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Thread: healthy sweets please?

  1. #1
    ChocolatBlanc's Avatar
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    Default healthy sweets please?

    I am positively ADDICTED to all sorts of horrible goodies, like chocolate and cookies and soy ice cream. I really need to eat more healthful things, but I have such a monumental sweet tooth! So I'd appreciate any ideas for some healthier desserts... preferably utilizing the natural sweetness of fruit? I've only thought of vanilla soy yogurt, broiled mangoes, and frozen bananas.
    Any thoughts? Thanks!

  2. #2
    I eve's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Why not eat the mangoes in their natural state - really yummy. The same with bananas, what's the point of messing around with fruit to make them taste sweeter, aren't they sweet enough? Having a pear, or a mango, or a banana for dessert is great.
    Eve

  3. #3
    Ratbag Cal's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Dried fruit is very sweet, for example dates and figs.
    A bit rattled

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Dried fruits are very delicious... sweet, healthy and cheap
    I'm fond of dried figs and dates. Actually, even my grandmother and cousin started to eat them instead of cakes or other sweets with milk and eggs.

  5. #5
    ChocolatBlanc's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    hmm, I actually don't like mangoes raw... but then I'm a bit weird.... but maybe I should aim to ask for sweet recipes that do not involve sugar/chocolate, because I really enjoy cooking and doing different stuff with food. And I guess I will try some dried fruit...

  6. #6
    I eve's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Life's easier for raw vegans, ChocolatBlanc!
    Eve

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    I think dried dates have a kind of caramel taste, well, OK, they're not quite as good as that but they are nice. Some berries have a nice sweet taste too.

    How about boiled sweets? They're low fat even though they're full of sugar, it's just your teeth you need to watch out for! If you can't live without chocolate, then you could always compromise by dipping cherries and mandarin segments etc into melted carob or something. If you're anything like me though, you'll just eat all the carob then have a bit fruit after.

  8. #8
    Kiva Dancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Healthy sweets, eh?

    how about:

    grilled pineapple
    grilled plumbs
    grilled peaches
    fruit compote
    frozen berries
    frozen grapes
    sorbets/Italian ices/Granitas (with fruit puree)
    fruit salad
    fruity yogert
    fruity soy icecream
    baked fruit

    That's all I can think up for now.
    It's vegan, which means it's vegetarian which means there's nothing unheathy in it. -- my guy trying to explain vegan junkfood.

  9. #9

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    baked fruit
    I forgot about that! Baked cooking apples are delicious stuffed with figs and they only take about 15 minutes in the oven. Nice and sweet and you don't have to feel quilty about eating them.

  10. #10
    Melissa assilembob's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    I have a recipe for some very low cal, low fat healthy cookies if you are interested (and they are chocolate which is the only bad thing in them!)
    ~Mel

    "Sweet songs the youth, the wise, the meaning of all wisdom...to believe in the good in man" - Legend

  11. #11
    Goddess foxytina_69's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    i would like that recipe assilembob
    "you dont have to be tall to see the moon" - african proverb

  12. #12
    RockyRaccoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    If you don't fancy fruit, how about Marzipan Balls -

    Mix ground almonds with a little maple syrup and roll into little balls.

    This usually satisfies my sweet cravings. The good thing is it's easy to just make a few at a time so you don't end up eating loads in one session (which is what happens with a packet of biscuits!! )
    "He who binds himself to a Joy, Does the winged life destroy;
    He who kisses the Joy as it flies, Lives in Eternity's sunrise"
    William Blake

  13. #13
    Melissa assilembob's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Quote foxytina_69
    i would like that recipe assilembob
    1/2 c. applesauce
    1/2 c. unrefined cane sugar
    2 T. light molasses
    1 T. blackstrap molasses
    5 T. silken tofu (pureed, firm)
    1 T. vanilla extract
    2 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
    1/2 t. baking soda
    1/4 t. salt
    2 c. chocolate chips

    1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
    2. "cream" the sugar, applesauce and molasses (doesn't really cream but becomes mush) Add tofu puree and vanilla and beat about 1 minute
    3. Mix flour, soda and salt in small bowl, add to "creamed" mixture, blend in all flour.
    4. Fold in chocolate chips
    5. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake 8-10 minutes

    modifications = if you don't mind a little fat some vegan margarine (1 cup) can go in place of 1/4 c. applesauce. This will make them more crisp on the edges. With just the applesauce they are very soft and yummy.
    Healthy (ish) modification = grind 1/8 c. flaxseeds and add them to cookies and add 1 c. coco powder for a chocolate, chocolate cookie!

    YAY for healthier cookies. And they are suprisingly good.
    Be careful of the consistancy of the batter, as you may need more or less flour.

    ~Mel
    ~Mel

    "Sweet songs the youth, the wise, the meaning of all wisdom...to believe in the good in man" - Legend

  14. #14
    ChocolatBlanc's Avatar
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    Default

    Thanks for these ideas, everyone! (I will try that cookie recipe, assilembob!) I am quite happy as I have now learned to greatly enjoy dried fruits and sorbets and such, instead of wolfing down chocolate soy ice cream by the pint.

  15. #15
    snaffler's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Go confidently in the direction of your dreams

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Date & coconut rolls are my weakness - lucky for me they are nutritionally sound

    Oh and I reckon that dates are BETTER than caramel - I love them. They are great filled with nut butter too

  17. #17

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Fruit smoothies! You can use soft tofu, soy/rice/almond milk, or orange juice and any combo or fruit. I use frozen berries and bananas. If I don't use banana, I add a little bit of some type of sweetener.

  18. #18
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Hmm, some people already mentioned frozen fruit but frozen banana is my absolute favourite. I peel a banana & cut it in half (across its circumference not lengthways). I brush with lemon/lime juice, stick a paddlepop stick in the end & freeze them. When frozen they can be eaten just like icecreams - yum!

    I also love dried figs, dates, & apricots.

    A glass of regular soy or rice milk with vanilla essence stirred into it is also good as you get the vanilla flavour without having to buy a specialty product that is full of sugar.

    I also like fruit breads too (baked with sultanas etc in the dough). I eat them toasted with no spreads on them at all. I find they are sweet enough with the fruit in them.

    Diana
    akaredarcher
    If I didn't say it, don't assume it.

  19. #19

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Chop a banana (or 10) and freeze it. Chuck it in the blender/food processor with blueberries, strawberries or plums. It comes out life soft-serve ice-cream and is way tastier than soy ice-cream.

    What about an apple sprinkled with walnuts, cinammon and maple syrup?

    I've posted this before but grind some almonds (maybe 2/3 cup) in a food processor with a heaped tablespoon of carob powder (don't overdo it) add as many soft dates as you need to get it moist (maybe 4 or 5) so it can be rolled into balls. Add a bit of water or coconut/flax oil to mix with the carol powers. Shape them into balls and roll them in coconut. They're nice frozen too.

    Sometimes I put in a bit of vanilla or instant coffee.

    I took them to work once (how was I so unselfish) and everybody loved them and asked me for the recipe.

    BTW, have tried making them with other nuts - almonds are best.

  20. #20

    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Just take,

    Peanuts
    Almonds(Optional)
    Cashew
    Dates
    Raisin
    Pinch of Cardamom Powder

    Ground them in a mixture, then bind them together in to small balls. No need to refrigerate.

    You can put cashew and Pistachio on the top of it for decorating it.

    I call it "Raw Vegan Energy Laddu"

    Manish Jain

  21. #21
    feral
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    *feral fights the urge to lick the lappy screen*






    *fails and reaches for the kitchen roll*

  22. #22
    GoodbyeGirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    from Cafe Vietnam

    i know it sounds strange to have beans in your dessert, but trust me that these are sweet and delicious.
    the secret of success here is to have a pliable dough and to press it as thin as possible without tearing. the syrup is extremely sweet, but the heat of the ginger and the richness of the coconut milk combine for a delicious experience.

    sweet dumplings in ginger syrup

    filling:
    2/3 c dried yellow beans or 1/2 c split peas, soaked overnight
    1 T vegetable oil (ideally oil in which shallots have been deep fried)
    1 t sugar

    dough:
    5 c rice flour

    syrup:
    2 3/4 c sugar
    1 T shredded fresh ginger

    coconut sauce:
    1 3/4 c coconut milk
    2 t sugar
    pinch of sea salt
    8 t cornstarch mixed with 8 t water

    topping:
    3 T white sesame seeds

    to make the filling, cook the beans or peas in boiling water for about 45-60 minutes or until very soft. drain and mash. add the oil and sugar to create a thick paste. set aside.
    put the rice flour in a bowl and make a well in the center. gradually add enough warm water to make a smooth, pliable dough (about 2 cups). take small chunks of dough and flatten each into a palm-sized circle. place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle and spueeze together the edges at the top to make a ball. discard excess dough to avoid thick overlaps (use these pieces to make small balls with no stuffing)
    add the dumplings to a pan of boiling water. they will rise to the surface when they are cooked, about 15-20 minutes. drain and plunge immediately into cold water. drain again.
    for the syurp combine the sugar, ginger, and 1 quart of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
    in another pan bring the coconut milk to a boil. add the sugar and salt, then slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring until just thickened. the sauce should be quite runny. to serve, place one or two large dumplings and a few small ones in each bowl. pour hot ginger syrup over the top, add 1-2 T of hot coconut sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

  23. #23

    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    drools uncontrollably.....

  24. #24
    mango woman
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    not sure if it's been said or not, but you can dip bananas in just about anything: fruit preserves, shredded coconut, melted [vegan] chocolate, ground flaxseed, some sort of agave nectar or 'cinnamon sugar' would even be good. mmmmm. dried fruit, dates stuffed with a certain nut butter [all are good- the key is making the nut butter yourself.. the work will be worth the two little stuffed dates, and you won't want to bother making any more.. lol] alright ill stop im sure ive repeated a bunch, but im too lazy to read much right now. heh.

  25. #25
    FrekzRocker
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    I like to eat fried bananas ... they're quite good. Just put a little vegan margarine in a pan, add a banana sliced in half longways ... simmer until it's a little brown ... and it's actually really good. I don't know that this is particularly healthy - but it's better than chocolate, I would assume!

  26. #26
    Eating Wildflower's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    I don't think chocolate is that bad for you.

    If you get a very dark chocolate, it is low in sugar and high in anti-oxidents.

    Chocolate is high in fat, but recent studies have shown that your body actually converts the saturated fat in chocolate to unsaturated fat. Other studies have shown eating one ounce of dark chocolate a day reduces blood pressure.

    I personally think it is better to eat a small amount of dark chocolate as a sweet, then most lower fat/high sugar things.

    If you don't find fruit sweet enough, try adding some shredded coconut, chopped/ground nuts, spices (cinnamin, anise, cardamon) and spirits (brandy, amaretto, rum, etc) and it will balalance it out/change the taste to something that doesn't need to be as sweet, but actually is a very sweet dessert.

    For sweets I like fresh fruit and dark chocolate. I do love medjool dates (VERY sweet!) and coconut date rolls.

  27. #27
    Haniska's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Oatmeal pudding.
    I made this today, on a whim.
    Puree 1 cup of kidney beans with 4 cups of water until smooth (sorry, I didn't use all of it so reduce the recipe or increase as needed or desired)
    Place 1 cup of mixture, 1/3 cup of oatmeal, 1/4 cup of raisins and a dash of cinnamon in a pot and cook up like oatmeal.
    Voila! I'm trying to get off of sugar and am now in the phase where I am allowing fruit. Very sweet besides, enjoy! And no, the kidney beans are not too weird.
    it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble

  28. #28
    Haniska's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Fried plantains too! You can buy them in the freezer section of the supermarket! :lazy:
    it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble

  29. #29

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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    rasins taste sweet on their own

  30. #30
    Mermaid07's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    A banana with peanut butter or any other nut butter is delicious!

  31. #31
    rantipole's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    The cookies from Alternative Baking Company are sweet and delicious--although probably not that good for you.

    Smoothies are a wonderful healthy sweet. Here's one of my favorites:

    1 container raspberry or blueberry soy yogurt
    handful of frozen blueberries
    handful of frozen raspberries
    a few frozen blackberries
    about 1/3 cup cold vanilla rice milk (more or less to reach your desired thickness)
    2-3 fresh mint leaves

    Blend for at least 3 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Dried gingers chunks with sugar are delicious, sweet and spicy, and fairly healthy.

    I like to spread peanut butter on apple slices for a tasty midnight snack.

    Cheers,
    rant
    "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." --Yoda

  32. #32
    AR Activist Roxy's Avatar
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    I know it's best to eat fresh fruit, but a little while ago I tried some canned peach & mango pieces over brown rice. I took it cold, for a snack at work. Yummmm! It tasted like a pudding.

  33. #33
    mango woman
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    Default Re: healthy sweets please?

    Those cookies from ABC are the DEVIL. there are so many calories and bad fats in them..






    but they taste soooooooooooooooo good.. i don't allow myself to try them anymore.. this way i've forgotten just HOW good they are.. and that kind of keeps me from eating them. heh.


    What if you fried bananas [or plantains.. which would be better?] in coconut oil? [because coconut oil is good for you right?]

    Here is my dilemma...



    I tried to make carob covered almonds the other day.. and really they turned out like super hard almond carob brittle or something.. i want to find a good recipe with minimal ingredients. i have the carob powder, and then raw organic almonds.. any suggestions?

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