Tasty Treats

One of the first things to know about treats is the sugar.

Honey is a great substitute for sugar because it is weeter and ahs so much greater nutritional value.  Ancient Egyptians even used it for healing, as antiviral and antibiotic, look that up on Google or You Tube.  For purposes of provident living it also stores better than sugar.  Here is a page that gives tips on substituting honey in place of sugar. http://www.cooks.com/recipe/4516i4d5/substituting-honey-for-sugar.html

Stevia is also a great tool, especially if you're diabetic.  Stevia does not spike your blood sugar and is a great alternative to sugar and honey. Here is a page that shows the comparison and information about Stevia. http://www.stevia.com/stevia_sugar_substitute.aspx

Agave is another, honeylike, sugar replacement.  It also boasts of being more blood sugar friendly.  However these claims are not always accurate from brand to brand.  Do your own research, of course, but I have found that Xagave is the best choice.  However, don't believe me, do some research on it.  The best prices I've found are at PleasantHillGrains.com (They also have a lot of storage items available.)

Xylitol is one that I know very little about.  What I know is that there are claims that it is actually good for your teeth.  Here is one place you can find out more about it. http://www.xylitol.org/

STAY away from aspartame when you're using sugar substitutes.  In fact, many health experts say that soda that is not diet is better for you than diet.  This is because most diet drinks contain aspartame.

In order of best to worste:
Stevia, Xylitol, Agave, Honey, Splenda, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Aspartame.

Try Allrecipes.com and Cooks.com, and search for sugar-free desserts.  Also try Google. :)

I have loved using things like dates and nuts finely chopped with a little butter or coconut oil in place of a traditional crust for cream pies.  I make a great no-bake cheese cake with this crust using plain greek yogurt flavored with a little lemon, sweetened with stevia. SO yummy! It's also a great crust for chocolate avocado pie. :)  Look that up, it may sound gross, but it's super tasty and avocados are really good for you.