It is common knowledge that veggies are savory in flavor while fruits are sweet. However, limiting these healthy additions to one category is doing them a huge disservice.
That sweets can go into savory dishes is no surprise to most people, but many have not yet expolored the vast possibilities that savory veggies bring to sweet desserts and treats.
The reality is, garden fresh veggies make sweet treats and desserts healthy additions to our menu’s.
There are quite a few veggies that easily shift/cross-over. Carrots are likely the most recognized since most of us have enjoyed this as the “star veggie” in Carrot Cake. Another favorite often found around the holidays, is Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie, both being long-time holiday traditions in households spanning the globe.
This post is going to focus on another veggie that brings desserts up a level, adding nutritional value to all recipes it graces.
Savory to Sweet –
That veggie is Spinach. Spinach has been a star and used for many generations in savory dishes. But its time to expand the nutritional reach of this super veggie and the best way to do that is to use it to pump nutrition into our desserts and treats.
For those that have never tried to use this dark green healthy veggie in sweet dishes, this is definitely a “sweet surprise.”
With a bit of imagination and the addition of a few other healthy ingredients, spinach becomes the star player gracing sweet dishes as well as savory ones. Adding a boost of healthy nutrients spinach transforms our otherwise not so healthy sweet treats or desserts desserts that are actually good for us! And, the best part of all? The guilt associated with eating sweet desserts and treats is eliminated and replaced with joyful eating!
Spinach Coconut Bars
- BASE
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid
- 1-2 cups spinach leaves
- TOPPING
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Place all ingredients into food processor and process until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spoon into a small dish or pan and place in freezer while you make the topping.
- In small saucepan, gently melt coconut oil and honey over low heat. Remove from
- heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over chilled bottom layer and return
- to the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is hardened. Cut
- into bars
Isn’t it time to begin introducing these too long ignored nutrient-dense super-star ingredients into all your dishes…including your desserts?
For more delicious, nutritious desserts and treats –
“Blended Bites”
Inside you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…
For more tools and resources from Carolyn Hansen to assist you in attaining your health and fitness goals please visit:
Carolyn Hansen Fitness
