Leading dietitian Susie Burrell’s Christmas Gingerbread

Leading dietitian Susie Burrell says that relaxing our eating habits during the festive months is expected, however consuming foods with high levels of sugar can leave you and your family feeling more like a Christmas grinch, dealing with mood swings, weight gain, skin issues, headaches and energy burnout from a short-lived sugar rush.

For a protein rich snack that will help slow down snacking (and keep you sane), Susie recommends trying one of her delicious recipes as a healthier alternative for Christmas gifts and car ride treats.

Additionally, if you’re travelling a long distance these recipes double as a fantastic pre-trip boredom buster that the children can look forward to enjoying once en-route!

Leading dietitian Susie Burrell’s tips for a grinch-free Christmas …

• Go for recipes that don’t have more than half a cup of added sugar
• Healthy recipes make for great, homemade Christmas gifts
• If travelling, pre-plan and pack protein rich snacks that transport well
• Cooking is a fantastic boredom buster for kids over the holidays

Mayver’s Christmas Gingerbread

Recipe by Susie Burrell

Makes: 15-25

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup Mayver’s Skin On Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp bicarb soda
• 2 cups plain flour, sifted

Method

1. Place butter and peanut butter in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with an electric beater until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg and vanilla and pulse until well combined.
2. Stir in spices and flours. Place in the fridge for 1 hour to rest.
3. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C (fan forced) and line three baking trays with baking paper.
4. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out dough on a large sheet of baking paper until 4-5mm thick. Cut out gingerbread men with your desired cutter and place onto lined baking trays. Repeat with remaining mixture.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.

RECIPE TIP: If you’re looking for an alternative to brown sugar, try honey or rice malt syrup.