RECIPE: No Refined Sugar Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a childhood classic, with many being decorated at various occasions throughout the year. They're easy to adapt for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas and Birthdays. As we still keep Isabella's sugar intake limited I decided to bake these gingerbread men with no refined sugar in. It was a fun rainy day activity and I split the dough in half and froze one half, that way we have an emergency stash for days when it's miserable outside. But these aren't exclusive to toddler's, they're perfect if you're being healthy and avoiding refined sugar.  

RECIPE: {No Added Sugar} Berry and Almond Slices

The inspiration for this recipe was the classic Bakewell tart, with its frangipane topping and jam layer. Instead of having a sugar and fat filled frangipane I made this topping out of just egg whites, vanilla extract (though you could use almond extract) and ground almonds. It creates a crispier layer, so I recommend doing quite a thing layer across the jammy base. These also freeze well, so are ideal for making in batches to stock up the freezer with.

RECIPE: {No Refined Sugar} Oaty Berry Slices

Oats, berries and nuts all make for a deliciously filling bar that could be enjoyed as a snack or are ideal for a quick breakfast to go. Both Isabella and I enjoy these for breakfast, they freeze well too so there's always a batch in the freezer ready to go. The oaty base could have a variety of other tasty ingredients added, such as fresh chopped blueberries, raisins, spices etc. The options are endless, so let your imagination run wild.

RECIPE: {No Refined Sugar} Berry and Coconut Mini Bites

Raspberry and Coconut Slices are a classic tray bake usually made with a buttery biscuit base, sweet layer of jam and crispy layer of coconut to finish. As delicious as these are they are laden with sugar and fat, so if you're looking for a healthy version then this is the recipe for you! The base is made from oats, the jam doesn't have a single grain of refined sugar and there's still that delicious coconut crunch on top.

RECIPE: {No Refined Sugar} Berry Chia Seed Jam

Coming up with different toast toppings for Isabella has been a constantly struggle with so many typical toppings laden with sugar and/or salt. Like a lot of parents we've decided to continue to seriously limit the amount of sugar Isabella has in her diet, despite her best efforts to have all the sugary treats. Jam is a typical (and tasty!) condiment or toast topper, but it's mainly made up of refined sugar. This Berry Chia Seed Jam is seriously easy to make, extremely versatile and ideal for anyone who wants to avoid/reduce their sugar intake.