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dessert

mini mint-chocolate brownie sundae jars

by Jackie Newgent  |  June 22, 2017  |  5 Comments
I love desserts in mini jars! It’s a way to indulge in sweets in a portion-friendly way. It’s so much fun, too! Here, I’ve gone with a brownie sundae concept. I chose mint chocolate chip frozen dessert since that’s my favorite flavor. And I made good-for-you brownies with absolutely no added sugars! Altogether, this dessert can be called “healthy!” But there’s no need to tell skeptics that. This dessert-in-a-jar still provides 100% “sweet tooth” satisfaction! Serve for a party. Or, freeze brownie rounds for later and make one jar at a time just for you. Enjoy beyond just as dessert. This recipe makes a scrumptious pick as a post-workout snack! But before taking that first spoonful, please join me in...
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fresh mint grasshopper mocktail

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 22, 2017  |  1 Comment
When can a healthy drink do double duty as a dessert? When you whirl up this fresh mint grasshopper mocktail recipe! It’s inspired by the after-dinner Grasshopper cocktail that’s typically made with green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. This virgin version is hangover-free and contains no added sugars and no artery-clogging cream! It has a just-right sweetness and creaminess and fresh minty flair. Plus, it’s a perfect fit for the Recipe Redux theme of this month: Cocktails and Mocktails for May Celebrations. Cheers! Why it’s good for you? Punch of protein and probiotics!
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borough market-inspired peppermint brownies

by Jackie Newgent  |  November 21, 2016  |  1 Comment
One of the most memorable brownies I ever had was one that I enjoyed at Borough Market in London. But it’s one of those “special occasion” brownies since it’s super rich. With the Recipe Redux theme this moth of “Trimming the Table,” where a healthy holiday dessert was the request, I decided that I’d start with that special brownie recipe, then keep tweaking it until I created a “healthy” brownie that’s perfect for the holidays. I did it! The result still has just-right richness and fudginess from butter, eggs, and dark chocolate. But this version uses whole-wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar and … wait for it … carrots! I figured that folks like carrot cake, so why not go for...
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salted & spiced dark chocolate chip cookies

by Jackie Newgent  |  September 21, 2016  |  0 Comments
One of my favorite childhood memories with my mother is baking Original Nestlé® Toll House® Chocolate Chip Cookies. My mom always measured everything out in advance—which I’d later realize as being super helpful in good culinary practice. To make the cookies, we actually rolled the dough into perfect little balls because that’s the way my mother preferred them. Then I’d plop a little stool smack dab in front of the oven window and be the very important lookout person to tell her the second the cookies were ready. And yes, I was the first one to get to taste test the freshly-baked cookies (usually more than once!) to make sure! (Thanks to this month’s Recipe Redux theme, “First Cooking Recollections,”...
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grilled grapefruit “sundae” with pistachios, goat cheese, and basil vinaigrette

by Jackie Newgent  |  February 18, 2016  |  0 Comments
I challenged myself to create a sundae concept with no added sugar. This loosely-interpreted sweet-and-savory version is the result! I made Sweet Scarletts the star of the show because I had so many of them on hand. Plus, the naturally sweet red grapefruit is seasonal, gorgeous, and delicious! In this recipe, they’re halved and brushed with extra-virgin olive oil for grilling to bring out savory notes. Then these caramelized delights are topped with sprinkles of goat cheese (or vegan nut cheese), fresh basil vinaigrette, and pistachios. It’s cuisine outside of the normal boundaries … and definitely worth it. Enjoy for dessert often, including on Meatless Monday! Or serve as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, if you prefer....
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