Save Some Calories with These Frosty Holiday Desserts

There are two ways of looking at cooking and baking. One is to save money which means do-it-yourself methods that are made with love and the other is super convenient foods that may cost a little more but saves precious time. Either way, you can load up with too many calories and sugar if it is for a holiday or just a regular meal.

A lot of people say we eat with our eyes first, so here are some ideas for festive holiday desserts that won't break the bank or expand your waistline too much. One of my favorites which I have used for dinner regularly, are sliced kiwi and strawberries. Since it is Christmas the red and green is appropriate. I would first peel the kiwis and then you just slice them into small rounds. For the strawberries you can get the larger kind, and either slice or halve them. It's better to remove the green stems. I would arrange these on a clear glass or plastic tray in rings alternating red and green. Serve with a cake server and small dessert dishes. People can fill their bowl with the fruit. They will enjoy this and be happy with their healthy choice.

Another fun idea would be to line a cookie sheet with foil. Buy either the large gum drops or smaller gummy candies. From there, you can spell out Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays with the candy. You could also decorate the trays with a small house shaped out of candy or a wreath. Another fun and festive display that the kids will really enjoy eating or helping to make.

If you want to get elegant, go for chocolate covered strawberries. These you can make yourself by dipping a whole stawberry into a pre-made chocolate dip. You can find these ready made at the supermarket as a dip or in a squeeze bottle. From there you can "dress up" your strawberries with a tube of white cake decorating frosting.
Add some buttons and maybe a bow tie in white. You can then shape these on a tray into a large Christmas tree shape. Used some shaved chocolate at the bottom for bark. This will create a wow factor. Also, great to serve with champagne or coffee.

You can also offer hot chocolate either homemade (look for the recipe on a Hershey's Cocoa tin) or make separately with the pre-made envelopes. I would top this with mini marshmallows, the store bought kind in a bag and a candy cane stirrer. Perfect for Christmas Eve !

If you want to go all out, try a Brownie snowball dessert. Just use a brownie, made from scratch or in a box, and add one rounded scoop (use a scooper) on top. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the ice cream to cover it and top with a marachino cherry. This will create a lot of fun. There is no limit to what you can do with a holiday dessert if you make it a festivity. Or, you could combine them all together on a fabulous dessert buffet.