Jar of Happiness

I can’t think of a sweeter way to kick off summer than celebrating National Candy Month. Created by the National Confectioners Association to boost sales after the holidays, it was first observed in January 1974 but found its final observance month in June as a sweet segue into summer. No complaints here! I have no shame when it comes to my sweet tooth. I crave something sweet after each meal, so I always have a stash of chocolate or chewy citrus treats in a decorative container that I refer to as my jar of happiness. Some days it’s just about the sweet craving but on other occasions when stress is a factor, nothing beats a robust chocolate covered caramel to bite into. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! But what if sugar isn’t your thing or you are trying to meet your cravings in a healthier manner? Well, I have two tasty recipes that you may find just as satisfying if you like chocolate or nut butters.

If you like peanut butter, this is a good treat even for a kid. It’s a recipe I saved from my Weekly Reader when I was in elementary school, so I imagine that your little ones will like it too.

Healthy Candy

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup honey

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 ½ cups of powdered milk

1 ½ cups of wheat germ

1 cup corn flakes – crushed

Add peanut butter, honey, nutmeg, powdered milk, and wheat germ into a bowl and mix well.

Shape into little balls.

Roll the balls into the crushed corn flakes.

Place in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator.

Candy With a Kick

While I was getting my herbal certification, we were expected to make recipes within each lesson and discuss our experiences with our classmates. In one of the modules, the topic was herbal stimulants. I tweaked the recipe in our lesson and made my own variation. This recipe can be altered to suit your personal taste. I have created variations to include chopped dates and apricots, which not only sweetens the taste but makes for a chewier texture. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some chopped nuts. Think of this recipe as a guideline. You can add more or less of certain ingredients for taste and texture. This is a great candy to have on hand for a hike or after a workout. If you are sensitive to caffeine or serving to young children, avoid the Guarana. You can find Guarana online or at an herbal store.

Healthy Energy Candy

Note: A part is any measurement you choose such as ½ cup or 1 cup, etc.

1 part peanut butter; smooth or crunchy

1 part sesame butter

1 part almond butter

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon bee pollen

1 tablespoon calcium powder – optional

1 tablespoon royal jelly – optional

¼ part cacao nibs or mini chocolate bits

¼ part shredded coconut

1 tablespoon Guarana – optional – this is the herbal stimulant

Add finely chopped dried fruit and nuts as desired.

Mix ingredients and roll into bite-sized balls.

Roll balls into cocoa powder or confectionary sugar or spread into a pan.

These balls may be sticky, but so worth it. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Spicy Options

Splurging on a treat is instant gratification but it sometimes comes with regret if you are counting calories or can’t say no to just one or two pieces. The idea of these recipes is to get that sweet fix in a healthier way. There are plenty of alternative options online that will help you to satifsy cravings without the guilt if you want to indulge yourself. In case you didn’t know, cinnamon is good for you and may help regulate blood sugar levels, which helps with cravings. If you like the taste of cinnamon, you may want to start your search there. Enjoy!