Do you have a family recipe that has been passed down through the branches of your family tree, or shared amongst friends and colleagues? Those special ones that you wait all year for – maybe a fruitcake your mum makes, buttery shortbread from an aunty, or rocky road from a kindred spirit… Homemade Christmas gifts are a gorgeous tradition that we love. We wanted to put together a fresh take on festive treats to lighten up the festive indulgence, with some healthier suggestions for you to share. Homemade gifts are perfect for everyone – Workmates, teachers, or for those who have everything!
Ideas include a jar of our Grain Free Nut Muesli, Nut Butter, Fruity Gummies or Walnut and Nettle Pesto, or pop a batch of Pear, Oat and Dark Chocolate Lunchbox Squares in a gorgeous tin. Layer the ingredients of a favourite recipe such as energy balls or a chai tea mix into a jar for a make-your-own gift (great for kids that are into cooking!). Get creative and add some seasonal ingredients to your recipes such as some dried cranberries or cherries to mueslis and baked goods, spice nut butters with ginger and cinnamon. Relishes, jams and mint sauces are great options that could be used on Christmas day or with leftovers over the next few days.
Or you could even put together a Pamper Hamper and include some homemade Bed Time Bath Soak Salts with and eye mask and a decadent organic hand cream.
Handwrite the recipe for your gifts on some cardboard, or in a Christmas card so your gift can be enjoyed over and over again. This quick and easy recipe for Cherry and Pistachio Energy Balls is a delicious little nod to the season. As delicious cherries sneak into season in Melbourne just before Christmas, these treats are a lovely way to present them, and the flavour marries perfectly with the pistachio base and just a hint of chocolate.
Cherry Pistachio Energy Balls
1 ½ cups pistachio nuts (or nut mix of choice)
½ cup pitted fresh cherries
½ cup unhulled tahini
½ cup coconut oil
1 tbsp raw cacao
1 tsp vanilla powder
1-2 tsp maple syrup, optional
Instructions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until well combined.
2. Roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls and place into a bowl with some additional chopped nuts or cacao powder.
3. Present in a clean glass jar.
4. These energy balls will last around 5 days in the fridge. Swap the fresh cherries for fried fruit for a longer shelf life.
Witten by Melbourne Naturopath, Bree Jenner
