Healthy Holiday Gifts

There is nothing more nutritious and healthy than gifting delicious home made treats from your kitchen, made with love and packaged in something beautiful and useful.

My favorite gift for my foodie friends is spiced nuts that I store in beautiful lidded airtight glass containers that can be used again later. Wrap in large red bows.

I stock up on raw nuts from the healthful store and bake them in various flavorful mixes. The house will smell absolutely delicious on the day you make your nuts, which may be stored for up to 3 weeks.!

Curried Cashews or Almonds

Whisk together 6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 6 tablespoons of curry powder and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Coat 6 cups of unsalted nuts. Spread in an even layer on 2 large baking sheets. Bake at 250' F for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and store

Spicy Pistachios

Whisk 6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed orange juice with 6 tablespoons of Chinese 5 spice powder and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Coat 6 cups of raw unsalted pistachios. Spread in an even layer on 2 large baking sheets. Bake at 250' F for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and store.

Chili-lime Peanuts

Whisk 6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lime juice with 6 tablespoons of Chili powder, 1/2-1 teaspoon of Cayenne and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Coat 6 cups of unsalted cocktail peanuts. Spread in an even layer on 2 large baking sheets. Bake at 250' F for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and store.

written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."