But there is a way to eat healthier during the holidays and still enjoy your favorite recipes? Yes there is! To create a healthier version of a recipe, I use a few tricks and techniques. Next time your pull out an old family favorite, here are a couple things to try:

• Reduce the sugar. So many recipes today have way too much sugar. In most cases you can cut the sugar in half and not miss it. To use this technique in a recipe, taste the batter or mixture before you bake it. If it tastes too sour or not sweet enough, add a little more sugar and taste again.
• Reduce the dairy fat. Many recipes, especially sweet ones, call for whipping cream or half and half. Or if a recipe calls for cream cheese or sour cream, try the lower fat versions. In the case of the bread pudding recipe below, I was able to replace the whipping cream with 2% milk. Of course if you need whipped cream for a recipe, there’s really no substitution. I’m not a fan of the white stuff in a tub found in the freezer section.
• Reduce the fat content. Butter and oil play an important role in baking. Fat is necessary to make a cake have a moist texture. But sometimes you can replace oil with applesauce. For example, if you’re making banana or zucchini bread, applesauce can take the place of oil.
• Change the meat. In savory recipes that call for meat, try swapping out higher fat meats for lower fat ones. Some casseroles or stratas call for sausage. Instead of buying pork sausages, try chicken or turkey ones. If a recipe calls for bacon, how about cutting the amount in half? You’ll still get the same great bacon flavor but half the fat.
• Cut the cream sauce. Many dishes this time of year call for cream sauces. Although they’re fantastic, try replacing it with another sauce such as béchamel (butter, flour, milk), tomato, or a wine reduction. Or let the dish stand on its own. Let the flavors speak for themselves without covering them up with a heavy sauce.
• Practice moderation. With some recipes it’s just not possible to make them healthier. In that case, just practice moderation. Instead of having 5, start with three and see if that makes you happy. Or have a smaller serving to start. Chances are you’ll satisfy your craving and make your mouth happy.

Happy holidays and happy eating!

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