4 healthy treats to bake

Source: Best Health Magazine, November/December 2009

Have you forsaken the joy of home baking because of the calories? As a professional cook and pastry chef for more than 20 years, I love to bake. But as mom to a young son, I am always mindful of making sure that what I bake is as wholesome as possible. These recipes, which I’ve developed specifically for Best Health, limit fat by taking advantage of healthful ingredients as well as a few tricks of the trade. Each recipe makes enough to freeze the extras, which means you’ll always have something good to throw in your child’s lunch bag and in your purse for breakfast or a snack on the go. So enjoy these satisfying’and almost guilt-free’baked goodies:

‘ Lower-fat (nut-free!) Carrot Cake
‘ Fibre-boosting Chocolate-chip Banana Bread
‘ Apple & Raisin Squares
‘ Wholesome Oatmeal Cookies

* Check out Desserts (Reader’s Digest) for more dessert recipes, including ones that address health concerns such as diabetes, low-carb and glutin-intolerance.

This article was originally titled "Treat yourself to healthier baking," in the November/December 2009 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!’and make sure to check out what’s new in the latest issue of Best Health.