Truth be told, I'm a crazy sweet tooth and fanatic of sweet treats. Due to my gluten intolerance and desire to be healthy and balanced, I temper my sweet tooth.With the holidays around the corner, this is the season when baking substitutions help me to maintain my figure and health regimen while enjoying the joys this holiday brings.
Today I want to share with you some of my favorite substitutions that won't be too much of a change or compromise to the structure and texture of your baked holiday goodies.
1. Applesauce
When a recipe calls for oil- be it canola oil, olive oil, sesame oil or cottonseed oil- applesauce can be used in their place. These oils tend to weigh the baked goods down with saturated fats. The applesauce is fat free and even provides a little punch of sweetness.
2. Avocado
Another great oil substitute and you get it's metabolic revving powers when added to any recipe. Use in a 1:1 ratio. One cup avocado for one cup oil.
3. Dried Egg Powder
Nowadays, calories and cholesterol is an issue for many. Dried egg powder allows you to use eggs as the recipe call for but in a different way where you don't skimp on the actual egg ingredient.
Do note- when adding dried egg powder, a little liquid may be required to give you the texture of eggs. Especially with cookie and pie doughs.
4. Sesame Butter and Almond Butter
This is a great substitute for the normal peanut butter cookies. Each has a distinctive taste, but both give you a healthier fat versus the fat from peanut butter.
5. Almond, Hemp or Coconut milk
When recipes require dairy products like milk, cream or half and half - consider substituting with these super health milks.
They will add a different flavor so consider that as you work through the flavoring of your particular requirements.
6. Sweeten with Honey, Agave, Xylitol and Raw Sugar
White sugar has been stripped and bleached of all its natural goodness. The honey and agave are great substitutes when a liquid sweetener makes sense.
I love using Xylitol for baking recipes. It's a low glycemic sugar and it's also a great resource with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
7. Black Bean puree for flour substitute
This is a wild one... but it's worked out great and I love it. Courtesy of some recipe substitution I realized via Picklee a few months ago. The beans are a great resource for fiber and protein.
8. Raw chocolate
Who needs to skimp on chocolate? Using raw chocolate or raw cacoa is a great substitute for any chocolate requirements and even cocoa requirements.
With its raw nature, you get the power punch of antioxidants.
Hope that helps you with your baking as you decide which ingredients you want to substitute to make this a healthier holiday baking season.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I'd love to hear from you and even welcome you to share with us your recipe and any pics. We love blogging about our readers and their successes.
Healthy Being Wellness Center
7005 4th St N
Suite 3
St Petersburg Fl 33702
727-502-3464
email me: melissa - at- healthybeinglc.com
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