archives - Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Cinnamon Roll – Low-Sugar (and Foolproof!)

Cinnamon roll is how I roll! …You too? C’mon buns (as in cinnamon buns).

Or cinnamon swirls that are whimsical. 🍥 You can bake and get these anytime you want from your oven!

They’re so swirly whimsical 🌀 and tasty comforting in the mouth (and inner child). 🍥

And hint: if you’re feeling adult anxious, a warm cinnamon roll and cinnamon tea any season of the year can comfort and hug you in a way like no other… ok, maybe a cozy blanket and a warm and fuzzy movie would go great too!

Those you can grab with your foolproof cinnamon roll.

FOOLPROOF because these decadent sweet bread rolls come out soft and airy light every time. 🥮 Or as long as I’ve been baking weekly since 2020.

I sacrificed… and bit into one with to show you the inner workings.😂

The air pocket, rise, and moist difference is in the flour type and yogurt add. Bread flour gives the rise and the yogurt helps the moist.

So often we’re confronted with which flour to use? And sometimes it’s a cake-bread or bready cake (…is that a type of dessert?).

…How I like to set the two apart is between either using yeast OR baking soda and baking powder.

If yeast is used, then bread flour (or in some cases whole wheat flour) is my go-to and that’s for a mostly bread-like consistency… like a cinnamon roll.

And if it’s cake, then some all-purpose or cake flour will give the cake texture.

And if you mix-and-match these flours, then you’ll like get more of a cake bread as the gluten-level is somewhere in the middle. Makes sense… and you don’t have to be good at math.

And to keep the math even more simple, this recipe uses all bread flour. So it’s no-mistake bread. 💯

Bread flour (or a mix with whole wheat flour) does the best for cinnamon buns in my opinion, but you can definitely substitute with crumbly gluten-free “healthy” flours and add natural xantham gum or other natural binders.

The bread prep can be done in 10 minutes by hand mixing 4 ingredients: warm water, flour, instant yeast, and salt.

This is an enriched dough so you can let it rest for a few minutes and start baking if you’re in a hurry… but better if you let it proof for an hour or two.

The moist and healthy vibes come from a healthy fat (light EVOO) and yogurt.

And below are the easy recipe steps.

B-ready?

Which btw, cinnamon rolls are delicious to pair with a cinnamon tea or if that’s too much cinnamon, an Earl Grey tea with raisins in tea (and on top of buns if you like)… a little zhugh I learned along the way that adds to A BUN DANCE (abundance on a plate 🍽️).

…So you can be anticipating your bake with your warm bevy in hand.

kitchen food pantry cinnamon bun ingredients.

Low-Sugar Delicious Cinnamon Roll

This is a low-sugar cinnamon roll and you don’t need refined white sugar for this refined cinn-roll 😊 bread recipe. That’s especially good if low-sugar only is one of your healthy goals. It’s always a plus!

For sweetness: this recipe uses raw honey and cinnamon for sweetness that are anti-inflammatory ingredients. And with many healthy seasons in, I’m usually light-handed with sweet… BUT this sweet duo I douse on heavy-handed as healthy and tasty good.

…This gives the punchy cinnamon ooey-gooey vibes that combined are comforting and anti-inflammatory.

And I recommend adding honey in the dough and as a final glaze ontop. You can use honey directly ontop (of an egg wash if you choose) or make a simple syrup mixed with a little heated water.

Also, add a bunch of cinnamon spice in the dough for the sweet that’ll make your oven smell like an autumn bakery.

Because healthy fat is used, it will be a little different than a flaky butter finish like you’d get in a pastry… but still epic.

C’MON- Cinnamon Roll

Ingredients (for 8 rolls in a rectangular pan) or in the recipe below 👇 you can use a round pan to make a flower 🌼 design:

8”x 4” (or 9”x5”) pan

1-1/2 cups total flour (you can mix bread flour, whole wheat, gluten-free bread)

1 tsp instant yeast

1/2 Tbsp sea salt or pinch of salt

1 Tbsp raw honey (or maple syrup)

1 Tbsp plain yogurt (Greek yogurt recommended)

1 generous Tbsp of cinnamon spice (Cassia or common cinnamon for baking)

¾ cup warm water (+ possibly more)

neutral oil for lining pan

Directions:

Knead flour, yeast, water, and salt ingredients with a dough hook in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed adding just enough warm water until all the flour is incorporated.

Some of the dough will be stringy (shaggy?) dough pieces or crumbs, and not a smooth dough (not like a baby’s bottom 👶)… yet.

Knead until a smooth consistency about 7-9 minutes. Add in the cinnamon, yogurt, and honey and turn on the mixing machine a few more times just to fully combine.

Common questions (to make this fully foolproof so you can’t mess this up!):

Dough too wet? If your dough seems to wet when you’ve been kneading a few minutes, add a little flour back. You can use any bench (e.g. all purpose or bread flour).

Dough too dry? If your dough seems shaggy dry, add a little more water 1 teaspoon at a time as needed until you get a smooth consistency that naturally slides off the dough hook.

What type of cinnamon? In stores, you’ll often find two types: Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the common kind you see that’s good for these rolls and baking in general with. Leave the Ceylon cinnamon for your tea or warm bevy.

And after you’re confident with your dough, let it rest as a ball for 1-2 hours covered in a pan full lined with neutral oil and covered with a tea towel (or clean T-shirt cover will work).

You can also leave overnight covered in the fridge. If leaving overnight, add enough oil or water to the dough so it doesn’t dry out.

When you’re ready to bring the dough out either same day or from the fridge overnight, lay it on top of a little bench flour (any baking flour will work. I like to stick with the same ones I’m using in the buns or whole wheat flour).

Roll out the dough (not too thin but to about 1/4-1/2″ thick) into a rectangle shape and then cut strips with a pizza wheel cutter or knife, saving the dough scrap ends.

Roll out the remaining dough and combine with the dough scraps, to make 8 total long pieces about the same size.

These strips will be your rolled up buns with spirals up. ꩜

Bake time will vary depending on flour choices, dough thickness, baking pan, and oven. As a guideline, bake until a little darker than golden brown as the outside is browner then the inside that can still be a little moist/unbaked.

Suggested time and temperature: bake at 350 °F/180°C for about 45 minutes or until dark golden brown on the bottoms.

You’ll be tempted to think that they’re done sooner or maybe around the 30-35 minute mark, but inside they will still likely be raw… but you’re almost there! So let your rolls bake a little longer than the outer appearance.

Around the 30 minute mark while you’re checking, you may also want to add a glaze. I recommend 1 egg white with a teaspoon or so of water.

Mix and brush on top. It will leave a milky opaque glaze that will be good on its own OR as a primer for your final shiny (honey) glaze.

These are foolproof.

Best to enjoy the buns while they’re warm out of the oven.. or you can keep out for a day or so, and/or refrigerate covered for a few more days.

OR you can freeze for another occasion and bring out a day or two before you want to re-heat.

For more zhugh pairings, you can also add sweet orange zest. Looks like a pain aux raisins, n’est-ce pas? 🧡

This one is surrounded by a bergamot (Earl Grey) tea bath. 🫖

Foolproof Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon roll with low-sugar and honey glaze.

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American, swedish

Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups bread flour
1 tsp instant yeast (if you use active yeast add to warm water to activate first)
1/4 tbsp pinch of salt
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp plain flavor yogurt
1 Tbsp heaping spoon of Cassia cinnamon
3/4 cup water

Instructions

Make bread by mixing flour, water, salt, yeast for at least 7 minutes or until it comes together and passes the slapping water stage to build up gluten.
Let proof for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature in a covered bowl lined with oil to keep the dough moist. TIP: use the same pan you will bake in and you'll have one less sticky dough item to clean up. Use a round cake pan for round cinnamon rolls and a square pan for squarish rolls.
Roll dough out then roll up into a log (or that looks like a sleeping bag).
Cut into even slices with cooking thread or dental floss. You can also use a serated knife to not smush down the buns that you want to rise.
Place rolls with swirls up in baking pan and bake on 350°F until deeper or dark golden brown for about 45 minutes so the bottoms and all is baked through. Optional shine: Add egg white wash when almost done baking (and/or glaze after baking and cooling). You can also add honey to tops after baked and cooled.

Notes

Dough too wet? If your dough seems to wet when you've been kneading a few minutes, add a little flour back. You can use any bench (e.g. all purpose or bread flour).

Dough too dry? If your dough seems shaggy dry, add a little more water 1 teaspoon at a time as needed until you get a smooth consistency that slides off th dough hook.

Fruit Shake Recipes On-the-Go

Fruit shake recipes (aka fruity smoothies) is something good and healthy for mornings or before a hike. Enjoy the 3 fruity ideas 🍓🍒 below.

…I was inspired by smoothie to-go (or on-the-go recipes) because I found I actually crave a cold one on an adventurous hike or on a warm day.

…Or after I’ve reached the mountain top and taken in the height and scenery, I’m thinking, ok… what’s next?

…And a strawberry milkshake 💭 usually comes up, but is not in hand.

It’s a food dream I have in my head… that even matches my pink wear on some days 💕

But then I talk myself out of the shake because the reality sinks in… fast food milkshakes are usually full of sugar and high calories.

…Which isn’t good for all the good exercise calorie loss (or weight loss) that just happened while hiking.

Plus on-the-road, I don’t want to stop if I don’t have to, so I let my craving time pass while driving.

Like you in your travels, I want to keep going…

So to be aligned 😁, I found a good satiating solution… that’s a cold fruit shake I bring along with me… that’s waiting for me after the hike later in the afternoon.

Oh, and it’s HEALTHY too! 🎉

So this week’s post is all about fruit shake recipes you can enjoy and take on-the-go along with you.

And if you like fruit shakes, these easy fruit shake recipes are healthy taste ideas you can use at home or on your next outing adventure! 🧉

Be sure to also check out my tips waaay below 👇 for these enjoyable take-with-you fruit shake recipes….

In the fruit shakes, the fruit and a ‘lil honey, syrup, or spice is the added sweetness.

They’re loaded with vitamin nutrients and the healthy good stuff.

And while a banana is a great smoothie texture and healthy ingredient, if you’re not a fan, below are some other ingredient substitutions that will hold up outside on activity game day.

And the best part is… the ingredients in a fruit shake drink is refreshing, guilt-free, and convenient.

…That’s what I think golfers thought when I was a kid on the golf course serving ice cold lemonade 😀

The most important feature was the ice cold part 🥶 that cools and soothes our Pitta on a warm or overheated activity day.

And in that Pitta Ayurvedic balancing spirit, you can prepare these fruit shake recipes the day before (that’ll please you and others when you want them)!

Easy move: freeze the fruit shakes, and then take them with you in your cool tumbler or cups.

If you take the fruit shakes out from the freezer in the morning, by afternoon or sooner they will have slowly melted for drinking.

You can also bring with you some water and ice in a cooler (if you weren’t planning to already).

And if your fruit smoothie shake has melted too much, add a few ice cubes.

…And if still too frozen, add a ‘lil water to melt.

It’s that easy to get the perfect temperature drink on-the-go! 🧡

Your fruit smoothie will be temperature ready for you when you’re ready to celebrate and feeling happy that you reached the summit top (or whatever that is for your day)…

You can stroll, sip, and enjoy a cold strawberry 🍓 with a strawberries-and-cream fruit shake vibe wherever you are.

…That’s what I’m talking about!

Another fruit shake idea is a grapefruit shake for less sweet-on-the-go tastes.

This fruit shake recipe has whole grapefruit prepared, unsweetened applesauce, and ginger powder.

When you pair whole ingredients that are a tasty duo together, they don’t need sweetness… and that’s coming from the mouth of a serious sweet tooth with former-caterer tastes. 😊

Grapefruit is loaded with Vitamin C that’s anti-inflammatory and good for you especially if you have outdoor allergies, but want to enjoy a sunshine-y day.

Or a star day.

…Anthocyanin strawberries can be the red star ingredient you add.

Anthocyanin is a polyphenol that’s eat-from-the-rainbow 🌈 anti-inflammatory healthy. It’s also part of a healthy Mediterranean diet full of red, blue, and black berries.

For a strawberry fruit shake, the strawberries are also loaded with Vitamin C (as are most food in the same fruit category)… and Vitamin B-9 or folate that’s especially good for cells.

Keeping healthy cells is what matters most in anti-inflammatory living.

And this strawberry fruit shake recipe is made with almond flour, 3-5 strawberries, and almond milk.

The almond flour texture gives it a slight thicker strawberries-and-cream vibe.

But there’s no cream.

…That wouldn’t be good on warm days or for healthy dessert drinks.

Speaking of which a cherry and apple fruit shake is another one that’s enjoyable and has whole and healthy ingredients that are great for travel. See recipe below 🍒🍎

Ingredients for a cherry shake include: dark cherry and chopped apples. For some sweetness, you can add cinnamon and/or maple syrup.

And for texture, you can add ground flax seed that’s filled with omega-3, fiber, and protein.

You can also add chia seeds and ground oats for an overnight oats effect if you want to go that route.

But whatever ingredients you ultimately decide on, the dark cherry and apple make this one satisfying fruit shake. 😋

Ingredients for fruit shake recipes are whole and healthy like in an cherry apple smoothie shake. — Ingredients for a cherry apple fruit shake drink.

And these are some good tips for your on-the-go fruit shake recipes…

Fruit Shake Tips For Recipes

✅Use frozen fruit as ice! Also, when fruit isn’t yet in season, buy frozen fruit that’s more economical and doesn’t go bad.

✅Look for organic berries and fruits.

If you’re using the fruit peels, citrus zest or berries, whether frozen or fresh produce, organic is the better pesticide-free way for healthy living. Bananas are an exception since the peels aren’t consumed.

✅Bananas make great smoothie textures. And if you don’t prefer bananas for smoothie fruit shake recipes or don’t have any bananas on hand, these make great fruit shake recipe ingredient substitutes:

chopped apples

applesauce

protein, collagen, or energy powder – will help you keep going in the day

fruit zest (from the outside peel)

If you don’t have a nutrition powder, you can use a gluten-free (healthy) flour like almond or coconut flour good for sweet drinks.

Use a freezer-safe cup or tumbler, and freeze overnight so that your fruit shake stays cold. Pull out in the morning and put by your things you’ll be packing for the day (so you don’t forget!).

For more healthy smoothie ideas, grab this FREE smoothie guide challenge (if you dare 😊)!

Cherry Fruit Shake

This will fill about 12 of an 8 ounce cup leaving room for ice or water as needed during the day. For a full cup, double the ingredients.

Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

1/2 cup tart or Bing cherries
1/2 cup peeled and chopped apple
1/2 cup almond milk

Instructions

Blend ingredients and freeze for at least several hours.

Gut Health For a Happier Life

Gut health is something that rules our happy life. This article is about reminders and what you can do about keeping the gut happy.

…And fermented foods is one way that makes for your healthier and happier life! 😊

Easy steps to make sourdough for gut health. 👣

Like, baking sourdough is one way to take healthy measures to get a happy gut. And a great new year initiative. 🎉

For one, making sourdough is an immersive experience to learn about what fermented foods are.

In the process, you see how easily bacteria in the air (that we often avoid) is created and grows, and these become baked-in prebiotic foods to support our healthy gut bacteria.

I learned about these sides researching and writing articles for health and wellness publications… and going through the baking experience myself like so many during the pandemic.

Sourdough was a trend and maybe still is with you. 🥖

…If you’ve never tried making sourdough, it’s much easier to make (and regular bread too) than it sounds.

Actually… it’s sooo easy in steps, that it fits on the small square infographic image above that I created. ⬆️

…And that’s just one way to promote gut health.

A healthy gut is a happy life connection.

…Where remember, over 90% of the happy hormones (serotonin) is made in the gut.

So if you have a less-than-balanced gut, then the happy moods can subtly run off… but often can be mood restored with TLC (self-care) and Ayurvedic restoration if it’s not caused by a health issue.

…If you don’t know why you have a sudden chip on your shoulder or are more emotionally lately, gut health could be one reason.

So it’s good to ask yourself: what have I been eating lately? And what in my life and lifestyle could have brought this temporary mood on?

The mind-body connection is as real as the happy gut health connection.

And if it’s lifestyle or mood-related, you can get your healthy and happy gut back on with some tweaks…

Eating more fiber from mostly veggies and fruits for morning starters is a good move! 🥕🥦

The fiber ones that are non-digestible are prebiotic. There’s a subset of plant-based foods or produce out there that qualify. 🍏 🍌

Prebiotic foods such as asparagus are abundant in spring. And garlic and onions peak… (see these ones peeking out here 🧅).

Along with probiotic healthy bacteria (like that found in Greek yogurt), prebiotic foods will encourage more good bacteria.

And so, mixing your banana (prebiotic) and Greek yogurt (probiotic) is a good idea. And when you add nuts or seeds and whole fruits, that makes a gut smile even more.

Starting your morning habits after a tall glass of water or ginger water sets you and your body on the right foot.

You can prevent leaky gut, dysbiosis, SIBO, and IBS caused by food habits.

Encouraging good gut bacteria growth in the body is similar to supporting positive, loving thoughts in the mind where you want to crowd out the negative, bad ones.

✋ Avoid Reminders:

Antibiotics destroy the gut microbiome and changing gut health flora. Take antibiotics when absolutely necessary.

Such as, most people wouldn’t take antibiotics for a common cold virus (as it wouldn’t help and is not necessary).

But it’s common to take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor as precaution for a growing bacterial infection. And supplementing with probiotics (including yogurt) help to support the gut damage.

If you think of a healthy gut like a well-run garden (vs. an unbalanced jungle that can turn into weeds ), then you have a good mental picture of healthy balance vs. dysbiosis (gut imbalance).

…And you’re the gardener. 🧑‍🌾

Avoid the skin on foods that are non-organic.

Skin has nutrients but a lot of the modern healthy foods we eat today are sprayed with toxins in the process that negate the benefits and damage the gut.

So eating skin on certified organic foods or ones you personally plant and care for is the only real way to be safer in protecting your gut microbiome.

Stress is a killer. Our bodies naturally clean and detox during sleep, but stress puts wear and tear on our body’s natural defenses and adds a strain on its healthy housekeeping.

Avoiding stress at all costs is the best way.

With stressful seasons and situations that you experience, take daily deep breaths.

It’s amazing how the world looks different after a few deep breathing exercises like: Ujjayi, Lion’s Breath, or 4-7-8.

My favorite way is getting on my yoga mat to let the world and stress melt away. 🧘🏻‍♀️

It’s cathartic.

You can also take relaxing nature walks and experience tears of joy through Ayurvedic living.

The story of your stress is displayed in your gut, starting from cravings and what you eat… down to how food is digested and how it determines your bathroom life relative to other days and seasons.

The moods you think you’re feeling may not be the one your body is actually experiencing.

Remember, you are not your body or mind, but they are part of you.

You can tell signs by what you’re drawn or repelled to in foods, scents, and activities. That’s one way Ayurveda is useful to daily, modern life so you can make changes.

And that’s why I was hooked after I learned about the science …as we’re not prisoners to our situations and moods that are served up… we’re empowered to restore to our healthy and happy, best life and season.

…And we’re better off for it in daily joyful living and living healthy longer.

You can restore your moods and gut in one-fell swoop effort with your healthy moves when you know what to do (and then do it).

Mood foods are a good way to start and most fall in the anti-inflammatory food diet categories that’s catching on.

Anti-inflammatory foods are the ones I focus on, as I found on my healthy living journey that they matter most.

They help to restore gut balance and bigger picture… they’re known to prevent certain common chronic diseases like heart diseases, Diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers.

You can find anti-inflammatory profiles in many beverages, spices, and colorful polyphenol-filled rainbow foods when you look around. 🌈

…Like this butterfly blue tea drink filled with quercetin and other antioxidants that I made from bags of tea I purchased.

Keeping a daily happy gut with anti-inflammatory plant-based foods and creative healthy beverages, you live comfortably, have more energy, and get to fulfill more each day.

…Now that’s something to look forward to! ✨

One gut health pairing idea: a pear granola crumble (substitutable with apple) that’s tasty happy pair-enhanced with cinnamon. Use Ceylon cinnamon for additional anti-inflammatory benefits. 🧡 😋

Pear Granola Crumble

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

dry oats
pear
honey
cinnamon to liking
light EVOO

Instructions

Add your layer of oats. And drizzle honey ontop and a drizzle of light olive oil so you get the toasty granola effect.
Add your cut pear slices. Add cinnamon as a divine flavor pairing.
Add another layer of oats and more cinnamon to liking.
Bake until toasted.
For healthy Vata balancing, add orange slices or zest and additional Ceylon cinnamon.

Chai Balls (No Bake)

Chai balls are a warming festive sweet snack that energize ✨ any table and that and goes well with tea… well, chai. These are easy NO BAKE. 🫖

These chai balls look like truffles (…yes?) and are as delicious, but are also anti-inflammatory healthy.

They are made from all plant-based ingredients. Recipe below. 🧡

Chai spice or tea is also Ayurvedic healthy and good for balancing Vata body mind type tendencies. You’ll know chai is good for your moods this season if you desire a cup. 😊

That’s Ayurveda in a nutshell as it leans in your natural preferences. And this applies to the modern West that meets traditional East.

Chai usually has cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, that will help warm up Kapha (winter) feelings.

And if you find the kind of chai tea bags or loose tea that has (black) pepper in its ingredients, you get additional health benefits.

Cardamom and pepper are an anti-inflammatory Wonder Twins pairing. Together, they’re activated (and you don’t need a magic ring 💍).

Another idea is I like a dash of cardamom coffee on those sluggish mornings for a little pick-me-up jolt.⚡️

Not to mention, adding cloves that’s at the top of the anti-inflammatory list.

With all those spices in chai, you’re doing yourself a world of good by helping protect against some chronic diseases (that could develop later down the road but take a hike instead).

The healthy molecules are meant to protect the plants they come from, and (us) humans benefit as final consumers.

I like to think of chai balls like a holiday Pfefferneusse cookie you would find at a Christmas Market, but does a world of good for your body. 🎄

…AND, you don’t have to travel anywhere and can make these sweet festive or holiday snacks in seconds.

Gathering the ingredients in your house is where the tasty effort will go if they’re already in your cupboard.

And if not, you can easily find and get them from your grocery source.

They are ingredients that can be used again and have long shelf-life…

They also make for seasonably warm drinks like cocoa and calming chai tea to name a few. And also molasses cake and simple cookie bakes that have worked for generations to bring smiles to faces no matter the situations. 🥮

…Which reminds me, I was near an old-fashioned Moravian baking oven and the simple and wholesome ingredients they used inspired me.

They’re the same healthy ingredients we have around today (maybe a little more pure without sprays).

And we can make these chai cookies with the Moravian baking spirit ✨ for our winter break, Christmas holidays, or daily reading. They’re fun and easy to share.

Chai Balls (No Bake)

These anti-inflammatory balls are 4 delicious ingredients and no-bake easy.

Servings 3 servings or pieces

Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

1 tbsp coconut oil, solid form (refined for less coconut taste)
1 chai tea bag (dry)
1 tbsp molasses (can substitute for maple syrup or raw honey)
1 tbsp cacao (100% cocoa)
pumpkin spice and/or cinnamon spice for dusting

Instructions

Roll ingredients and then separately roll in dusting spice.

Cocoa Balls (No Bake)

Cocoa balls are a fun way to ring in the holidays. ✨They’re festive and healthy! And these shiny ones are made from dark cocoa and natural peanut butter. No baking needed.

Working in event planning for a decade, I learned to be creative with food to decorate a plate for events like this…

The ingredients are simply rolled up and then dipped in melted dark chocolate… and then zhughed with some fun nonpareils. The recipe is below. ❣️

…I love how a little uniform tiny confectionary dots can add a smile that reminds me of childhood innocence. I’m easily amused. 😊

Old-fashioned nonpareils bring a nice, FUN texture candy crunch or sprinkle to a party table. I’m sure Girl Meets Farm Molly Yeh would agree with me. 🥳

And their perfectly round shape balance an imperfect confectionary creation for us imperfect humans.

We can put our own stamps on these cocoa balls.

These ones could have been cocoa powder dusted (like a chocolate truffle) with a dry look.

But I think the step of giving a tempered chocolate coating-look bring some added happy temperaments. 😋

Getting a best melted chocolate coating without making a ganache is seconds-easy, and healthy with plant-based ingredients like dark chocolate that’s also anti-inflammatory healthy.

Then you can roll these cocoa balls into their fun paper candy holders that are ready to be shared or popped in your mouth.

…I guess you could say these please the girl scrapbooker in me that likes anything paper and dainty you could use for parties! 🎊 A piñata and a few balloons never hurt either! 🎈

Then with any extra melted chocolate you have leftover, while still wet and room temperature, you can mix in peanuts, raisins, other nuts, or dried fruits to make a healthy snack or plate decoration.

And this type of festive Fiesta plate can be one of your dessert table centerpieces that you can make in advance and set out.

For parties, it’s always good to make more than you think you will need, so you can plate up quickly if needed.

And actually, I could’ve turned this plate into a decorative wreath piping in green leaves and red accents or adding mint leaves and glace maraschino cherries like on this Christmas bundt cake if I wanted to get all decked out. 🍒

Another simple and festive no-bake recipe you can add to your festive table is mint chocolate biscuits.

Cocoa Balls

These are tasty and healthy sweet snacks that you can make in minutes.

Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

1 tbsp coconut oil, solid form
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth and creamy)
1/3 cup peanut flour or gluten-free flour
1 tsp raw honey (or maple syrup)
1 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp liquid (coffee, water, MCT oil, etc.)
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips melted
nonpareils (optional)