Honey almond loaves

Honey almond loaves, a healthier holiday treat sweetened only with organic honey and perfect for gift-giving. Enjoy for breakfast or dessert!

I love the holidays as much as the next gal -- probably more so, given the multiple trees I decorate in the house -- but the overeating and over-indulgent eating can be a drag. Well, not at the time, of course -- at the time, the food is too delicious so you just keep cramming it in your face.

But let's be real: I know that there's no way I'm not going to indulge in whatever sweet treats come my way this holiday season, via gift giving, holiday parties or family celebrations. (We save the not indulging for Detox January, remember?)

So what's a normally healthy-ish eater to do? This year, I'm giving these honey almond loaves, sweetened only with honey rather than lots of refined sugar.

I recently got an opportunity to try Madhava Sweeteners' Organic Honey and the delicate flavor is perfect for these honey almond loaves -- plus, regular readers know that The Ninj loves using natural sweeteners like honey whenever possible. In fact, I liked the organic honey so much, I can't wait to try some of their other products, like their coconut sugar.

Another thing I love? That Madhava donates a portion of its honey purchases to helping save bees -- a cause I definitely support.

These honey almond loaves are the perfect holiday treat, and not only because they taste delicious. The inclusion of all the traditional holiday spices -- cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg -- will also make your house smell like Christmas morning while they're baking. Booyah. Additionally, using honey instead of refined sugar means they're not overly sweet so you can enjoy them for breakfast or with afternoon tea or for dessert. Or all three, if you're stealthy like The Ninj.

And while they are delicious warm from the oven, they almost taste better after a day or two, which makes them ideal for holiday gift giving or food exchanges.

To help you celebrate the sweetness of this holiday season, Madhava Sweeteners is giving away weekly prize packs through the end of the year, plus one Grand Prize winner will receive a Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker and a supply of Madhava products -- all you have to do is share on your favorite social media (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter). Learn more about the Healthier Holidays giveaway and how to enter by visiting Madhava on Facebook.

But wait, there's more! In addition to Madhava's Healthier Holidays sweepstakes on Facebook, you can also win a Madhava Mix and Match Package -- your choice of five (5) Madhava products -- right here. Just enter below using the widget following the recipe (be sure to leave a blog comment to qualify!).

(Thanks to Madhava Sweeteners for sponsoring this post and providing the giveaway prizes. While Madhava provided The Ninj with product samples, the recipe and opinions are my own: I will never urge you to buy or try something I don't love.) 

Honey Almond Loaves

I use an 8-compartment mini loaf tin. Muffins will require slightly less cook time, while larger loaf molds will require slightly more.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup almond flour or almond meal
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups honey
1 small container (5.3 - 6 ounces) plain Greek yogurt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
Slivered almonds

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients (flour through salt) and set aside. In another bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, beat the eggs until fluffy, then add the honey, yogurt, butter and coconut oil, mixing until well combined. Gradually add in the dry mixture, beating on low speed until blended. Spoon the batter into prepared mini loaf pans or muffin tins, filling them about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the tops with slivered almonds and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

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Giveaway Details
The giveaway runs until midnight on Sunday, December 7, 2014 and is open to residents of the United States. One winner will be chosen at random. Prize to be furnished directly by Madhava Sweeteners.