Published December 18th, 2020

Feel that chill in the air, LIV Fam? It’s time to bring out the delicious holiday treats! Winter often stirs up memories of our favorite childhood recipes from parties past, and while we all may celebrate different holidays, most of us have one thing in common during this season: the joy of eating our favorite seasonal goodies. Especially at the end of a hard year, it’s important to spread happiness to those we hold dear (doesn’t that sound like a holiday jingle?). If you aren’t able to spend quality time with your loved ones this year, whipping up something delicious for them is a great way to say “Happy Holidays”, or just show someone you care. Keep reading for tried and true seasonal recipes with LIV-approved healthy twists! 

Cran-Apple Ginger Crisp

Looking for a light and fruity alternative to all those heavy pies and rich chocolates? Look no further than this healthier take on traditional apple crisp. The most indulgent ingredient in this recipe is a small amount of butter, and even that can be subbed for your favorite (possibly plant-based?) alternative! 

Your guests will delight in the warming ginger, while the cranberries create a tart, eye-catching finish. Crumble that brown sugar and oats over the top and you’re good to go! 

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter on low heat in a medium pot. Add oats, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and a pinch of the cinnamon. Cook for 5-8 minutes or just long enough for the oats to start toasting. Remove from stove, transfer to a mixing bowl, and set aside.

Add apples, cranberries, brown sugar, remaining maple syrup, and 1 tsp cinnamon to a second large mixing bowl. Whisk together orange juice and cornstarch before adding to the apple mixture. Transfer mixture into an ovenproof dish and bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with oat topping. Don’t forget to let it cool. The result will be crispy, crunchy, tangy, and warm—you can’t go wrong!

Butterless Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread is a type of traditional Scottish biscuit (what Americans call a “cookie”), and during the holidays, that buttery crunch has no comparison. Perfect with a cup of black tea, or better yet, a glass of Apple Pie Hydration Multiplier! If you’re trying to stay on the healthier side this season, but can’t get enough of that classic cookie crunch, we’ve got just the recipe for you. The almond flour in this recipe has more nutrients than plain old bleached white flour and  would you believe us if we said this recipe DOESN’T include any butter? Yep, that’s right, this shortbread recipe is vegan, versatile, and only calls for three ingredients. Try customizing the flavor by adding one tsp of almond, lemon, or vanilla extract while mixing. Anything goes here!

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl with a spatula and hands. (DO NOT use a mixer. This dough should be crumbly!) On a lined baking sheet, separate dough into small, spoon-sized balls, and flatten with the tines of a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes, let cool, then enjoy with a hot cup of tea!

Waffle Iron Za’atar Latkes

Latkes are a winter favorite in the Jewish tradition, and the best part is, they taste great with any meal! Think hashbrown meets potato fritter—but better. Latkes are always an A+ addition to the dinner table, but if you feel like being adventurous, try this Middle Eastern-inspired recipe with za’atar seasoning. Za’atar is a tangy and zesty blend of spices that’s sure to delight your taste buds. (To mix up a za’atar blend in a snap, click here.) Plus, by using a waffle iron instead of the traditional oil-in-frying-pan-approach, this recipe offers a healthier take on the holiday classic. 

Directions: Use a box grater to shred potatoes and carrots. Dice onion and mince garlic clove. Beat eggs and combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Preheat your waffle iron, coat with your choice of nonstick cooking spray, and add mixture in batches. Cook each batch of latkes for 4-5 minutes and serve hot with your favorite toppings! 

Topping options: Chives, sour cream, and/or applesauce

Tangy NYE Mocktail

Mocktails have been made more popular over the past couple of years, and for good reason—they’re a healthier and more inclusive alternative to cocktails (plus, they’re delicious)! For an extra boost of good vibes, mix up a stick of Energy Multiplier. Its sweet yet zesty lemon mixes with a subtle hint of citrus ginger to compliment the mocktail’s blood orange juice. Time to ring in the new year! 

Directions: Muddle mint in a cocktail shaker or serving glass. Combine blood orange juice, lemon juice, and 1 stick of Energy Multiplier in cocktail shaker. Shake well. Pour into a glass of your choice and garnish with mint leaves. Sip, serve, and Energize!

It’s fun to take traditions and make them our own, wouldn’t you agree, LIV Fam? Experiment with your favorite recipes and you might just find something new to add to your yearly holiday menu. Do you love these lighter takes on the classics, or have some original ideas of your own? Tag us @liquidiv with pics of whatever you whip up!