As holiday season approaches, many households will start turning toward the kitchen for holiday gatherings and family dinners. The aftermath of these events usually includes copious amounts of guilt, when you and your family have eaten too much to stay standing. Fear no more: there are many recipes out there that will keep you healthy well into the winter months. Here are some classic, all-natural foods with modifications that make your meals more nutritious.

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE EGGNOG

2 egg yolks
2 egg whites
5 grams stevia powder
2 millimeters maple syrup
200 millimeters almond milk
5 grams nutmeg
5 grams cinnamon
5 millimeters vanilla extract
10 grams cocoa powder
Serves 2.
 
1. In a saucepan, combine almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep.
4. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and stevia until combined.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth.
6. Beat egg whites with 2 grams of stevia until fluffy.
7. When serving, fold in the egg whites and garnish with cinnamon or nutmeg. If desired, rim your glass with crushed peppermint.
 

ALMOND-CRUSTED BROWNIE BARS

125 grams unsalted butter
125 grams dark chocolate, chopped
3 eggs, lightly whisked
335 grams white sugar
115 grams almond flour
30 grams cocoa powder
5 grams vanilla extract
100 grams crushed almonds
5 grams salt
Serves 3-5.
 
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Add enough water to a medium saucepan so that it is five to 10 centimeters deep. Heat water until simmering.
3. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt in a medium bowl. Rest the bowl over the water, and mix until the batter is thick and shiny.
3. Add the almond flour and stir until fully incorporated. Use an electric mixer, if you have one.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into a pan.
5. Coat with a thin layer of crushed almonds.
6. Bake 22-24 minutes until fully cooked.