Now That’s Ugly

The ugly part of this post is towards the end.

But first, lets talk about pretty and delicious desserts.

During my POM dinner party, I made some treats that I gave away with my party guests goodie bags.

I was inspired by Heather’s Maple Nut Oaties and adapted these from her original recipe.

POM, Chocolate & Nut Oaties

Ingredients:

• 1 & 1/4 cup toasted rolled oats.  Toast them in the toaster oven set on 350° for a few minutes.  Watch them as they burn easily.
• 1/4 cup cashew butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted tahini
• 3 tablespoon unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/3 cup agave nectar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (1/4 slivered almonds & 1/4 cup pepitas)
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate
• 1/8  cup dried cranberries
• 1/4  cup fresh pomegranate
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 325°.
• Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (I kept it in the refrigerator longer because I used tahini, which is a little thinner than nut butters)
• Scoop cookie dough by tablespoon onto parchment lined or greased cookie sheet.
• Bake 10-12 minutes.
• Let cool for a minute before placing on the cooling rack.

Sweet, chocolate and tart goodness. (Similar to chocolate + dried cherries combination, which I love).

I love the reddish stains from the baked pomegranates.

There’s so many possible combination for this recipe that I don’t think you can go wrong.

Now for the ugly part.

I’m going to a holiday party this week where the theme is “Ugly Christmas Sweater”. I don’t own any ugly sweaters (well, not ugly for me) so my mission the next few days is to find the ugliest sweater I can find. The uglier the better.

While I was searching online for pictures, I found many online stores that actually sell ugly sweaters, but these were sold out (really, are they that in-demand?)

Or I’m thinking of some homemade version that I can put together myself with what I have at home. Below are my inspirations.

Or these two from Ebay:

It’s going to fun being silly and enjoying each other’s outfits. I don’t mean to offend anyone who actually own these sweaters, because I do think they are very festive, just not my style you know? They are not ugly, but rather they are unique 🙂

Are you going to any themed parties this holiday season? If you find or have a picture of an ugly Christmas sweater, please send them my way 🙂