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HEALTHY HOLIDAY BAKING


A Cornucopia of Delicious Treats photos by Stephen Blancett T


here’s nothing so comforting as the scent and taste of home- baked treats. To fill a home with cheer, try these delectably healthy recipes. Some are gluten- or dairy-free, others pack less butter and sweeteners (thus fewer calories) than their typi- cal counterparts, and a few are vegan (containing no animal products, includ- ing honey). All are perfect for holiday celebrations, hostess gifts or exchanges.


Gluten-Free


Apricot Scones These scones freeze well and taste even better the next day, warmed for 30 seconds in a microwave. Serve with apricot jam or honey.


Yields 8 servings


(342 calories per serving) 11


/2


1/2 1/3 21 21 1/4 1/2 1/2


/2


/2 /2


cups brown rice flour cup tapioca flour cup potato starch tsp baking powder tsp xanthan gum


cup natural cane sugar tsp salt


cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed


5 eggs (divided) 1


3/4 1/2


cup plus 1-2 Tbsp plain low-fat yogurt


cups dried apricots, finely chopped


tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract


42 Collier/Lee Counties


Yields 16 servings (239 calories per serving)


swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com


1 Tbsp water 1


/4 1/4 cup turbinado sugar


Preheat oven to 350° F. Sift together first 7 ingredients (brown rice flour through salt). Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.


In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, yogurt, apricots and extracts. Add to flour-butter mixture. Mix until just combined.


Dust work surface with brown rice flour. Turn out scone mixture and pat into a nine-by-nine-inch square. Cut scones into desired shape or use a bis- cuit cutter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.


Whisk remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush mixture over scones. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden.


Apple-Walnut Coffee Cake


Here’s a favorite yummy treat for festive brunches. Guests and family will never guess that this decadent indulgence contains much less butter and sugar than a typical coffee cake.


1 cup (1 1/2


/4


2 eggs 1


/4


cup light brown sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2¼ cups whole-wheat pastry flour (divided) /2


stick) cold unsalted butter


cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup maple sugar


cup plus 1 Tbsp low-fat buttermilk (1 percent)


1 tsp baking soda 1


tsp salt 1/2


2 tsp vanilla extract /2


2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced


cup walnuts, chopped and toasted


Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Butter pan sides and top of parchment.


In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon and ¼ cup flour. Cut in ¼ cup cold butter until mixture becomes crumbly and resem- bles a streusel topping. Refrigerate until ready to use.


In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together ½ cup room-temperature but- ter and maple sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in buttermilk and vanilla. Sift remaining 2 cups flour, baking soda and salt into egg-butter mixture. Mix until just combined.


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