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‘Tis the season for festive treats.
While a typical holiday dinner alone can pack more than 3,000 calories, it can be tempting to hold off on dessert.
Three desserts not only bring a touch of international culinary delight, but they’re also packed with surprising nutritional benefits — including a beloved annual staple from Italy.
With nearly half of Americans attending holiday parties just for the treats, it’s no wonder the cakes, cookies, pies and more are top of mind.
Whether your menu finds inspiration from Blue Zones or you’re following family traditions, the end of the meal can be both festive and feel-good.
Turrón de Jijona
This sweet treat from Spain is a soft nougat that creates a rich, creamy, butter-like paste, without the high saturated fat content of butter.
Made from four simple ingredients — toasted Marcona almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites — this famous dish comes from the town of Jijona in Alicante, a port city on the southeastern coast.
The almonds provide monounsaturated fats, a healthy dietary fat that can lower cholesterol levels in your blood and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
They also contain high levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and folic acid, an important B vitamin necessary to produce new cells in the body.
Meanwhile, both the nuts and egg whites pack plenty of protein to keep you feeling full and build muscle.
Panettone
A Christmas classic, this Italian sweet bread dons many a holiday dessert table.
Known for its tall, dome shape and light texture, panettone is made with natural sourdough, offering health benefits like improved digestion and even blood sugar control.
This sweet treat is traditionally studded with candied citrus, like orange peel, and raisins throughout.
Not only are citrus fruits a winter staple, but they can also be a great source of vitamin C, providing necessary immune support against winter colds.
The fruits can also boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production, making your skin glow.
And whether you love them or hate them, raisins offer up fiber, iron, potassium and antioxidants that lower blood pressure and cholesterol while helping digestion.
Melomakarona
All the way from Greece, melomakarona are egg-shaped cookies baked with olive oil and crushed walnuts.
Then, while still hot, the baked goods are dipped in honey to soak up the sweetness.
Packed with more monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil boosts heart health, stabilizes blood sugar and protects brain function.
The walnuts also provide anti-inflammatory action from their antioxidant contents, while supporting healthy aging and weight management.
While still a sugar that should be eaten in moderation, honey also contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects for a natural energy boost, immunity support and cough relief.
