(Family Features) The next time a healthy conscience keeps you from enjoying that sweet treat you’re craving, remember that making healthy swaps is all it takes to make those favorite desserts a little better for you.

These Vegan Brownies, for example, are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a sweet they can enjoy without ditching healthy eating habits. By using versatile California Prunes as a natural sweetener, you can replace processed sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes. Plus, prunes also add nutrients important for bone and gut health to your everyday diet.

With copper that aids in bone structure along with boron and polyphenols that help with the regulation of bone building and bone breakdown, you can feel good enjoying your family’s favorites while staying on track with health goals. Prunes are also known as a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (4-5 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome. High in vitamin K, they can also help improve calcium balance and promote bone mineralization.

Visit californiaprunes.org to find more delicious, better-for-you desserts.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

• 16        ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2       cup hot water

Brownies:

• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4       cup cocoa powder
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 10        ounces California prune puree
• 2          cups light brown sugar
• 1/2       cup California extra-virgin olive oil
• 6          ounces unsweetened chocolate
• nonstick cooking spray
• flaky sea salt, for garnish

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
5. Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
6. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
7. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Source: California Prunes

(Family Features) If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside.

Instead, rethinking nighttime treats with better-for-you ingredients like California Prunes as a quick substitution can make healthier eating easy. As a versatile ingredient that can replace added sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes, prunes can also add nutrients important for bone and gut health.

Plus, the copper in prunes inhibits bone breakdown, while boron plays a role in calcium metabolism and polyphenols can help decrease bone breakdown through their antioxidant power. As a fruit that’s high in vitamin K, which helps improve calcium balance and promotes bone mineralization, prunes are also a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (roughly 4-6 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome.

They’re easy to use in recipes that can become favorites in your household such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. Enjoyed as an easy, on-the-go snack, they’re a perfect way to refuel for an adventure, recharge after a workout or to simply savor as a healthy snack.

Chocolate lovers rejoice: This rich, delicious, gluten-free, grain-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake is naturally sweetened using prunes instead of added sugar. If brownies are more your style, prunes can also take the place of eggs in these Vegan Brownies for a family-friendly treat that won’t wreck your eating plan.

To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

• 16 ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2 cup hot water

Brownies:

• nonstick cooking spray
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 10 ounces California prune puree
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• flaky sea salt, for garnish

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
5. Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
6. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
7. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake (8 inches)

Cake:

• Coconut oil spray
• 14 tablespoons butter, chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 10 soft, pitted prunes, chopped small
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup almond meal

Ganache:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels

1. To make cake: Preheat oven to 300 F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with coconut oil spray. Place round piece of parchment paper in bottom of pan and lightly spray with coconut oil spray.
2. In small saucepan over low heat, place butter and vanilla. Use sieve to sift cocoa into saucepan. Stir with spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In bowl of food processor fitted with "S" blade, place prunes and syrup. Top with cooled butter mixture then process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl, scraping all chocolate mixture from food processor with spatula.
4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs and coconut sugar on high speed 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume.
5. Add one-third of egg mixture to bowl with chocolate mixture. Using spatula, gently fold together until completely combined. Add almond meal and remaining egg mixture to bowl and gently fold to combine.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 minutes, or until set. Once cooked through, transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely in pan.
7. To make ganache: In top of double boiler, melt coconut milk and dark chocolate until completely smooth. Pour prepared ganache over cake. Serve immediately for molten fudge effect or allow to completely set.

Chocolate Energy Balls

Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces

Prune Puree:

• 16 ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2 cup hot water

Energy Balls:

• 1 cup old-fashioned or gluten-free oats
• 2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup creamy natural nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 1/2 cup pecan meal
• 1/2 cup prune puree
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make energy balls: In mixing bowl, stir oats, coconut, nut butter, pecan meal, prune puree, cocoa powder and vanilla until completely combined.
4. Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to measure equal-sized amounts of mixture then form into balls by applying gentle pressure to dough using palms. Do not roll as balls will break apart.
5. Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

Source:

California Prunes

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe.

With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous.

It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress.

Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread!

Chick Cheese Balls

Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com
Yield: 10 chicks

• 1          package cream cheese
• 1/4       tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2       lemon, juice only
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• crackers
• carrots
• whole black peppercorns

1. Using mixer, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate mixture 1 hour.
2. Using fingers, form about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture at a time into balls. Refrigerate 30 minutes on small baking sheet.
3. Before serving, roll each ball into shredded cheddar cheese to cover. Place each ball on round cracker.
4. Cut small triangles from carrots for beaks and feet. Press carrots onto cheese balls. Add peppercorns for eyes.

Carrot Utensils

• Orange napkins
• green plastic silverware
• green ribbon

1. Lay napkins flat on table. Place one of each utensil in napkin facing top corner. Wrap napkin around utensils. Tie ribbon around middle of napkin. Place in bowl or basket on table.

Spring Table Centerpiece

Recipe adapted from Craftmorning.com

• Jelly beans
• chocolate coated candy eggs
• marshmallow chicks
• fresh or fake flowers
• plastic or dyed eggs (optional)

1. Place medium bowl inside large dish. Pour jelly beans and chocolate coated candy eggs around bowl.
2. Add marshmallow chicks around dish on top of candies. Arrange fresh or fake flowers in center. Set on table as centerpiece. Place eggs around dish, if desired.

(Culinary.net) Running short on time from a busy schedule shouldn’t mean skipping out on your favorite desserts. In fact, it should be all the more reason to enjoy a sweet treat as a reward for all that hard work.

When you’re due for a bite into dark chocolate goodness, all it takes is a few minutes out of your day to make 5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars. This quick and simple dessert makes it easy to celebrate the day’s accomplishments without added stress.

As a fun way for little ones to help in the kitchen, you can cook together the butter, marshmallows, peanut butter and cereal then let the kiddos drizzle the key ingredient: melted chocolate. All that’s left to do is cut and serve or pack a few off to school and work for an afternoon treat.  

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars

Recipe adapted from ScrummyLane.com

• 4          tablespoons butter
• 10        ounces marshmallows
• 1/2       cup peanut butter
• 6          cups cereal
• 4          ounces milk chocolate, melted
• 4          ounces dark chocolate, melted

1. Heat saucepan over low heat. Add butter, marshmallows and peanut butter; stir to combine. Add cereal; mix until coated.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. Add cereal mixture to pan.
3. In bowl, mix milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over cereal mixture; spread evenly then allow to cool.
4. Cut into bars and serve.

Source:

Culinary.net

(Family Features) As an important life skill, learning to cook and becoming familiar with kitchen basics can be an exciting adventure for kids from toddlers to teens. Using a delicious childhood favorite like popcorn as the key ingredient at the center of your lessons can spur interest and enthusiasm.

Along with understanding measurements and safety, teaching your children how to make simple recipes also offers opportunities to bond and make memories that can last a lifetime. Popcorn is a snack food associated with good times and it’s versatile enough to encourage creativity.

While it’s important to start with easy techniques that introduce future chefs to the culinary world, it’s also helpful to ensure they’ll enjoy eating their first creations so they’ll be eager for more time in the kitchen.

As a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs, air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup and offers a whole grain that provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Because whole grains are important sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber, you can instill the values of nutritious snacking all while having some fun.

These simple yet delicious recipes and tips can help you get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Encourage Creativity
Making learning fun is an important introduction to the world of cooking. Starting with a versatile base ingredient like popcorn that’s naturally low in fat and calories, encourage your child to get creative with a recipe like Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls. With simple variations like adding food coloring or mixing in candies, nuts or dried fruit, it’s a colorful way for little ones to build confidence in their skills.

Measure Ingredients
A key component to recipes of all difficulty levels, teaching measurements from teaspoons and tablespoons to cups, ounces and more is valuable knowledge. Start with the basics like these Simple Popcorn S’mores that call for popcorn and graham crackers to be measured out in cups so your child can focus on one unit of measurement. Then, if little ones are helping, have an adult melt the chocolate and drizzle for a family-favorite snack.

Get Messy
Learning how to create and explore is often productive (and fun) when children can get their hands dirty. Sweet ’n’ Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks are a perfect canvas for letting kiddos work directly with the ingredients as they can roll pretzels in peanut butter, add sprinkles to their heart’s content and press popcorn into their newfound favorite treat.

Find more kid-friendly recipes to get the whole family involved in the kitchen at popcorn.org.

DIY Popcorn Bar

Whether you're entertaining guests, hosting a houseful of kids or simply enjoying a weekend at home, a DIY popcorn bar provides a tasty and joyful way for children and adults alike to create their own version of an afternoon snack. Just set out a few ingredients and watch the fun unfold.

• Small popcorn bags, bowls or cups
• Scoops or spoons
• Popped popcorn
• Peanuts (remember to ask fellow parents if their children may have an allergy)
• Candies
• Raisins
• Chocolate chips
• Seasonings
• Shredded cheese
• Shredded coconut
• Melted butter

Sweet 'n' Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks

Servings: 6

• 6 tablespoons peanut butter
• 6 large pretzel rods
• 3 cups popped popcorn
• sugar sprinkles
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1. Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter over one pretzel, leaving 2-inch "handle" without peanut butter. Repeat with remaining peanut butter and pretzels.
2. Press and roll popcorn onto peanut butter to coat each pretzel. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
3. To make optional chocolate drizzle: Place chocolate chips in small resealable plastic bag and seal bag. Microwave 30 seconds, or until chocolate is melted.
4. Clip small corner from bag and squeeze to drizzle chocolate over popcorn.
5. Sprinkle with additional sugar sprinkles. Allow chocolate to harden before serving.

Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls

Yield: 14 balls

• 3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
• 1 package (1 pound) marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine

1. Place popped popcorn in large bowl.
2. In large saucepan over low heat, cook marshmallows and butter or margarine until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn, tossing gently to mix well. Cool 5 minutes.
3. Butter hands well and form into 2 1/2-inch balls.
4. Variations: To color popcorn balls, add 3-4 drops of food coloring to smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well to distribute color evenly then pour over popcorn as instructed.
5. Mix in candies, nuts or dried fruit after mixing popcorn and melted marshmallows. Stir to distribute then form into balls.
6. Place nonpareils in shallow bowl or plate. Roll popcorn balls in nonpareils after forming.

Simple Popcorn S'mores

Yield: 10 cups

• 10 cups freshly popped popcorn
• 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate, melted

1. On baking sheet, combine popcorn, marshmallows and graham crackers.
2. Drizzle with melted chocolate and cool.

Source: Popcorn Board

(Culinary.net) When celebrating with family, there is nearly nothing better than passing a light and sweet dessert around the table. These Simple Macaroons are crisp, dipped in decedent chocolate and a completely scrumptious option for celebrating Passover.

Simple to make and easy to eat, this sweet dessert is a crowd favorite. With a fresh kick of lemon zest and crunch of shredded coconut, they are a bite-sized, delicious way to end your meal.

They take little to no time to make, only baking 10-12 minutes for a tray full of tasty dessert bites ready to devour.

With sweet honey and vanilla, the flavors come together to create something sweet but not overpowering. It’s a small, crumbly bite that’s perfect for sharing during Passover.

Find more sweet treat recipes for any holiday at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Simple Macaroons

Recipe adapted from marthastewart.com
Yield: 15 macaroons

• 1          large egg
• 2 1/4    tablespoons honey
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
• grated lemon zest
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4    cups shredded coconut
• 5          ounces dark chocolate, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, whisk egg. Add honey, vanilla, lemon zest and salt; whisk. Stir in coconut until completely coated with egg mixture.
3. Using 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, make 15 balls, transferring each to parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake macaroons 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until coconut starts to brown on edges.
5. Transfer sheet to wire rack and let cool.
6. Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip bottom sides of macaroons in melted chocolate to cover bases. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Adding better-for-you recipes to your family’s menu can be as simple as incorporating protein with ingredients that enhance flavor and nutrition.

For example, this Peanut Butter Crunch is powered by peanuts, a nutrient-rich superfood that delivers 19 vitamins and minerals plus 7 grams of protein per serving. It’s a simple, sweet way to enjoy an at-home dessert without ditching health goals.

Visit gapeanuts.com to find more recipes that pack a protein punch.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Peanut Butter Crunch

Yield: 2 dozen squares

• 1          cup light corn syrup
• 1          cup granulated sugar
• 1          jar (12 ounces) crunchy peanut butter
• 6          cups crisp rice cereal
• coconut flakes, for topping (optional)
• chocolate chips, for topping (optional)
• melted chocolate, for topping (optional)
• sprinkles, for topping (optional)

1. In 2-quart microwave-safe container, stir syrup and sugar.
2. Microwave 1 1/2-2 minutes on high, or until sugar is dissolved.
3. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.
4. Mix in cereal.
5. Pour into 8-by-12-inch buttered pan.
6. When cooled, cut into squares and top with coconut flakes, chocolate chips, melted chocolate or sprinkles, if desired.

Source: Georgia Peanut Commission

(Family Features) No matter the occasion, nearly every gathering of loved ones is better with snacks.

One opportunity to celebrate this winter, National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, honors one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods. Perfect served by itself or as an ingredient in whole-grain creations like Poppy Chow, a twist on a classic kid’s favorite made with peanut butter, chocolate and popcorn.

With no artificial additives or preservatives, light and airy popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, making it a sensible option to satisfy cravings for something savory, sweet and just about every flavor in-between. Plus, whole-grain popcorn has energy-producing carbohydrates and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied longer.

Visit Popcorn.org for more tasty snack recipes worth celebrating.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Poppy Chow

Yield: 2 quarts

• 2          quarts popped popcorn
• 1/4       cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 1/2       cup creamy peanut butter
• 1          cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1          cup confectioners’ sugar

1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
2. In microwave safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips.
3. Microwave 2 minutes; stir until smooth.
4. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and stir until well coated.
5. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over popcorn and stir until coated.
6. Cool to room temperature before serving.
7. Store in airtight container, refrigerated, up to 24 hours.

Source: Popcorn.org

(Family Features) Add a special touch this holiday season with simple yet stunning small plates that add beauty and flavor to gatherings with friends and family.

Available into January, California grapes offer a way to make the season special as an ingredient in your favorite recipes or as decoration for a festive centerpiece. Pops of red, green and black provide a seasonal touch and they’re perfect as an easy, fresh, healthy snack.

Plus, you can dip grapes in nut butter and finish with coatings of coconut, dark chocolate and almonds to make these Peanut Butter Grape Bites for a holiday treat that’s simply divine – without spending hours in the kitchen.

Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com to find more holiday recipe inspiration.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Peanut Butter Grape Bites

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yield: 12 pieces

12        California grapes, chilled
1/3       cup natural peanut or almond butter
1/4       cup shredded coconut
1/4       cup chopped dark chocolate
1/4       cup chopped almonds

Place sheet of wax paper on baking sheet. Dip each grape in nut butter to coat half then dip in either coconut, dark chocolate or chopped almonds. Transfer to sheet then chill until ready to serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 70 calories; 2 g protein; 4 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (64% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (19% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Culinary.net) When you are craving something sweet, sometimes you just can’t get it off your mind until you have just one bite. You need something small, delicious and something that will ease your cravings. This recipe for Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats is not only fun to make, but will give you that perfect little snack you have been longing for.

The recipe begins with fresh strawberries and ends with a drizzle of mouthwatering peanut butter sauce. This is a great recipe for little ones looking to help out in the kitchen. These strawberries are fun to dip and even more enjoyable to devour.

This snack can also be perfect for date night, a romantic date or just a picnic in the park with friends. They are easy to transport from place to place and don’t leave a huge mess behind to clean up afterwards.

It’s also simple to just melt, whisk, dip and repeat. The red, ripe berries are bursting with color and the chocolate is glazed right across the top for the perfect bite.

The best part is you can be creative and dip these strawberries into a number of your favorite ingredients you already have in your pantry at home. This includes, sprinkles, small candies, white chocolate drizzle and different kinds of nuts. The possibilities are endless.

Next time you can’t get chocolate off your mind, enjoy something delightful, rich and a show-stopping snack.

Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats

Servings: 5

• 1 1/4    baking chocolate chips
• 1/2       baking peanut butter chips
• 3          tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 1          pound fresh strawberries
• shredded coconut
• crushed almonds

1. In saucepan, add baking chocolate chips and two tablespoons of coconut oil. Melt on low to medium heat and whisk until smooth.
2. In a small bowl, add baking peanut butter chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Dip all strawberries into melted chocolate. Then, dip 1/3 in coconut, 1/3 in almonds and 1/3 just chocolate and lay on tray.
5. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the plain chocolate strawberries.
6. Put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until strawberry treats are chilled.

Source: Culinary.net