Wellness for the Family: Holiday Mason Jar Kits

Plenty of good food during the holidays — it’s a given.

But if you’re trying to avoid gaining those extra pounds this season, Michelle Dunaway and Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, are sharing a few recipes to try out.

From sweet to savory, these Mason jar kits even make great, inexpensive gifts!

Matcha Energy Bites Mix

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw cashews
• ½ cup raw pistachios, shelled
• 12 dates, pitted
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tsp matcha powder
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Place coconut oil into snack bag. Place all ingredients layered into mason jar with coconut oil on top.
2. Include the follow instructions:
3. Place all the ingredients in the food processor.
4. Process for one minute or until well blended and fully combined
5. Roll into about 14 balls.
6. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

Wet Ingredients – to be added by gift receiver

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, ½ dark chocolate chips, cranberries, walnuts, oats and remaining chips. Cover and store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).

To prepare cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter, applesauce, egg and vanilla until blended. Add cookie mix and mix well.
2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. (Makes about 2 ½ dozen cookies)

5 Bean Soup Mix

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup red lentils
• ¼ cup great northern beans
• ¼ cup red kidney beans
• ¼ cup black beans
• ¼ cup split green peas
• ¼ cup green lentils

Spice Mix:

• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp dehydrated onion
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• 2 cubes of bouillon of choice
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Layer beans and lentils in Mason jar.
2. Put spices, bouillon cubes and bay leaf in a small baggie. Place on top of beans.
3. Make label/tag with instructions to attach toMmason jar, that state:
4. Rinse and strain beans.
5. Add 6 cups of water to beans and boil.
6. Turn off heat and let stand for 1 hour. Rinse and drain.
7. Add 7 cups water and 1 (14oz) can of diced tomatoes and seasoning package.
8. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for an hour.

Grace Derocha is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach with .

For more tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle, .