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We’re in the thick of it now my friends! Christmas will be here with the blink of an eye!

*** *** >Those of you who know me know I love to bake and make gifts for friends and family. It doesn't even have to be a holiday, I just enjoy sharing tasty treats! You mention chocolate and I’m all over it! It seems like I buy dark chocolate by the case! ***

Is it a Bird, no it's an Elf!

![bird.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmbNgSnMitPpDokRPhnK2dFakzSkdKswKcELrf52PsfgMv) *photo thanks to pixabay* *** >This season I’m still experimenting with sugar alternatives. I’ve tried many but I’m still not convinced. My latest experiment has been with Swerve. Swerve or erythritol is a granular sweetener made from plants/citrus. So far I haven’t noticed any odd aftertaste in recipes and knowing it is a natural sweetener which does not affect blood sugar it’s certainly worth a try. ***

Brownies were on my mind…

which I can credit to my daughter. Gotta love facetime! We talk just about every day and it gives me the opportunity to “talk” with my grandson. At 1 ½ years old he has quite a bit to say, *unfortunately he’s the only one who know what he’s trying to tell me.* He does understand cookies and muffins though. She’s always whipping up some healthy baked goodie and yesterday it was brownies. This week I want to share something special with my friends at our monthly book group gathering. These will be perfect, just a bite will do! *** ![DSC_0043 (2p).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmbfTeYReScMpaZbesNXJ9SfF7eoyzgnRL4boGpCzstccz) ***

Turn on your favorite holiday tunes, let’s get started!

***

Grab the dark chocolate…

chips (just one cup) and butter (6 tbsp.) and using your favorite saucepan melt both completely . Surprisingly these brownies are pretty quick to make so if you’re looking for a quick dessert to share, this will work! Don’t forget to stir often; burned chocolate is not what you’re looking for! Now add ¾ cup erythritol and stir. By the way, this granular sweetener can be substituted 1 to 1 with any of the standard sugars. If you want to try it in one of your favorite recipes please do, I would love to hear your results! ![DSC_0004 (2).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmf8B6gkdR9GXdW69RwXC7u8o2utktFm1cnafr4HSosBXT)

With a whisk…

(or fork) add 2 fresh eggs (or egg substitute), 1 tablespoon Cacao powder and 3 tablespoons Tapioca starch. The batter is nice and smooth now let’s add about ½ cup chopped pecans. ![DSC_0007 (2l).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmQnLxY1tpk6ZaT2up4fnyf4Jtv5HCfNPdRJZitfjeZXBZ)

Creamy chocolate…

Delicious-ness in a parchment lined baking pan! Try not taste too much! Baked for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, it’s done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean! ![DSC_0009 (2).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmUY72Z28W7fcspKaNgVxWPv61haEgjURyADd7KjsWKe9x)

They’re not brownies…

without the icing! First I had to let them cool completely. This icing is simple; just combine ¾ cup full fat coconut milk with 1 cup dark chocolate chips in a saucepan. When melted, pour the icing over the cooled brownies, top with ½ cup chopped pecans and refrigerate overnight. ![DSC_0011 (2).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmciC65LAn2rNWG76QviZfypYKfmSep81BQmgDYMcxZf2L)

Tis the season my friends! Enjoy!

![DSC_0036 (2).jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmesX4cexXxYGGvG4DgRHWgUmsXsipfdcf44LL1MxSxJcz) *** >Nothing brings me more pleasure than sharing healthy treats with my friends and family. These brownies will make the short list for my Holiday gifts this year. Luckily I’ll be giving these to my friends tomorrow; they’re already too popular around the Bird nest! Erythritol was a success, I hope you’ll try it and let me know what you think. Holidays treats are so packed with unhealthy sugars, I’m encouraged this sweetener isn’t overly sweet. Thanks for stopping by! *** *And as always, blessings to you all!* *** ![todaysjourney.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmRBUNU4b13b19RGyDKY1ooLpvMrb3NgdiYy3GYbmk6n1A) *** ![PHC-Footer-05.gif](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZMTckzqpfBShZSELLFNotjm43vJfjg79Ynz4ndB3i86a/PHC-Footer-05.gif) ![steemusa2.png](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmQ1bj6tt6H82sf3osKcJ4FnhHzLk51BEqD5TqmbG8ZTLG)