Two Holiday Treats

I meant to post these back around Christmas but didn't get the chance...so here they are now. I found both recipes on Fitness and Freebies (same as the last recipe) and they were surprisingly popular for now easy they were to make.


Peanut Butter Clusters

Ingredients:
10 ounces Peanut Butter Chips
1/2 cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup regular oats, uncooked
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
Microwave chips in a bowl on high power until melted, about 1-1/2 minutes. Stir. Add remaining ingredients; mix thoroughly. Using your hands, firmly roll into 1-inch balls. Cool.

Yield: 3 dozen balls


Orange Fruit Nut Truffles

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup orange-essence dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate-covered raisins (or plain raisins if preferred)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a food processor with the knife blade, blend all ingredients until a dough-like ball forms. Using your hands, roll into 1-inch balls.

Optional: Top each with a walnut piece.

Yield: 3 dozen balls

Parmesan Bow-Ties

Stumbled onto this one at Fitness and Freebies while looking for healthy Christmas snacks.

This is really, really easy to make and tastes pretty good.

Parmesan Bow Ties

Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1/4 cup zesty Non or low-fat Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup shredded non-fat Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Directions:
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add the remaining ingredients; toss to coat.

Recipe makes four servings.

Notes: Pasta shells work just as well as bow ties.