Holiday Make-Over Ideas

Reduce post-holiday remorse with these simple substitutions that make traditional holiday dishes more healthful.

Turkey
Choose skinless white meat to lower fat and cholesterol. Opt for a plain bird over a self-basting one.

Turkey Gravy
Skim fat from juices before thickening. Hold the salt, and flavor with herbs.

Stuffing
Replace 1/3 of bread with cut-up vegetables. Reduce amount of butter or margarine used.

Candied Yams
Combine crushed pineapple and yam slices with apple juice; omit margarine, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fruit Salad
Serve fresh fruit splashed with champagne, or vanilla yogurt in place of high fat fruit gelatin with cream cheese and sour cream.

Cranberry Sauce
Grind fresh cranberries with oranges and apples. Sprinkle with just enough sugar to reduce tartness.

Dinner Rolls
Instead of white bread rolls, serve whole-grain rolls with fruit preserves instead of butter.

Pumpkin Pie
Make pumpkin pie filling with evaporated skim milk and 1/3 less sugar. Substitute baked meringue for crust.




Looking for a homemade gift idea that’s sure to please? Try this great recipe from the book “Homespun Gifts from the Heart.”

Candy Cane Cappuccino

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup hot cocoa mix
8 regular size candy canes

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until a smooth powder results. Place the mix in a container or bag decorated with a red bow and a small candy cane.

Don’t forget to include a tag with the following information:

Candy Cane Cappuccino

Stir 1 tablespoon of this mix into 1 cup boiling water and enjoy.


Editor’s note: I made this mix last year for Christmas gifts and it was a huge hit! I substituted powdered milk for the non-dairy creamer. The mix went into a Ziploc bag, which was slipped inside of a festive cloth bag. I printed out direction tags and tied them onto the bag with a ribbon. Delicious, easy and fun! This book contains tons of great ideas and tags that you can photocopy. I highly recommend it!

This recipe is an excerpt from the book Homespun Gifts from the Heart, Copyright 2003, Revell Books. Used by permission.


Purchase Homespun Gifts from the Heart from Proverbs 31 Ministries http://shopp31.com/homespunmemoriesfortheheart.aspx