The holidays are a time to enjoy some sweets with friends and family. These festive dessert recipes include some nutritious ingredients for those who want healthier alternatives. Enjoy!

Gozinaki, Georgian Honey Walnut Brittle

Ingredients:

3 cups of raw walnuts (or other nuts, such as hazelnuts)
1 cup of good quality natural honey
1 tablespoon of sugar

Preparation:
Toast the walnuts in an ungreased pan on low heat. Stir them occasionally to avoid burning until the edges become a golden color. Set aside. When cool, remove husks by hand and chop the walnuts into very small pieces. Set aside.

Pour the honey into a thick-bottomed pan on low heat, stirring a few times with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil and stir constantly to avoid burning. The honey should boil for 8 to 10 minutes before adding the sugar for texture. Continue stirring for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.

Turn off the heat and add the chopped walnuts. Mix to fully incorporate the walnuts.

Moisten a wooden cutting board and wooden spoon with water. Pour the honey-walnut mixture onto moist board. Using the moist spoon, spread the mixture into a half-inch rectangular. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the brittle into 2-inch diamond shapes or other shapes. Do not refrigerate the brittle; keep at room temperature. The brittle is best if eaten within a week.

25 servings, approximately 2” each
105 calories per piece

Gozinaki is a traditional dessert and snack from the country of Georgia. My mom made this for us on New Year’s Eve to symbolize the hopes and wishes for a sweet and healthy new year ahead. She instilled in me the love for cooking and appreciation for good quality ingredients. Now I make and enjoy Gozinaki all year round and I serve it on both the January first New Year’s day and the “old” New Year, celebrated on January 14 in Georgia.
– Ekaterine, Senior Immigration Specialist

Date and Nut Rolls—No Sugar Added

Ingredients
1 teaspoon butter, plus more for hands
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup cashews, chopped
1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
Pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
Pinch of saffron (optional)
2 tablespoons coconut, coarsely chopped

PREPARATION

Place the butter and chopped dates into a frying pan over medium heat. Mix continuously until soft. Remove from the heat. Add the almonds, cashews, pistachios to the dates along with the cardamom and saffron to enhance the flavor if you are using. Mix well while dates are still warm. You may use your hands for the best results. Once mixed, divide the mixture in half with your hands coated with a bit of butter. Place the two halves on a cutting board and roll into two long logs.

Spread the coconut on the cutting board and roll each long in the coconut to cover. Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours. Once chilled, unwrap, place on the cutting board and slice each log into half-inch slices.

Nutritional Information for Entire Recipe
Approximately 1,431 calories
Carbohydrates: 144.8 grams
Fat: 78.6 grams
Protein: 33 grams

When we celebrate Diwali, I make these rolls as it is a sweet with simple and natural ingredients that gets its sweetness from the dates and no sugar. Our guests as well as my family members love them.
–Punita, Finance Manager, Network Operations, Corporate Office

Avocado Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour
6 tablespoons of cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, optional
1/4 cup of yogurt
3/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of avocado, mashed
2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease an eight-inch square or round pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and chocolate chips if using, and stir very well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all remaining wet ingredients.

Pour wet into dry, and stir until just combined, being sure not to over-mix. Pour the batter into the greased pan.

Bake 25 minutes or until batter has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 Servings
221 calories per serving

Recipe submitted by Jane Maksoud, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mount Sinai Health System

From jack-o’-lanterns to pumpkin pies and pumpkin spice lattes, there is no question that pumpkins are a fall favorite. But you might not realize that pumpkins and other squashes are also a fruit loaded with nutrients that have a number of benefits for your health.

Taylor Stein, RD

In this Q&A, Taylor Stein, MS, RD, CDN, Associate Researcher and Registered Dietitian at The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains why you should be eating pumpkin and suggests some easy ways to incorporate it into your diet.

What are the health benefits of pumpkin?

Pumpkins are a squash that are high in beta-carotene, which gives them their bright orange color. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential to immune system health, vision, reproductive health, growth and development for children, and healthy skin function. Eating high amounts of vitamin A is associated with reduced risks for some types of cancers because it has a role in cell growth. Generally, it’s important to have adequate or even higher intakes of vitamin A. Pumpkin and other squashes are also a good source of fiber and are low in carbohydrates. Categorized as a starch, squashes are similar to sweet potatoes, but contain about one third of the amount of carbohydrates, and contain other benefits, including vitamin C and potassium. Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of magnesium and other nutrients that are good for your immune system, heart, bones, muscles, nerves, and blood sugar.

What are the benefits of canned pumpkin versus whole pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin does not come from the same pumpkins used to make jack-o’-lanterns. Carving pumpkins are bred for their appearance and are not very flavorful. Canned pumpkin is a more flavorful puree intended for cooking and baking, and is not strictly made from pumpkin. Rather, it is a blend of different types of pumpkins and squashes that are more flavorful and have a creamier texture (for example, Dickinson pumpkin and some butternut squashes, depending on the brand). While the texture and taste are different from whole pumpkin, the nutritional value remains similar. In fact, canned pumpkin is even higher in fiber than whole pumpkin because much of the water has been removed.

What are some easy ways to incorporate pumpkin into my diet?

You can easily blend canned pumpkin into soups, dips, and sauces. Since it has a creamy texture, it can be a healthy substitute for ingredients in baking recipes, such as heavy cream. However, just because you add pumpkin doesn’t make it healthy if the recipe is high in sugar and fat, so be mindful of other ingredients you are using.

Whole pumpkins and other fresh squashes can be prepared similarly to sweet potatoes and make a delicious and healthy side dish, salad add on, or breakfast hash. You can eat carving pumpkins. But “baking pumpkins” (also known as “pie pumpkins” as they can be used to make pumpkin pies) and other squashes sold at most grocery stores and famers markets in the fall have better texture and flavor.

The easiest way to prepare pumpkins is to roast them. Don’t be afraid to try different types of squash, even if they are oddly shaped or colored. The skins are the one characteristic that tends to vary, and some skins may be too tough to eat, but the taste and nutritional value of the flesh are similar.

How long do pumpkins last, and when are they unsafe to eat?

September through November is when squash are generally sold, but they can last a long time if you store them well in a cool, dark space—about 50 to 60 degrees. Do not eat pumpkins you have carved, especially if they have been sitting out, or any squash that show signs of mold or rot.

These three salads are high in nutrition and low in calories. Whether you eat them as a light lunch or a healthy side dish, they’re perfect on a warm day. Enjoy!

Pear and Arugula Salad

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons shallots, minced
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
5 cups arugula
2 Bosc pears, thinly sliced
1/4 cups walnuts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cups fresh basil, finely chopped

Preparation:

Whisk shallots, vinegar, olive oil and Dijon mustard in a small bowl for dressing. Set aside. Place arugula, basil, and pears in a large bowl, add dressing and toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. To serve, place one and a half cups salad on a plate and sprinkle a tablespoon of walnuts.

Entire Recipe:

168 calories per serving
Makes four servings

Fresh Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

5 large ripe tomatoes, cut in 1/3- inch thick slices
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled or sliced
1 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cups Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation:

Place sliced tomatoes in a large bowl. Top with onion slices. Whisk the olive oil and vinegar, add dressing to the bowl. Add the feta cheese, Kalamata olives and parsley. Toss gently and serve.

Entire Recipe:

170 calories per serving
Makes six servings

Roasted Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

8 oz roasted chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/2 cups red seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cups green apple, diced
1/2 cups celery chopped
2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cups walnuts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijion mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl for dressing. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine roasted chicken, grapes, apple, and celery. Add dressing and mix together. To serve, top with walnuts.

Entire Recipe:

1 1/4 cups serving has 132 calories
Makes two servings

Low in calories and high in fiber, kale is a nutritious, and tasty, superfood. Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier, or both, these kale salads are a great way to reach your goal. Enjoy!

Kale Caesar Salad

Ingredients

1 bunch kale
1 bunch romaine lettuce
1 lemon, juiced
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/3 cup oil (olive oil, other vegetable oil)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper

Preparation

Rinse and dry the kale and lettuce. Place in a large salad bowl and set aside. To make the dressing, in a separate bowl or jar whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, and oil. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Mix again. Pour dressing over the greens. Toss gently to mix well without bruising the lettuce.

Serves six

Nutritional Information per Serving
Approximately 648 calories
Fat: 71.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 3.8 grams
Protein: 2.3 grams

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 large bunches (1 1/2 lbs) Tuscan kale, center stem removed and leaves thinly sliced
12 ounces of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and finely grated or shredded
1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon of the olive oil
1 cup pecorino cheese, finely grated

Preparation

The dressing, greens, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and greens separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature.

For the dressing: Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. After letting the ingredients rest, slowly whisk the remaining olive oil into the lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of the oil into a small skillet and heat on medium-high. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel lined plate, and sprinkle almonds lightly with salt. Set aside.

Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Set aside.

To assemble: Add dressing and cheese to the kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds. Toss and serve.

10 servings
154 calories per serving

Kale and Romaine Salad With Lemon Dijon Dressing

Ingredients

Salad
1 head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
2 cups kale, washed, dried, and chopped
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 lemon
Ground pepper to taste

Dressing

2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
1 clove of garlic, finely minced

Preparation

Add Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a mixing bowl, whisk together. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the garlic. Let the dressing sit and marinade for 30 minutes or longer before using. Place the chopped romaine and kale in a large salad bowl. Pour the salad dressing over the greens and toss. Add the grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and toss again. Season with pepper.

Makes 4 serving

130 calories per serving