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Back to the December Issue
The UCookbook:
I like to use stevia, which is a zero calorie sweetener that comes from the stevia plant, therefore it is all-natural, and is not made up of chemicals like Splenda® or Equal®. I also enjoy using agave as a sweetener as well. This comes from an agave plant, and is a syrup or nectar and can be used in plenty of baking recipes.
-Maria D., Elmhurst College When baking I tend to use applesauce as a substitute for sugar and coconut oil instead of canola oil/vegetable oil.
-Sheba C., Pennsylvania State University I try to avoid sugars and stick to things that are naturally sweet such as fruit (especially bananas). When I do use sweeteners I use honey, agave, or stevia, and sometimes real maple syrup for treats.
-Stephanie L., George Fox University
-Tecia P., Life University
-Husang L., University of Florida I love to make smoothies using fresh fruit, plain Greek yogurt, spinach, kale, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Though some of the ingredients are a bit strange, it makes for a delicious and nutritious smoothie! The more fruit you use, the sweeter it will be.
-Melanie S., Xavier University
Back to the December Issue
The UCookbook:
A Sweet Tooth Without Added Sugar
- Peanut Butter Pie
- Vegan Banana Ice Cream
- Healthy Candied Apples
- Zero Calorie Sweetner
- Applesauce: Substitute Sweetner
- More Substitute Sweetners
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
- No-Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Sugar-Free Apple Dessert
- Granola
- Yogurt Parfait
- Three-Step Pumpkin Pie
- Real Fruit Popsicles
- Nutritious Smoothie
Brynn makes no-cook peanut butter pie. (MP4, 03:32)
Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients For The Crust:- 4 pitted dates
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- pinch of salt
- 3 bananas
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup organic virgin coconut oil
- Honey or stevia extract, to taste
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- Combine all crust ingredients in a food processor or blender. Press mixture into a 7-inch pie plate. Set aside.
- Combine all filling ingredients in a food processor or blender until evenly combined. Pour into the pie crust and refrigerate until chilled.
Vegan Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients:- Frozen bananas
- Vanilla Extract
- Mash the frozen bananas using a food processor until the consistency is similar to that of soft-serve ice cream. If there are any banana chunks left, use a blender to process them further. Once the bananas have reached your desired consistency, add the vanilla extract and any other 'add-ins' that you like, such as chocolate chips or blueberries.
Karlene creates 'caramel' apples. (MP4, 02:08)
Healthy Candied Apples
Ingredients:- Apples, cored and cut into slices
- Dates, pitted
- Cacao nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts
- Puree the dates in a food processor until they become a smooth paste.
- Skewer the apple slices and spread the date puree on all sides. Cover the slices with your desired toppings. Cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and chopped nuts are recommended.
More Recipes
I like to use stevia, which is a zero calorie sweetener that comes from the stevia plant, therefore it is all-natural, and is not made up of chemicals like Splenda® or Equal®. I also enjoy using agave as a sweetener as well. This comes from an agave plant, and is a syrup or nectar and can be used in plenty of baking recipes.
-Maria D., Elmhurst College When baking I tend to use applesauce as a substitute for sugar and coconut oil instead of canola oil/vegetable oil.
-Sheba C., Pennsylvania State University I try to avoid sugars and stick to things that are naturally sweet such as fruit (especially bananas). When I do use sweeteners I use honey, agave, or stevia, and sometimes real maple syrup for treats.
-Stephanie L., George Fox University
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
Try a fresh fruit and vegetable smoothie: banana, apple, spinach/kale, carrots, strawberries, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and either orange juice or coconut milk.-Tecia P., Life University
No-Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal
Ingredients- 3/4 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour (Or make your own by blending oats in a food processor until they become powder. Measure after blending.)
- 1//4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 cup xylitol (a natural sugar substitute)
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (or sweet potato puree)
- 2 to 2 1/2 Tbsp. milk of choice, as needed
- 1 Tbsp. oil (omit if desired, but I can’t vouch for the results)
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch pumpkin pie spice and/or handful mini chocolate chips
- Combine all ingredients in a pot. Cook as per quick oat instructions.
Sugar-Free Apple Dessert
Ingredients- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 4-6 sugar-free graham crackers, crushed
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- Mix apples with cornstarch and cinnamon. Put in glass baking dish. Pour apple juice over, dot with butter. Put cracker crumbs on top. Bake at 350? Fahrenheit for 1 hour or until apples are tender.
Granola
Ingredients- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup honey
- 1/8 cup cranberries
- Stir honey into the oats and cranberries. Place the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Place in oven at 400? Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then stir. Cook until crunchy. For a sweeter and crunchier consistency use more honey, for less sweetness use less honey.
Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients- 1/4 cup raisin granola
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek-style has more protein and a thicker texture)
- 1/2 cup favorite fruit (seasonal is preferred)
- Layer yogurt and fruit into a cup and then top it off with granola.
Three-Step Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients- 1 3/4 cups cooked pumpkin (15 oz. can)
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. maple flavoring
- 1/2 tsp. coriander
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh peeled or dried ginger (optional)
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture into an unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
- Tip: For a lower-fat version, use 1/2 can coconut milk with 1/2 can of water or 2 cups soy or nut milk.
-Husang L., University of Florida I love to make smoothies using fresh fruit, plain Greek yogurt, spinach, kale, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Though some of the ingredients are a bit strange, it makes for a delicious and nutritious smoothie! The more fruit you use, the sweeter it will be.
-Melanie S., Xavier University
