I Believe in Dessert.

Dessert doesn't have to mean unhealthy. It doesn't have to mean lots of sugar or white flour. In fact, there are many ways to make your desserts BENEFICIAL to your health. Using sweeteners other than white sugar is a great place to start. Raw Agave nectar contains lots of vitamins and minerals. Sweeteners such as maple syrup, maple sugar, and brown rice syrup also contain vitamins and minerals; and don't raise your blood sugar as well. Another ingredient to look at is flour. I don't even own white flour anymore. In my pantry there is coconut, oat, spelt, and whole wheat flours; and fine cornmeal (for those delicious cornbread muffins). All of these flours contain lots of protein and fiber; making our bodies and tummies very happy!

The following chocolate chip cookie recipe is not only delicious, it is incredibly good for you! On Friday I made a batch and took them to work. Vegans and non-vegans devour them. I love hearing "I can't believe these are vegan!" and "These are healthy?!?!?! NO WAY!" So lets all eat dessert and stop feeling guilty!

The Healthiest Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World
makes 30 cookies

2 cups walnuts
3 Tbs. canola oil
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups oat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. fine sea salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover 2 cookie sheets with foil.
2. Blend walnuts in food processor 30 seconds, or until ground into fine meal. Add oil, and blend 2 or 3 minutes more, or until mixture has the consistency of natural peanut butter. Transfer to bowl.




3. Whisk together brown sugar and 1/2 cup water in saucepan, and bring to a boil.





4. Pour brown sugar mixture over walnut butter, add vanilla, and stir until no lumps remain.
5. Whisk together oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into a separate bowl. Stir oat flour mixture into walnut mixture. Cool dough 10 minutes.
6. Fold oats, then chocolate chips into dough.





7. Shape into 2-inch balls, and place on prepared cookie sheets. Flatten cookies with bottom of drinking glass dipped in water.





8. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies begin to brown. Cool 3 minutes on cookie sheets, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.



Yum!

Don't be afraid to experiment with your dessert recipes you love. Try substituting the sugar, flour, milk, and eggs. A great egg substitute is 1 Tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed in a small bowl with 3 Tablespoons of water. This will add extra fiber to your recipe and a nice dose of Omega-3 fats!

Have fun and eat dessert!

Love,
Steph