Wow Your Hosts with These Gorgeous (and delicious) DIY Healthy Holiday Gifts

Just add ribbon to these DIY healthy holiday gifts and you're ready to ring in the season.
Vanilla Apricots

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Photo by: James Wojcik

James Wojcik

Sure, you can head to your next holiday gathering with a nice bottle of wine or a tin of holiday cookies for your hostess. But what about something homemade that's festive, delicious and healthy too? Here are seven recipes for goodies that will have you at the top of your hostess's guest list for next season. Just add ribbon and you're ready to ring in the holidays.

Vanilla Apricots

Who wouldn't love a jar of this gorgeous marinated fruit? A sweet and fiber-rich addition to any breakfast table (see #42 of 51).

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

A simple and elegant edible gift; tea leaves add flavor, interest and some antioxidants.

Ham and Cheese Quickbread

A savory treat for a brunch or cocktail party, complete with calcium and protein. Make a few days (or even weeks) ahead and store in the freezer.

Mango Chutney

Alton Brown's Mango Chutney for Apetizers, Sides, Dips as seen on Cooking Channel

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014 Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014 Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved

A festive way to celebrate the goodness of fruit. Pack with whole-grain crackers and some goat cheese or sharp cheddar for gifting.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut Butter Fudge

Food Network's Peanut Butter Fudge

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved.

A classic confection with a higher dose of healthy fat, thanks to the goodness of peanut butter. There's still plenty of sugar, so enjoy in moderation. (Read: share!)

Flavored Popcorn

Photo by: Levi Brown

Levi Brown

Nothing says holiday munchies like a fresh batch of popcorn – most folks don't even realize they’re munching on a healthy whole grain. Choose from flavor combos like Crab Boil, Veggie, and Gruyere-Porcini.

Homemade Vanilla

Any hostess would love a pretty bottle of homespun vanilla; it's better than anything you can buy in a store.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

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