Whole Wheat Treats

This is the start of the season for all kinds of treats, from jelly doughnuts to cookies. Unfortunately it also means an abundance of white flour and refined sugar. Ditch those and try something healthier. Think about using whole wheat flour and  different kinds of all natural sweeteners.They will still be yummy delights  but they won't be overloaded with the bad stuff. Everyone will be happy , from you to your little sweet tooths.

,find a good whole wheat flour. One of the best is the King Arthur brand.The company also produces a white flour as well and both are sold on the same grocery  shelf.Another excellent brand is Bob's Red Mill. You can also buy it at your local grocery or at Amazon.com. As for the sweetening, go with  dark honey, molasses or brown sugar. Eggs , surprisingly can be replaced with ground flax seeds which act like binders as well.Just remember that one tablespoon of flax seeds plus three tablespoons of water equals one egg.However if you still want to use eggs , then use organic ones.As for milk if you want to sub in soy almond or rice go ahead or again go  for the organic type.

Baking all naturally ' mean you have to give up family favorites. You can still start Hanukkah with sufganiyot, the traditional holiday jelly doughnut. According to tradition they do have to be fried in oil, however you can sub in healthier ingredients from also adding brown sugar to making a fresh apple mash for the inside. Cookie lovers can still have their faves , from sugar cookies to chocolate chips to oatmeal.For holiday decorating you can use natural food coloring such as beet juice to color the dough or arrange nuts, raisins or cranberries in fancy patterns on the surface before baking. Whole wheat based cupcakes are another treat too.  You can also make a frosting that subs in brown sugar or  for white and confectioners.With this though it's best to use a thicker binder such as an all natural cream cheese.

Holiday treats can be both yummy and healthy.It's easy if you sub in all natural flours and sweeteners  for the refined stuff. It;s a great and wholesome way to celebrate the upcoming festivities.