First off, I wanted to say thank you to all of you that left nice messages about our son on Friday.
It’s so neat to be able to not only share my life a bit on this blog, but to also ‘get to know’ some of you a bit better! 🙂
Ever since Sam was born (and even for a few weeks prior), my mind has taken a shift from being pregnant and enjoying an extra treat or two, to getting back in shape.
I feel my best when I’m eating healthfully and working out, and both are actually enjoyable activities for me, so I’m (atypically, I’m sure) excited to ‘dig in’.
My first area of improvement involves sugar!
While I’ve learned that I don’t function well by eliminating food groups altogether, I do benefit from limiting added sweeteners, so I’ve been attempting to make more of my treats fruit-sweetened.
These tiny pies were made on a whim one day when my husband and I were craving a raw dessert after lunch. My initial thought was a creamy ‘cheesecake’ type filling, but then I started wondering about just using a fruit puree, which is what I ended up doing.
I love how easy these are to make, as well as the fact that they are fruit-sweetened. The fresh pear puree mixed with a touch of lemon juice was the perfect, non-fat compliment to the pecan and date crust, and my husband and I were in raw treat bliss. 🙂
Fresh pear puree fills a raw date and pecan crust to make these tasty tarts!
- CRUST:
- 1 c. raw pecans
- 5 large soft dates
- 1/4 t. sea salt
- 1/4 t. cinnamon
- 1-2 t. water
- FILLING:
- 2 ripe pears peeled
- 1 t. lemon juice optional
- Process the ingredients for the crust until well combined, adding water in small amounts as needed.
- Press the mix into two small dishes or bowls.
- Process the pears into a smooth puree, adding lemon juice, if desired.
- Divide the pear puree between the crusts.
- Chill and enjoy, or enjoy immediately!
Nutrition facts based on using four ounces (one cup) of pecans. WW points (new system): 16
Inspired by this recipe
Notes:
To cut fat and calories a bit, replace 1/2 cup of pecans with 1/2 cup of oats.
Add a dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to the filling for extra flavor.
This gave me some great pre-workout energy, despite my current limited mobility in the gym.
What do you do to tone up?
Mary @ Fit and Fed
Pretty and healthy, Lauren, and beautifully photographed! I find myself still using pears now, too, even though it’s June and lots of other things are coming into season.
nina
LOL! You sound like me in getting back on the healthy band wagon 😉 Just had my daughter three days ago..she is teeny, healthy and beautiful (yea..I’m a mom!!) …and I’m sitting in my hospital bed at the moment dying to get moving again! And not to mention to kick up my healthy eating even more since I’m nursing. 😉 I have such a sweet tooth, but a treat like this will have to make my list in the next few days! Nothing better than the fresh fruit sweetness mixed with nuts to tame a craving AND feel good about it!
Lauren
Thanks so much Nina, and CONGRATULATIONS!! I’ve been thinking of you and wondering if you had her, so I’m thrilled to hear you did! 😀