When it comes to food favorites like pizza, French fries, and chocolate chip cookies, there are very few people who can say “no.” There is nothing like the feeling of comfort you get from your favorite foods. The New Year is a time for positive changes and eating healthy foods should always be at the top of the list, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your healthy eating in order to enjoy the foods you love. Here are some delicious recipes that will leave you satisfied without any guilt. Enjoy!
Zucchini Squash Pizza Bites
Ingredients
1 – 2 zucchinis or squash
2 cups of marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
or vegan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
¾ cup avocado oil
Turkeyronies or your favorite
pizza toppings
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400 F. Cut your zucchini or squash into ¼-inch thick circles. Add avocado oil, seasonings, and sliced zucchini or squash together into a large container with a lid. Shake the container until your squash is thoroughly coated. Coat a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Evenly space your seasoned squash circles on the cookie sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of shredded cheese on each circle and place in the oven until melted.
Then spoon marinara sauce on each circle. Add another pinch of shredded cheese. Then lastly, add your favorite toppings. Place in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and squash is slightly soft. Let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!
Baked French Fries
Ingredients
1 potato
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup avocado oil
¼ cup potato starch
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 F. Slice potato into thin French fry-like strips. Place strips into a bowl and add oil and seasonings. Toss the potatoes until they are thoroughly seasoned.
Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray and begin laying the strips on the sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced. Then sprinkle each strip with a little more paprika and potato starch (the secret to crispy fries).
Bake for about 20 minutes or until fries are golden brown and crispy.
Nana’s No-Guilt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups whole wheat
or almond flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup Splenda
½ cup butter
½ cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375 F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then set aside. Then combine all of your wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, Splenda, butter, applesauce, vanilla, and egg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well. Lastly, fold in your chocolate chips.
On an ungreased cookie sheet, place 2 tablespoons of dough at a time and space them evenly on the cookie sheet. Place in the oven and cook for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool and enjoy!
Sweet Tooth Satisfier
Ingredients
½ apple
½ cup of chocolate chips
1 tablespoon sugar-free caramel sauce
Directions
Cut the apple into very thin slices. Place slices in a bowl and then top with chocolate chips and caramel.
Written and photography by Olivia Belcher • Originally published in Neighbors magazine | 2021
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
