Munch on these guilt-free treats while Netflix binging

What does the return of House of Cards, Scandal, and Ice Hockey have to do with your eating habits? These addictive, dramatic shows call for comfort foods. Similar to the immediate thrill of a game changing plot twist, decadent snacks play into with your guilty pleasure. Later on, after some consideration you may feel unsatisfied or crave some more. Instead of accepting the added poundage and regret, try these lighter versions of your most indulgent snacks. Not only will these recipes leave you feeling happy and healthy, some of them have the added benefit of a full serving of fruit. Read on to discover some tasty treats that will not take away many calories.

Replace your favorite Ice Cream with Nutella Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 1/2 peeled medium bananas, sliced into coins and frozen until solid

3 to 4 tablespoons Nutella or other hazelnut-chocolate spread

Preparation:

1. Blend bananas blender until they are the consistency of soft serve ice cream.

2. Blend in Nutella, and transfer to a freezer container and freeze until solid.

Replace your Hot Chocolate with a Hot Toddy (21+)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces brandy, whiskey, or rum /or chai tea

1 Tablespoon honey

1/4 lemon

1 cup hot water

1 black tea bag

Preparation:

1.     Coat the bottom of a mug or an Irish coffee glass with honey.

2.     Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter.

3.     On the side, heat water in a teakettle and add the tea bag to make hot tea.

4.     Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir.

Replace your traditional brownie recipe with these Double-Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

Cooking spray

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup whole-grain pastry flour (or 1/2 cup each whole-wheat and all-purpose flours)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

4 large eggs

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1/4 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

1. Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 40-second increments.

2. Whisk the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar until smooth, then add the yogurt, oil and vanilla and whisk to combine. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture until blended. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened.

3. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and sprinkle with walnuts, if desired. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan on a rack before slicing.

by Ariela Brody '16
abrody@gm.slc.edu