A Guide to a Natural and Healthier Cookie Jar

Healthier Cookie Jar Great Resources 

The upcoming holidays are especially exciting because of all the delicious meals and treats that are in store for us, but worrying about special diets and allergies may get in the way of traditional family recipes. Let this be a little guide on where to find natural and healthy alternatives that may put the perfect spin on your holiday specialties!

With cookies and cakes on the brain, there are many different types of flours that may be used if certain allergies or intolerances are a problem. There are several options that could be used to get those yummy treats rising; a few places that carry these include: Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and Vitacost. Flours have different textures and flavors, so, it is recommended to purchase a gluten free baking cookbook to know what flours work best with certain desserts.

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/popular-gluten-freecasein-free-products/

Along with the mixing preparations, some of the special decorations may contain unwanted chemicals. Often times, food coloring is a way to enhance the treats, but, unfortunately, the dyes may have many potentially harmful substances. These can be avoided by making your own food coloring, here’s how: http://nourishingjoy.com/homemade-natural-food-dyes/

If you’re looking for dye free toppings (like sprinkles and sugars) you can find them in a variety of colors from India Tree! This brand is sold online and in many health food stores. Need a chocolate spread (frosting) check out Pascha Choclolate, they have a line of chocolate spreads made from concentrated fruit and 100% unsweetened chocolate, that are free from nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy eggs, wheat and gluten. They also carry organic white and chocolate baking chips.

Cooking with Kids- Holiday Foodie Fun- Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters

Another “must-have” of the upcoming season is candy, of course. There are several stores online that sell natural and chemical free products. Some of these stores include: Natural Candy Store, Yummy Earth, Giambri’s Quality Sweets, and SunSpire. While the candies are from natural components, it’s still important to look over the ingredients given that allergies vary.

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/gift-ideas-for-those-on-special-diets/

Regardless of diets and allergies, the holidays are meant to bring everyone together. Learning new things, and trying new foods, is a great way to bond and create holiday traditions that will carry on for years to come.

Image Courtesy: OakleyOriginals

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/benefits-of-special-diets-for-special-needs-children/

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/hacks-for-stress-free-cookie-decorating-with-kids/

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/holiday-help-things-i-found-to-be-helpful/

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