Here are two wonderful healthy recipes:

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit, unencumbered by artificial sugars and heavy fats, is always a smart choice for a healthful diet. And it goes without saying that fruit is refreshing and delicious. Dress up your favorite combination of fruits with some creamy yogurt and a bit of angel food cake (everything in moderation) for a guilt-free indulgence. This healthy recipe, containing very little harmful fats and cholesterol, is a fantastic heart healthy dessert.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup mandarin oranges
• 1 kiwi, sliced
• 1/4 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
• 2 tbsp shredded toasted coconut
• 1 cup angel food cake pieces

Directions

1. Place half of the angel food cake in the bottom of a bowl or large martini glass. Top with half of the vanilla yogurt.
2. Layer each type of fruit, separated by a thin layer of yogurt.
3. Place any remaining yogurt as the final top layer.
4. Top with toasted coconut.

Chocolate Dipped Fruit with Vanilla Yogurt

Chocolate is a favorite amongst sweet lovers, especially this month of the year. Though it is often viewed as an unallowable indulgence, chocolate can actually be an ideal choice for heart health. Recent studies have shown that chocolate can be beneficial in protecting the cardiovascular system. This is due in large part to the heavy presence of flavonoids, a plant nutrient that protects from toxins and repairs environmental damage, in cocoa beans.

In fact, most fruits and vegetables are very high in flavonoids. Flavonoids also account for the antioxidant benefits found in chocolate. One specific type of flavonoid that is found in cocoa and chocolate are flavonol. Flavonol, in addition to the aforementioned antioxidant qualities, have also been shown to help lower blood pressure, make blood platelets more able to clot, and improve blood flow not only to the heart, but the brain as well.

For the maximum level of heart benefits, opt for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains more pure cocoa and less sugar and dairy. Also, keep in mind that white chocolate actually contains no cocoa and, hence, has little heart health benefit. The following healthy recipe is both simple, delicious, and quite satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
• assorted sliced fruit (bananas and strawberries work particularly well)
• 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

Directions:

1. Place your choice of fruits on a plate.
2. Drizzle melted chocolate over the fruit.
3. Top with yogurt.
4. You can also dip the fruit in the chocolate and yogurt.

Heart Healthy Tips

The following are heart healthy tips:

• Opt for granola instead of cookies and ice cream. It is a lower-fat, lower-sugar, lower-calorie option and still satisfies a sweet craving.
• Moderation is key. Experiment with lowering certain ingredients like butter, oils, and shortening when making baked goods and use substitutes like apple sauce and other pureed fruits.
• Try substituting other flavoring ingredients in place of sugar. Many dessert recipes will taste just as wonderful when made with nutmeg or cinnamon instead of pure sugar. If a sweetener is absolutely necessary, consider using agave nectar or palm sugar in place of cane sugar.

What are some of your favorite heart healthy recipes?

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 8 and join us as we talk about Valentine’s Day exchanges!

Party Topic

Join Hershey’s Kisses and our panel of experts as we discuss Valentine’s Day exchanges. The party will be held on Wednesday, February 8 from 9-10 ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Wednesday, February 8 from 9-10 p.m. EST (8 CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #HersheysKisses)
• Topic: Valentine’s Day Exchanges
• Who: Brand Panelist: @hersheyskisses @ahhnalin @sjflynn, Community Panelists: @7onashoestring @lacasadesweets @wholebagofchips @centraltexasmom @notasupermom @chef_bizarro @themommybunch @peekababy @mommayoung @huppiemama @aMusingFoodie @thechattymomma @SeeryusMama, Moderators: @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Click here to enter the giveaway.
• RSVP: Use Mr. Linky below (enter the twitter URL and your twitter ID (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

RT @MomItForward Join @hersheyskisses #gno Twitter party 2/8 (9-10 ET) on Valentine’s Day Exchanges http://bit.ly/yLJZbB #HersheysKisses

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

From baked goods to a variety of tasty chocolate treats, Hershey’s Kisses has you covered this Valentine’s Day! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 8 and be sure to chat with us about Valentine’s Day exchanges!

The Prizes

One lucky winner will receive the following prize pack: (1) Valentine’s Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates (7 bags), Giant Hershey’s Kisses (4),  Kisses Brand Plush Interactive Bear (1), Chocolate Lover’s Pillow (1), Kisses Brand Recipe and Crafts Cookbook (1).

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, please complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each on this post, including links to your original tweets.

1. Follow @hersheyskisses on Twitter.
2. Like the Hershey’s Kisses Facebook page.
3. Answer the following question in the comment section below: What is your favorite present to give on Valentine’s Day?
4. Tweet the following:

• RT @MomItForward Love chocolate? Enter our #WhosYourValentine photo contest 4 a chance 2 win a @HersheysKisses prize! http://bit.ly/zANXQ1

• RT @MomItForward GIVEAWAY! Enter 4 a chance 2 win a #HersheysKisses Valentine’s Day Prize Pack http://bit.ly/z5cKiE #gno

Optional Entries

The following are extra entries that are completely optional and will earn you one extra entry for each completed item. Leave a separate comment on this post for each completed optional entry.

• Follow @momitforward on Twitter.
• Like Mom It Forward on Facebook: http://facebook.com/momitforward.

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, February 9. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only. 

Over the years I have tried so many hot chocolates — in packets, in jars, and even making my own powders. I ran across this recipe and knew I just had to try this! I wanted to make it my own though and I love using flavored coffee creamer in my hot chocolate. I was not sure if it would work though. However, I am happy to report it does in fact work and it adds just a bit more flavor. Yum!

Hot Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips (this is equal to one 12oz bag)
• 1 Tbs Sugar – this is totally optional but I like it
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• 1 Cup Flavored Coffee Creamer (I used vanilla)

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium, microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, remove from microwave ,and stir. Repeat this process until well combined and silky. I found using a whisk was the best way to make sure mixture was well combined. Be careful not to overheat, it doesn’t take much for chocolate to burn.
3. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in freezer until mixture is firm and scoopable. I like to let it sit overnight.
5. Scoop out 1/4 cup spoonfuls and place on wax paper lined cookie sheet.
6. Place baking sheet in freezer and let truffles harden slightly.
7. Roll chilled truffles into balls. Use a bit of cocoa powder just so they aren’t as sticky and place each truffle on a square of waxed paper or plastic wrap (about 4in by 4in).
8. Keep in the freezer until ready to use.

To make truffles into hot chocolate, pour milk into mug of choice, add one truffle (or two if you like richer hot chocolate), and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir well and enjoy!

What is your favorite sweet treat to enjoy during the wintertime?

Brandi is the creator of The Creative Princess. She is a stay-at-home mom of two beautiful girls, avid couponer, crafter and a Pinterest addict. You will find awesome tutorials, creative couponing, cooking and crafting on her blog, she also takes you down her crazy journey of life around her small Oklahoma town.

Snowman Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 1/3 cup of oil
• 3 eggs
• 5 ounces of milk chocolate chips
• 2 cups creamy chocolate frosting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners.
2. Mix together the cake mix, 1/3 cup of oil, 3 eggs, and 1 cup of water for two minutes until well combined.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Pour half of the cake batter into the chocolate-filled bowl and then mix together until the chocolate is incorporated.
4. Fill the cupcake liners 1/2 full by pouring 1-2 tablespoons of white batter into the cupcake liners. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate batter. Continue to do so with all of the cupcake liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the cupcakes from the oven, take them out of the muffin tin, and allow the cupcakes to completely cool on a wire rack.
7. Frost the cupcakes and then poke a small hole in the back side of the cupcakes. Adorn with festive decor. You can buy these Snowmen Cupcakes Picks here.

What holiday desserts do you plan on making this season? What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Don’t All Good Moms Shop at Joann’s?

If you’re at all like me, you’re very appreciative of all things DIY, including cooking and baking, as well as pinning these fabulous pictures on your Pinterest boards.

And even a step further, you have started to think that you, too, can be one of those moms. You know, the kind whose kids must have a better Christmas because of all the fun kids crafts and family cooking activities they do right from the comfort of their own home. The kind whose neighbors look forward every year to receiving their handmade neighbor gifts. I’m guessing these moms’ houses are spic and span and their kids don’t fight either. Who wouldn’t want to be that kind of mom?

So, in an effort to be a “good mom,” I went to Joann’s. I figured all good moms must shop at Joann’s since the parking lot is always full, I hear everyone talk about it, and well, honestly, because I didn’t shop there!

I hit the craft store of all craft stores on a good day, which the good moms all knew about, because they were all there. Had they known me, they would have detected the imposter in their midst, but they didn’t, so I walked around acting like I knew what I was doing. Fake it til you make it, right?

Wilton Candy Melts for Chocolate Snowflake Pops

First off, I bought a year’s supply of candy melts and lots of chocolate molds. I remember my mom, who is the good mom type, always having candy melts and molds, so I figured that would be a safe place to start. The good news is that a huge sale was happening and I got lots of craft and cooking goods for a fraction of their original cost (all lost on me, because I never buy it).

I went home and made chocolate snowflake suckers for a church activity. I got lots of compliments and someone even asked for the recipe. Even though I placed them on a plate and didn’t have them sticking into some sort of foam core Christmas tree with DIY dodads all over it, I figured I was well on my way to being a good mom.

Gingerbread House Kit

Next up? Gingerbread house kit. I’m sure lots of good moms make their own gingerbread houses, but I took the risk on buying the kit, figuring a pre-fab gingerbread house had to be better than no gingerbread house, right? I also figured it was one more Wilton product to add to the list. And don’t all good moms stock their pantries and craft rooms with Wilton?

Well, I may have had all the other good moms fooled, but when I got home, my 10 year-old son said, “Hey! Mom! Is Wilton your client? Are they doing a #gno Twitter party with you or something? Because why else would you go out and buy all of this stuff? Do we need to tweet about them or something?”

Wow! The wisdom of kids.

So, we broke out the pre-fab gingerbread house. Just one tip for anyone reading this who is a mom like me (the type to ruin a gingerbread house, even one that comes from a kit)… check all the gingerbread pieces before putting them together. The roof looks amazingly similar to walls. And wow does that icing turn into cement like stuff quickly! Not a lot of time to repair mistakes!

Advent Calendars

And finally, the advent calendar. Now, I realize it is already almost Christmas. But seriously… don’t good moms embrace the “better late than never” philosophy? I’m going to play by that rule until someone tells me otherwise, because I bought the mid-sized Fiskar’s hole punch and the Wilton tiny tins to make the advent calendar I saw on this good mom’s blog, I can’t for the life of me figure out how to do the printing and design work to get the little advent activities into the bottoms of the tins. The most non-craftsy of all steps to the project and I can’t figure it out. Oh! Well! We’ll have a Valentine’s advent calendar instead. We’re already ahead of the game craft wise! Aren’t all good moms?

The Real Definition of a Good Mom

Nutshell? When I jumped down to earth from heaven, I somehow missed the good mom manual and ended up in a don’t-you-dare-DIY body. I appreciate all the creativity. I will pin the pictures and longingly look at them on my boards. And I’ll keep trying projects from Joann’s and Wilton so my kids can have a little fun during the holidays. But, I’m hoping they’ll also forgive me for flat reindeer cookies, pre-fab gingerbread houses, and Valentine’s Day advent calendars. After all, who really are the good moms? Those who are spending time with their kids, regardless of how crafty they are.

What craft and cooking projects do you do with your kids? If you aren’t the crafty type, what other activities do you do for fun as a family?

Last night, my kids and I were in an edible arts and crafts mode. We got out our supplies and tripled the recipe, leaving us with enough left over to share with three families in our neighborhood as holiday gifts.

How to Make Crafts for Christmas Gifts

Here’s what you need and how to make chocolate gifts.

Supplies

• Christmas cookie cutters in a variety of shapes (We used snowflakes, stars, and a gingerbread family.)
• Wilton candy melts (We used three varieties: white, milk, and peppermint white chocolate.)
• Wilton disposable decorating bags (We needed three, one each for the different kinds of chocolate.)
• Cookie sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Scissors
• Wax paper or Crisco (We preferred to grease the cookie sheet, but you may also place a piece of wax paper on top instead.)
• Paper towels
• Cellophane wrap (We used clear.)
• Ribbon

Instructions

Step 1: In preparation, place a sheet of wax paper on or grease a cookie sheet. Place cookie cutters on top of the wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Then, fill a disposable decorating bag about 3/4ths of the way full of chocolate candies (one variety per bag). Microwave for 30 seconds and remove to pat the bag with a wooden spoon. Microwave for 15 seconds. Repeat until chocolate is melted. Once the chocolate is melted, cut the tip of the disposable bag.

Step 2: Squeeze the chocolate around the edges of the cookie cutter first and then proceed to the center, filling the entire cookie cutter with chocolate. When all cookie cutters have chocolate in them, tap the pan on the counter to smooth out the chocolate. Add another layer of chocolate for effect: milk or dark and white chocolate and milk or dark and peppermint white chocolate are especially fun. Also, consider adding sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies to the top.

Step 3: Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator to cool. Once cooled, determine whether you’d like to give the gifts with or without the cookie cutter.

If you are including the cookie cutter with the gift, you are ready to wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

If you are not including the cookie cutter with the gift, remove the chocolate from each cookie cutter and place in the cellophane, wrap, and tie with a ribbon. And voila! You have the perfect neighbor gifts.

What are your favorite edible holiday craft activities to do with your kids?

Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 1 and join us as we talk about baking shortcuts and planning. And don’t forget, Hershey’s Cookie Headquarters is the ultimate one-stop destination for holiday bakers. Hershey’s Cookie Headquarters is an online resource full of recipes and tips, and access to a team of experts to answer consumers’ baking questions during the busy holiday baking season through consumer posts on Cookie Headquarters, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Party Topic

Join Hershey’s Kisses and our panel of experts as we discuss baking shortcuts and planning. The party will be held on Thursday, December 8 from 9-10 ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Thursday, December 8 from 9-10 p.m. EST (8 CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #CookieHQ)
• Topic: Baking Shortcuts and Planning
• Who: Brand Panelist: @hersheyskisses, Community Panelists: @craftychicky @centraltexasmom @7onashoestring @mommayoung @chef_bizzaro @aMusingFoodie @LaCasaDeSweets @ohsweetbasil @sahans @themommybunch @livingthescream @realmomkitchen @RebeccaEParsons @wholebagofchips @BudgetGourmetM, Moderators: @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Click here to enter the giveaway.
• RSVP: Use Mr. Linky below (enter the twitter URL and your twitter ID (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

RT @MomItForward Join the @hersheyskisses #gno Twitter party 12/8 (9-10 ET) on baking shortcuts and planning http://hrshys.us/uLXOhN #CookieHQ

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

The site will feature tips, recipes, an expert’s blog and an “Ask the Experts” section where visitors can submit questions to Hershey’s baking experts and receive timely and personalized responses. A team of experts will be on-hand on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST and weekends from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST to help consumers with all of their baking needs.

The Prizes

This week’s giveaway is all about baking shortcuts and planning. Five winners will receive HERSHEY’S Baking Prize Packs (ARV: $50.00 each).

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, please complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each on this post, including links to your original tweets.

1. Follow @hersheyskisses on Twitter.
2. Like the Hershey’s Kitchens Facebook page.
3. Like the Hershey’s Kisses Facebook page.
4. Answer the following question in the comment section below: Why do you love to bake with your kids?
5. Tweet the following:

• RT @MomItForward Visit #CookieHQ to find tips & recipes from experts to solve all ur baking needs! http://hrshys.us/FavCookies #gno

• RT @MomItForward GIVEAWAY! Enter 4 a chance 2 win a @hersheyskisses baking prize pack (5 Winners) http://hrshys.us/tzhKFa #gno #CookieHQ

Optional Entries

The following are extra entries that are completely optional and will earn you one extra entry for each completed item. Leave a separate comment on this post for each completed optional entry.

• Follow @momitforward on Twitter.
• Like Mom It Forward on Facebook: http://facebook.com/momitforward.

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, December 9. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only. 

One of my fondest memories of holiday baking was many years ago when my Mom and I spent an entire day in the kitchen baking up a storm. We basically baked from sunrise to sunset and continued on until the wee hours of the night preparing, baking and decorating one festive treat after another. By the time our baking extravaganza was complete, the kitchen table, both of the refrigerators and all of the countertops were piled high with platter after platter of holiday treats. That was one of my favorite moments spent in the kitchen with my Mom…and to think, she hates baking!

When it’s cold outside, there’s just something about the simple act of baking a sheet of cookies that warms the house and fills the air with such a wonderful aroma. Even though there’s only one day left until Christmas (can you believe that it’s tomorrow?!), this shortbread cookie recipe is a simple one to whip together in a matter of minutes. If you’re in a bind and need to fill the dessert table with one more holiday treat or if you’re just looking for a simple yet delicious cookie recipe, this is one that won’t disappoint. Simple and delicious…and perfect for the holidays!

Shortbread Cookies Dipped in Chocolate

Ingredients

• 3 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6-7 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix together butter and sugar in a large bowl until just combined. Add the vanilla, flour and salt and mix on low speed until the ingredients are incorporated.
3. Dump onto a floured surfaced and shape into a flat circle. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from the refrigerator and roll the dough 1/2-inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter.
5. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. When cookies cool, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place on the baking sheet to allow the chocolate to dry (For tips on how to melt chocolate, be sure to stop by this helpful tutorial).

Many of us have holiday traditions when it comes to baking. What are some of your baking traditions? Do you have a favorite holiday cookie recipe?

*Recipe adapted from Ina Garten

Jen Tilley has an insatiable appetite for all things related to baking and cooking. She is the author, photographer and recipe developer on How To: Simplify, a blog that shares tips, tricks and recipes to simplify life in the kitchen. She enjoys sharing recipes that require very few ingredients and only a small amount of prep and cook time, all of which make time spent in the kitchen simple and enjoyable. Find her online at How To: Simplify and @HowToSimplify.