Holiday Snacks for Decking the Halls

Yesterday, I finally dragged out all the Christmas stuff. I'm a little behind this year. I literally was sick most of November (don't get this chest crud that is going around, trust me it's hard to shake.) Needlesstosay, I've been digging out of work and emails (sorry, if you are still waiting for a reply) and finally took the afternoon to get some fa-la-la-la holiday spirit up in here. I love my mixed up, eclectic tree. Every ornament has a story. We had some snacks of course because decking the halls with boughs of holly is hard work and works up an appetite.

Our bariatric surgery friendly tree-trimming tidbits: Cheese, I love cheese. I think in my past life I must have been a mouse. I made a few Ham and Pickle Cold Cut Roll-ups and Greek Hummus Cucumber Rounds (with a sprinkle of Bagel Spice) and Rosemary Marcona Almonds.

Later, I chopped up a couple of small apples and 1 pear I cooked them slightly (fork tender but still formed) with a few pumps of SF Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel) and a dash of cinnamon and apple pie spice and turned them into little protein apple crumbs.

Shelly's Apple and Pear Crumbs

1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1/4 cup Protein Powder, dry (any flavor you prefer)
1/4 cup Chopped Nuts (I used a combo of pecans and almonds)
1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Syrup (or Sweetener of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Butter

Mix all ingredients together. Squeeze together with your hands till clumps form. You need to use your hands for this one. If your almond butter is on the loose side add a little more protein, if it's on the drier side add a little more syrup until clumps form.

Divide apple & pear mixture into 4-4 oz. ramekins. Set aside. Squeeze together topping ingredients with your hands till clumps form. You need to use your hands for this one. Sprinkle clumps of the topping equally over each ramekin of fruit. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden.

I served the cooled crumbs with a squirt of Homemade, No Sugar Added Whipped Cream. My delicious and healthy reward for a completing my decorating.