3 Easy, Tasty Christmas Party Desserts

Many think they have to do without dessert and stress over a dinner party where guests may expect one. Pecan pie is a tradition for many during the holiday season but many are intimidated to try making it. Although there are easy pecan pie recipes available online, there are also other options for Christmas party desserts.

A spice cake is one option for an easy dessert and it can be frosted or left unfrosted for serving. In one bowl combine a cup of sour cream, a cup of sugar and 2 lightly beaten eggs. In another combine 1 ½ cups sifted flour, a teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, a teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves and ground nutmeg. Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and add ¼ cup chopped nuts or raisins. Pour into a greased and floured 8x8 pan and bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely and frost if desired.

Another easy dessert can be made in even less time. take four ripe peaches, halved and pitted and place in a greased 8x8 dish, pitted side up. Dot the centers with a little butter, cover with foil and bake at 375F for 15 minutes. While that is baking beat 2 room temperature egg whites and 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks are formed when you remove the mixer. Add in three tablespoons of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in ½ cup crumbled coconut macaroons. Divide the mixture between each with about a heaping tablespoon allowed on each half. Return to the oven for about 6-8 minutes, uncovered. Easy to make and best served warm with a small scoop of ice cream if desired.

Easy, tasty, healthy and low calorie - sounds impossible right? Not so! Thaw a 10 ounce package of frozen raspberries and puree in a blender. Press through a sieve and discard seeds. Divide a pint of washed and hulled strawberries among 4 dessert dishes and spoon the sauce over them. The sauce can also be used over peaches, low fat ice cream or pound cake.

Using basic ingredients and simple desserts it doesn't have to mean all afternoon in the kitchen. Easy can also be tasty! Don't deny desserts - embrace them!