Healthy Holiday Treats – Rice Crispy Treats (vegan and gluten free)

Just like everyone else I was in a treat making mode over the last week. I was testing new recipes, making  thank you cheesecakes, creating warm winter meals to show my affection and making healthy gift boxes for the people in my life.

With so many treats I was able to create different versions of Healthy Holiday Treats and a second blog! Lucky you.

This one has: Mini Cheesecake - Raw Red Velvet Cookies - Rice Crispy Treats - Raw Brownies

Rice Crispy Treats

• 1 cup brown rice syrup
• 2/3 cup almond butter
• Dash of vanilla
• Dash of salt
• Dash of cinnamon 
• 3 Cups gluten free brown rice cereal

Directions

•  Over medium heat warm brown rice syrup, almond butter, vanilla, salt and cinnamon until mixture is smooth and bubbling a little.
• Remove from heat and combine with brown rice cereal.
• Pour into an oiled pan (I use coconut oil), flatten and let cool.

 These take literally 5 min to prepare and are stupidly good. They remind me of elementary school when you would bring in treats on your birthday. I made traditional rice crispy treats and accidentally melted a spatula into the marshmallow - o how far I have come. :) 

Healthy Holiday Treats - Raw Candied Walnuts

The Holidays are quickly approaching. I’m overwhelmingly excited because for the first time in a number of years my entire family will be together. I’m very fortunate to have a family that I like, love, respect, enjoy and have a great time with. It’s going to be amazing!!!

We already know that the holidays are time consuming, can affect our health when we gorge on unhealthy foods and also break the bank. However, I have some ideas that can help with gifting, treating yourself and keeping yourself (and health) a priority.

I give you healthy gift boxes.

If you need a last minute gift, or are looking for a way to wow your loved ones with delicious treats, here are a few ideas.

Raw Red Velvet Cookies - Kale Chips - Raw Candied Walnuts

Raw Candied Walnuts:

• Soak 3 cups of walnuts for 6 hours
• In a bowl combine
• One half cup agave nectar or maple syrup 
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pour over walnuts and mix very well
• Dehydrate for 12-24 hours at 115 degrees and enjoy! 
• No dehydrator? Preheat oven to 350 degrees bake for 5 min. Check to see if they are done, if not put back in for 1-2 minutes at a time until crunchy. (this will make them not raw but still amazing!)

They are insanely delicious and almost idiot proof to make. 

Put in a pretty little box or tin and you have a fancy, healthy, thoughtful gift!

Version two coming at you soon!