Couscous marzipan with pear compote and fruit and nut nougat

All the desserts made in SHA’s kitchens share two main characteristics: they deliver that sweet touch to round off any culinary experience and, most importantly, are packed with health-promoting properties. We’ve replaced the classic ingredients of traditional baking—sugars, processed flours, eggs and dairy products—with other much healthier options that are highly nutritional without renouncing flavour or the pleasure of enjoying a sweet treat at the end of the meal.

Of course, this natural approach to baking also includes typical Christmas treats. A good example is our couscous marzipan with pear compote and fruit and nut nougat, two recipes that we encourage you to prepare and enjoy at home. The ingredients include nuts with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, such as almonds and hazelnuts, which are rich in healthy fats, vegetable proteins, fibre, vitamins B and E and minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and zinc. They strengthen bones and joints, help control cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular diseases, improve cognitive abilities, strengthen the immune system and contribute to proper cellular functioning. In addition, they are satiating and energising foods, perfect for maintaining optimal weight and combating the winter cold.

The recipes also include fruits, both fresh and dried, which provide the sweetness that every dessert needs. Pears are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fibre and antioxidant flavonoids such as quercetin, while dried apricots and sultanas are a source of provitamin A, essential minerals, polyphenols and fibre, improving intestinal transit, aiding digestion, regulating blood pressure and fighting free radicals. And because they contain hardly any water, their nutrients are ultra-concentrated.

In short, two energetic desserts to avoid falling into Christmas indulgences, while enjoying sweets that are not only delicious, but also very healthy.