Diabetics, borderline diabetics, and people on diets can enjoy holiday treats that are just as tasty as the typical, high-calorie holiday fare.

Prairie Rose Heart Healthy Baking, an Ames-based business, will be offering baking classes featuring low-sugar, low-fat holiday recipes.

Beyond Welfare, a local organization that addresses multiple aspects of poverty, is partnering to provide scholarships to the class for low-income persons.

Two classes will be taught, one November 21 and another December 13, from 6 to 10 p.m.

If there’s enough interest, the class may also be taught in Boone. To express interest in a class in Boone, call 515-451-6763. Call the same number to sign up for Ames classes.

Classes will be held in the basement kitchen of St. Thomas Aquinas, 2210 Lincoln Way. Registration is $50 at the door, $42.50 by mail ahead of time. All ingredients and supplies to bake holiday treats are provided.

Children between 8 and 17 years are welcome to attend with an adult for only $10 extra dollars.

All ingredients are natural. Even sugar-free treats are made without artificial sweeteners, but with Stevia, an ancient natural sweetener. Ordinary ingredients such as apple sauce, mashed carrots, fruit juices and small amounts of honey or maple syrup are also used as natural sweeteners in the recipes. All participants get a collection of recipes and treats including pie, brownies, lemon bars, roll-and-cut-out cookies, biscotti and cake. Each participant will leave with a large festive tray of assorted goodies to eat at home or freeze for later celebrations!

Because the link between poverty and diabetes is well-established, Beyond Welfare of Story County is sponsoring three full scholarships for persons otherwise unable to afford this class.

Likewise, Community Cares of Boone County is sponsoring scholarships for low-income Boone County residents hoping to attend the baking classes either in Ames or the to-be-announced dates in Boone.

Mary Rose Anderson, the owner of Prairie Rose, offered her diabetic baked goods at the Boone Farmers’ Market and at the Ankeny Uptown Farmer's Market this summer.

For more information about the classes, to register or to apply for a scholarship, call 515-451-6763. For more information about Beyond Welfare, Inc. of Story County, call 515-292-592. To inquire about Community Cares of Boone County in Boone, call 515-432-3148.