If you’re unsure what to take to your holiday gatherings, or just want some new inspiration and flavors to hit your table in the form of healthy and unique holiday treats, this blog is for you! At Fit For Hiking, we love healthy and balanced recipes and enjoy all the things in moderation. Having these on deck is such a fun way to add some new traditions to the holiday. You could even print them out as a stocking stuffer so your loved ones can make them too! These delicious, and healthy recipes are sure to be a hit around your table. If you create them yourself, be sure to tag @fit_forhiking on Instagram. Let’s dig in!

Ginger Energy Balls

INGREDIENTS (Serves 12)

1 Cup rolled oats

½ Cup almonds

4 Tbsp maple syrup

1 ½ tsp ground ginger

1 Tbsp molasses

½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp cinnamon

⅛ tsp ground cloves

⅛ tsp salt

2 Tbsp sesame seeds

1. Place the rolled oats and almonds into a food processor and blend to a fine meal. 
2. Add the remaining ingredients, apart from the sesame seeds, and blend until well combined.
3. Place the mixture into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help stiffen the dough for rolling.
4. Roll into 12 balls and roll each ball in the sesame seeds.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 two weeks.

Gingerbread Protein Smoothie

INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)

1 Cup almond milk (unsweetened)

1 frozen banana, sliced

1 Tbsp cashew butter

1 Tbsp molasses

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 serving vanilla protein powder

Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve.

Apple Cinnamon Bread

INGREDIENTS (Serves 12)

1 lb pink lady apples, finely chopped with the skin

3 eggs

½ Cup olive oil

½ tsp cinnamon

2 ½ cups wholemeal spelt flour

3 tsp baking powder

1 Cup walnuts, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F. Line a loaf tin with baking paper
2. Combine the chopped apples, eggs, olive oil, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. 
3. Add the flour and baking powder, then mix gently to combine.
4. Now add the walnuts and mix again
5. Pour the bread mixture into the earlier prepared tin, press it down gently with the back of a spoon
6. Place the tin into the hot oven and bake for 45-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cover the bread with foil if it looks to be getting too brown on top.
7. Remove the tin from the oven and set aside on a wire rack to cool for 1 hour before removing from the tin. 
8. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Sweet & Spicy Nut Mix

INGREDIENTS (Serves 24)

1 Cup coconut sugar

¾ tsp cayenne pepper

¾ tsp cumin

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp salt

2 egg whites

1 Tbsp water

6 Cups raw, unsalted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, etc)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites and water together until very frothy.
4. Add the nuts to the egg wash and toss to coat. Now add the spice blend and toss until the nuts are completely covered.
5. Spread the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes then stir and bake for a further 10 minutes until the nuts are toasted and crisp.Remove the sheet from the oven and set aside to cool as the nuts will get crisper as they cool down.
6. Place into an airtight container and store for up to 1 week.

These recipes are perfect for unique snack/treat ideas that still taste festive without the added guilt. Enjoy! 

Happy + Healthy Trails,

Bradee