Y’all. Sugar free candy!!! Specifically, these almond buckeyes. This recipe and this post have got me SO excited. We’re gonna talk candy & goodies this Trim Healthy Tuesday. I’ve been a little nervous about the upcoming holidays. I mean, in years past, I really LOVED the baking and cookie making. We would make all kinds of candies, fudge, cookies, and sweets to enjoy here at home and to give away to family and friends. This year, after losing 50 pounds and having so much success on Trim Healthy Mama, I was feeling a little lost. How was I going to do the holidays without sugar?
I mean, I’m not super experienced with the sugar alcohols, and baking with the gluten free, low carb flours. The results from what little experimenting I’ve done is pretty, er…experimental.
Last week, the authors of a new cookbook contacted me and asked me to review their sugar free cookbook: the Sweeter Side of Candida Cookbook-Desserts for the Holidays, Special Occasions, & Everyday Sweet Treats. BINGO! Hello…
(the above is my affiliate link)
Now, you may be wondering why I’m reviewing a Candida cookbook on Trim Healthy Tuesday. But don’t be put off by the word Candida in the title. Focus on the whole sugar free candy and cookies and pies thing. Both of the authors are experienced cooks who have been on the road to recovery from Candida, which happens to be a sugar free eating plan that requires low carb, gluten free flours. So we’re just on different roads to the same destination: trim & healthy sugar free treats! Bring. It. On!
So this weekend, I had fun in the kitchen again, and it was just like old times. But a skinnier, happier, sugar free version of old times.
I made both the almond butter buckeye recipe from the book and the classic peanut butter version. I secretly thought that the peanut butter version would be my favorite. BOY was I wrong!
The almond butter ones really are the best thing ever. They remind me of cookie dough bites. SO yummy! I’m so very happy to be able to share sugar free treats with my friends and family this year.
The Sweeter Side of Candida Cookbook Review
So let me tell you more about this cookbook: if you HAVE candida, or want to learn more about it, it’s an excellent resource. The Appendix offers tons of info on candida, and outlines an eating plan for recovery.
And just look how pretty it is! There are photos of most of the recipes, and I love how they are formatted nicely for printing. Each recipe is on one to two pages, so it’s easy to just print the ones you want.
If you are a Trim Healthy Mama like me, and the candida info doesn’t apply to you, then this is STILL a fantastic resource. The sweeteners used in the book are Xylitol and Stevia extract. They include info on why they use these particular products, and even resources and brand recommendations. They also include baking tips and a shopping list: nice touches for those just learning about cooking with low carb flours and sweeteners!
Now let’s talk about the fun part. The RECIPES! The book is packed with over 70 recipes for cookies, candies, snacks, bars, cakes, frosting, and drinks. I was very impressed with their innovate ways of using flavors, like the use of earl gray tea in these Snicker Doodling Cookies.
After looking over the recipes in the book, I am really looking forward to getting back in the kitchen. In fact, here’s a peek at the recipes from the book: a free printable Sweeter Side of Candida THM Type Index where each recipe is typed as S, E, FP, or Crossover. Out of the whole book, there are only two recipes that are not on plan with THM due to the use of molasses.
I did find that the technique of melting the butter for the Snicker Doodling Cookies caused my batter to be too thin to roll into balls. I remedied this by just sticking it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up the butter. They worked beautifully. 
The cinnamon coating is just really delicious and flavorful. I added 1 1/2 tablespoons of xylitol to that as well just because I like the little crunch. The finished cookies are cake-like, and far tastier than any of my prior attempts at low carb cookie baking.
My husband has been really, really excited about finding treats cooling on the counter when he comes home. The texture improves even more overnight after being chilled. I ate them for breakfast this morning…cold out of the fridge. They were AMAZING. 
The best part? These desserts can be enjoyed as part of your weight loss plan. Check out how the author lost weight while testing and eating two dessert recipes a day for a full month. I can’t wait to try the homemade chocolate chip/chunk recipe that uses real cocoa butter…you can even bake with them.
And the chewy chocolate chip cookie will be the first thing I try with the chocolate chips. I’ve missed cookies.
And caramel. I’m eying the caramel recipe, the fudge recipes, the sugar free candy bar recipe with shortbread & caramel, the pumpkin cheesecake, and the pecan pie. You get the idea. I’m going to be busy… 
and very, very happy this holiday season!
Printable Sugar Free Buckeye Recipe
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup raw almond butter* or almond flour, or 1 cup whole almonds
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch of celtic sea salt
- ½ cup xylitol granules
- ½ tsp. cinnamon (optional-I omitted)
Chocolate Coating - ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup raw cacao powder (I used regular cocoa powder)
- pinch of celtic sea salt
- stevia extract to taste
- I didn't have raw almond butter, but I did have ¾ cups of Honeyville almond flour (or 1 cup whole almonds). Measure into a food processor or blender, and let it run for several minutes until it gets clumpy.
- Add butter, xylitol granules, salt, and vanilla and pulse to combine. It should be fluffy & creamy.
- Alternatively, simply mix almond or peanut butter with butter, vanilla, salt, xylitol, and cinnamon (optional).
- Using a small scoop, form balls, placing them onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Freeze for at least 20 minutes, while preparing the chocolate coating.
To prepare chocolate coating: - In a 2 cup measuring cup or taller bowl, cream room temp coconut oil with cocoa powder and add stevia to taste. Warm very slightly by microwaving for 20 seconds or by setting bowl in a warm water...*just* until cocoa mixture becomes liquid. Overheating the mix will make your coating very thin.
- My coconut oil had some small clumps, so I opted to strain those out for a smoother coating.
- Remove buckeyes from the freezer, and dip using a toothpick or fork- covering all but the top of the buckeye.
- Return to cookie sheet, and re-freeze/re-dip if desired.
- Store in the freezer, and keep chilled to serve.
OK…let’s get down to the Trim Healthy Tuesday link up, and then I’ll give you more details about how to enter to win the Sweeter Side of Candida Cookbook
shelbrooks says
November 12, 2013 at 11:42 AMwhen does the raffle start? link said it had not begun, yet.
Lianne Daniel says
November 12, 2013 at 11:56 AMGwen….can I say I almost cried when the picture of the Pecan Pie came up??? Oh, to think that could be done and THM friendly….just brought JOY to my day!!! Gotta check this book out for sure!!! Thanks!
Laura says
November 12, 2013 at 11:57 AMYummy! Can’t wait to try some of these.
Chelle says
November 12, 2013 at 11:57 AMGwen, I may or may not have linked up before fully understanding the rules & regulations for doing so 😉 Being new to and overly-exicted about THM I’ve recently added it to my blog but haven’t yet included recipes links… I figured there’d probably be a lapse time while waiting for approval of my blog link but see that it immediately showed up (whoopsie) so you MAY want to remove my addition as I fear that my trying to do so could cause bigger oopsy issues 😀 Love Love Love your page and Stacy Makes Cents..well, there’s just so many.. Please forgive my ignorance & abundant joy in jumping the gun lol~
KBrinkley says
November 12, 2013 at 12:01 PMThat pecan pie looks fantastic! Caramel pumpkin cheesecake is a personal favorite treat of mine at holidays, so I’m looking forward to finding one that is THM-friendly!
Jairia says
November 12, 2013 at 12:01 PMMy favorite holiday candy was homemade chocolate caramels, but since I have switched to THM I need some good replacements. I have been making mini “reeses” cups with skinny chocolate and natural pb and erythritol. Looking forward to trying the buckeye recipe. (especially since I come from the “buckeye” state!)
Christy says
November 12, 2013 at 12:02 PMSpritz cookies…. or possibly German Christmas bread… it’s a tough call. /nod.
Nina says
November 12, 2013 at 12:03 PMLooking forward to using this cookbook! Looks fantastic for the holiday season. My favorite treat is most definitely cookies!
Lauren says
November 12, 2013 at 12:05 PMThose look yummy
April Primm Gores says
November 12, 2013 at 12:07 PMI thought I was forever done with Pecan Pie, the pic looks (S)imply divine! 😀
Jen Stallings says
November 12, 2013 at 12:11 PMThanks for the recipes! I love Egg Nog and am excited about a sugar free version and the buckeyes look delicious!!
Leah says
November 12, 2013 at 12:13 PMI’d love to get this cookbook! Looks amazing- thanks for sharing your find with us!
Shawn says
November 12, 2013 at 12:14 PMMy favorite holiday treats are spritz and ginger snaps! I hope I will be able to make THM versions this season.
VeronicaS says
November 12, 2013 at 12:15 PMIn the past my MIL has made Danish Butter Cookies that I have never been able to stay away from. I’m a little nervous about Christmas this year, since we will be spending it with the in-laws, and they make tons of sweets.
Autumn says
November 12, 2013 at 12:18 PMOh I love all the holiday sweets, this giveaway makes me excited for Christmas 🙂
Julieanne Miller says
November 12, 2013 at 12:19 PMThank you so much for the THM-version index! I just bought this eBook last week and have it printed out and in my THM recipe binder, so I’m excited to start using it!
Its_Gwen says
November 13, 2013 at 12:18 AMYou’re welcome! I want to hear what you make, and what you like. 🙂
Sierra Phillips says
November 12, 2013 at 12:19 PMI love my mom’s molasses cookies…great with some coffee!
Jen Zee says
November 12, 2013 at 12:33 PMMy favorite holiday treat? That one is easy. Every year my little girls and I bake Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas eve and on Christmas morning, we sing happy birthday to Him and eat a slice of cake… FOR BREAKFAST! This is the only day I would allow that. Can’t wait to use a THM cake recipe this year. : )
Regina Lapp says
November 12, 2013 at 12:36 PMMy favorite holiday treat is simply fattening…milk chocolate covered pretzels. 😛
AmberDee says
November 12, 2013 at 12:39 PMLove your recipes!
Kathy says
November 12, 2013 at 12:42 PMPecan pie! So happy to see there is a thm version!
Carmen Patterson says
November 12, 2013 at 12:52 PMMy favorite holiday treat is Pecan Pie!! I REALLY am excited to learn how to do a sugar free one <3
Caitlin Mery says
November 12, 2013 at 12:56 PMThis cookbook looks amazing! Can’t wait for the giveaway! I looove Buckeyes! Anything PB + chocolate, really.
Karen F. says
November 12, 2013 at 12:58 PMThis cookbook looks fantastic! I’m going to try the buckeyes this afternoon.
Karen F. says
November 12, 2013 at 12:59 PM(My favorite holiday treat would be anything with cheesecake.) 🙂
Destinae Waddington says
November 12, 2013 at 1:01 PMI was nervous about entering into the holidays with our new eating lifestyle, but you are all giving me hope that I can make my cake (or cookies, candies, and drinks) and eat them too! 🙂
Melissa says
November 12, 2013 at 1:02 PMif I don’t win, I will have to buy this book. Thanks for the awesome recipe!!!
Ellen says
November 12, 2013 at 1:03 PMPumpkin pie and all of them! 🙂
Melissa says
November 12, 2013 at 1:03 PMmy favorite holiday treat has got to be frosted sugar cookies, but I will be passing on those this year unless there is a THM friendly amazing sugar cookie recipe with frosting.
Maria says
November 12, 2013 at 1:08 PMMy favorite holiday treat is: pumpkin pie! Yum!
Rebecca says
November 12, 2013 at 1:09 PMLooks fantastic! Just in time for the holidays 🙂
RunAmok Farm says
November 12, 2013 at 1:09 PMLooks like a GREAT recipe book!! 🙂
JoAnna Godwin Parente says
November 12, 2013 at 1:17 PMPecan pie and ice cream sounds like Thanksgiving to me.. and sweetpotato pie!
Laura says
November 12, 2013 at 1:22 PMMy favorite holiday treat is either Thumbelina Cookies or Pumpkin Pie.
Tabatha says
November 12, 2013 at 1:23 PMMy favorite THM treat is the Martha Stewart Chocolate Crisp pie. It is coconut, chocolate and cream. What is there not to love!
Jane says
November 12, 2013 at 1:27 PMI am not sure what my favorite Christmas treat recipe will be but I have loved and missed Pecan Pie. I am excited to see they have included a pecan treat. It may become my new favorite.
icats523 says
November 12, 2013 at 1:34 PMMy favorite holiday treat is pumpkin pie, especially cold, in the morning, with whipped cream, for breakfast.
Briana says
November 12, 2013 at 1:37 PMHi, Gwen! This book looks fabulous! Thank you for sharing! My favorite holiday treat is Almond Roca. :o). I have a question for you. if that’s ok? I noticed in your review of the book above that there were two recipes you can’t use because they have molasses in them. I remember seeing a post a couple weeks ago about homemade brown sugar that calls for blackstrap molasses. I thought Pearl said it was ok because such a small amount was used. Is there a larger amount used in the recipes in the book? Is that why you can’t use them? Thank you for your help! I love your blog!
JoAnn Drummond says
November 12, 2013 at 1:38 PMMy favorite has been chocolate covered pretzels, but I’m thinking I could probably be talked into those THM buckeyes. 🙂
Joyfulmomof6 says
November 12, 2013 at 1:41 PMSo hard to choose one favorite! Probably Pecan pie
This would be such an answer to prayer to win this. I was just praying about what to do about the holidays coming up. This will be our first totally sugar-free Christmas….my 15 year old son and I both suffer from candida, and thanks to THM, I’ve been able to get the whole family off sugar. My other children were worried about how we’d do baking…
Joyfulmomof6 says
November 12, 2013 at 1:44 PMOne quick question…the code for 20% off runs out on Thursday, but your contest goes for 7 days. Any way to get that code extended until the contest is over? I’m thinking of people like myself who will want to get that book if we don’t win
Its_Gwen says
November 13, 2013 at 12:17 AMDone! The authors extended the discount for all of you. ♥ They’re SUPER sweet! (in a totally sugar free way)
Susan says
November 12, 2013 at 1:47 PMFudge is one of my favorite treats. We only make it for New Year’s Eve and look forward to it every year.
AmandaEspinoza says
November 12, 2013 at 1:52 PMTHANK YOU for reviewing this book! What an exciting book to help our THM journey! I would def. LOVE to add this to my cook book collection!
joyce says
November 12, 2013 at 2:02 PMYummy!!! I was worried about making THM recipes for the holidays… this book looks awesome!
Christa says
November 12, 2013 at 2:07 PMNow you’re getting me excited about baking again! 🙂
michelle says
November 12, 2013 at 2:12 PMMy favorite holiday sweets are carmels!
Corey says
November 12, 2013 at 2:12 PMI”d love to have this cookbook. IT sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Megan says
November 12, 2013 at 2:31 PMMy most favorite holiday treat is fudge and I have been dreading trying to avoid the real thing at Christmas! I will have to try some THM alternatives!
Elizabeth Harris says
November 12, 2013 at 2:40 PMWould love to see that Pecan Pie Recipe by Thanksgiving. I haven’t had Pecan Pie in YEARS!
rhonda says
November 12, 2013 at 2:49 PMI looove pb or almond butter ANY thing.
R Martin says
November 12, 2013 at 3:15 PMLooks great!
Sarah A. says
November 12, 2013 at 3:21 PMMy favorite treat is eggnog!
Eva says
November 12, 2013 at 3:42 PMLooks great!!! My favorite holiday treats are gingerbread cookies!
Maellen Blodgett says
November 12, 2013 at 3:47 PMMy favorite holiday recipe is chocolate chip pumpkin bread- however now that I’m a THMer- I’m not sure what I’d pick. I’d LOVE to win the book for HELP with new recipes!!! 🙂
Leah T. says
November 12, 2013 at 3:49 PMI love buckeyes and look forward to trying this recipe! I’ve lost over 30 pounds on THM and love that this cookbook is so compatible with it.
Abby says
November 12, 2013 at 3:57 PMOh yum! I don’t know if I can pick one favorite dessert though :). Something chocolate for sure ;).
Joy says
November 12, 2013 at 4:14 PMI would love to have that book! My favorite holiday treat is sugar cookies. 🙂
Stephanie Sparks says
November 12, 2013 at 4:47 PMMy favorite holiday treat is a cookie called Sandies. They are a shortbread cookie with pecans and they are rolled in powdered sugar. Wow. I’m hoping the buckeye cookies you’ve shared will help me resist. Thank you!
Denise says
November 12, 2013 at 5:16 PMFUDGE! Hands down!
decafd1 says
November 12, 2013 at 5:19 PMI’m drooling! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes, especially the snickerdoodles! And ginger snaps….and the BUCKEYES! I was born in Ohio so Buckeyes have always been a part of me. I’m really happy at the thought of being able to keep making them for the Holidays!
Laura S says
November 12, 2013 at 5:30 PMPecan pie is my favorite. It tastes so good and I hope to be able to make it healthier.
Patty says
November 12, 2013 at 5:33 PMWOW! Pecan Pie once again–I can hardly believe it! I so want to win this book, but if I don’t, I will get the softcover edition when it comes out. I love this Tuesday THM stuff. I am so glad you are continuing it–I signed up for your emails/blog just because of the Tuesday “stuff”. Thank you for all your recipes and hard work on this.
Hannah Sommers says
November 12, 2013 at 5:53 PMPecan Pie???? Oh… I need this book!! 🙂
Amy J. Phillips says
November 12, 2013 at 6:00 PMMy Fave is sweet potato pie. 🙂
Lyn says
November 12, 2013 at 6:02 PMMy favorite treat is usually some kinds of pie. This year we’re doing a THM friendly oreo cheesecake 🙂
Megan Knapp says
November 12, 2013 at 6:02 PMMy favorite holiday treat is probably spritz cookies!
Denise says
November 12, 2013 at 6:10 PMCream cheese cookies are my favorite!
Jan says
November 12, 2013 at 6:10 PMGwen, your recipes are always soooo good! You have a spirit of sharing, and make the THM journey so much sweeter.
Kathy in WA says
November 12, 2013 at 6:39 PMMy favorite holiday treat – anything pumpkin! I’ve been off sugar for over five years, so I don’t typically eat holiday desserts. This world of stevia and other sweeteners has been very eye-opening and new to me. Thanks for reviewing this book!
Laura N Kaczmarek says
November 12, 2013 at 6:44 PMWow, this looks like an amazing book! All the pictures you showed look wonderful! If I don’t win, I may have to order this book! Thanks for previewing and sharing with us!
Ronica Case says
November 12, 2013 at 7:04 PMI love pies!
Robin Johnson Gomez says
November 12, 2013 at 7:20 PMMy favorite is Toffee!
Melissa Corbett says
November 12, 2013 at 7:36 PMThis cookbook sounds great! Our favorite holiday treat is whoopie pies. I’m wondering if ill be able to figure out a way to make them THM friendly…this book might give me the info I need to try to figure it out 🙂
Joey Jordan Bragg says
November 12, 2013 at 8:00 PMMy favorite Holiday Dessert is Pumpkin Pie and English Trifle
Miranda says
November 12, 2013 at 8:54 PMPumpkin pie use to be my favorite treat, now I’m thinking that peekin pecan 🙂
Stephanie H. says
November 12, 2013 at 9:11 PMPumpkin rolls and fudge!
Darci says
November 12, 2013 at 9:14 PMMy favourite holiday treat is Nanaimo bars (pretty sure they are Canadian so you may not know them). Also I made the buckeye balls (more buckeye blobs) today and they are seriously FANTASTIC!! Very much enjoying them here 😀 so thanks a bunch.
Erin says
November 12, 2013 at 9:38 PMI now LOVE Tuesdays!! Thanks for making over a Ho Hum Day!
Carrie*Lynne says
November 12, 2013 at 10:29 PMMy favorite holiday treat is gingerbread <3
L. Peacock says
November 12, 2013 at 11:10 PMWhat a wonderful cookbook to have! II can hardly wait for the PECAN PIE… this southern girl will be in ‘hog’ heaven.
Thank you for trying new things and letting us in on how wonderful they are. I love that it saves me time!
Darlene Barnett says
November 12, 2013 at 11:39 PMAll of these recipes sound delicious! I can’t wait to try the Buckeyes
Melissa Pallex says
November 12, 2013 at 11:43 PMHomemade caramels are a favorite of mine. Buckeyes/peanut butter balls are my husband’s favorites. My kids love cutout Christmas cookies. This cookbook looks like a WONDERFUL way to enjoy the holidays guilt-free!
cory says
November 13, 2013 at 1:25 AMReally anything with mint and chocolate as well as pumpkin cheesecake
Brande Robinson Rambo says
November 13, 2013 at 7:49 AMWe love to bake all kinds of cookies and treats for the holidays. We enjoy eating them as well as sharing. Buckeyes are actually one of our favorites. This looks like an amazing resource. Thanks!
Amanda says
November 13, 2013 at 9:15 AMMy favorite Holiday treat is Kringler
Tonia says
November 13, 2013 at 11:26 AMI love peanut butter balls! This cookbook looks amazing!
Tess says
November 13, 2013 at 1:22 PMMy favorite holiday treat is buckeyes and I am so very excited to see this version that I can use this year!!!
Anna Jones says
November 13, 2013 at 1:46 PMMy favorite holiday treat is cookies!!! 🙂 This is my first Christmas doing THM, so I’m excited to see how this goes! I’m so thankful that you’re running this giveaway so that I can indulge my sweet tooth and show appreciation for my body at the same time!
Stephanie says
November 13, 2013 at 2:23 PMProbably cookies…. And hot cocoa 🙂
Happily Southern says
November 13, 2013 at 2:24 PMOne of my favorite holiday treats/cookies is Tropic S’prizes my grandma always made for Christmas and we made till we went gluten free for two of my siblings… I’m really hoping that there will be a recipe that will work so we can make them again!
Martha says
November 13, 2013 at 3:01 PMPecan pie, or bars are the best.
Diana Cortado says
November 13, 2013 at 5:38 PMMy favorite holiday treat: Pecan Pie…haven’t had a piece in forever that fit the way I am eating. The Peekin Pecan Pie looks great. The Snickerdoodles, too!
Heidi Jayne says
November 13, 2013 at 11:54 PMWe always make St. Nick Cookies and Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (with white powdered sugar on top.
emily baer says
November 14, 2013 at 9:42 AMPecan pie!
Diane says
November 14, 2013 at 10:48 AMThese desserts look amazing. I made cookies with almond flour last Christmas and they were quite tasty. Would love to add this cookbook to my collection.
Amber W says
November 14, 2013 at 1:17 PMMy favorite holiday treat is homemade chocolate covered cherries…pretty sure that can’t be THM tweaked!! 😉
Jessica Abel says
November 14, 2013 at 2:48 PMThis might be a double comment but I can’t find where I commented to do the rafflecopter. I just wanted to say the recipe I would like to try more than any is the pecan pie. Looks so yummy that it is mouthwatering. Thanks Gwen and to the authors for this giveaway.
CherryBlossomMJ says
November 15, 2013 at 12:37 AMMy favorite holiday treat is my masterpiece I’ve made every Christmas morning since I was old enough to help cook in the kitchen and that would be Monkey Bread. So that is one thing that I definitely am curious about trying to adapt a THM version of!
Its_Gwen says
November 27, 2013 at 11:54 PMOh, I grew up with that for special occasions! That would be a great one to play with!
Michael Ann says
November 15, 2013 at 9:26 AMWow! This cookbook looks amazing! Thanks for telling us about it, Gwen! If I don’t win it, I’m going to need to buy it!
Sheila says
November 15, 2013 at 2:26 PMI would love to make the pecan pie this Christmas!
melissa says
November 15, 2013 at 8:18 PMFav. Holiday treat is pumpkin pie
Carol says
November 17, 2013 at 10:01 AMLooks fabulous!
Debi says
November 17, 2013 at 10:22 PMMy favorite holiday treat is pecan pie….my step mom has the best redipe. She got this from her Mother and whenever I make this I am always asked for the recipe. Hope to find a good LC pecan pie recipe.
Melissa Taylor says
December 31, 2013 at 10:02 PMDrooling. Thank you for sharing that.
Cindy Litchfield says
April 25, 2015 at 12:52 PMThank you for making your recipes printable.
Gwen Brown says
April 25, 2015 at 6:02 PMYou’re SO welcome. 🙂 I have a recipe binder, so I knew when I started a blog that I wanted printable recipes.