Tag: chocolate chip

Cookies for Lactation (and not)

Leave a comment

With a toddler and an infant, I’m pretty much in the thick of it over here. Some days are harder than others. Do you know what always helps? Cookies.

Ok, now that I’ve got your attention, this recipe is actually for “lactation cookies” No, these cookies will not make you lactate if you’re not a nursing mama and they are delicious and healthy for anyone. The ingredients, like oats, almonds, and brewers yeast, are known to enhance lactation. They are also super healthy foods for anyone and will give you a nice dose of healthy carbs, protein, fiber, and B vitamins, so don’t knock ’em til you try ’em!

…and if you are a nursing mama, the good news is that you can eat these cookies and feel GOOD about it! Not that you should ever feel bad about treating yourself to a cookie or two, but these ones make you feel like a superwoman because you’re helping to feed and grow a human being, so therefor you ARE a superhero!

Ingredients: (yields approximately one dozen small cookies)

  • 3/4 c oats
  • 1 heaping tablespoon brewers yeast
  • 1 heaping tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup OR honey (option to sub for unsweetened applesauce to avoid added sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4c dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (if you have it, I’ve made them a bunch of times without as well)
  • a pinch of sea salt
  • optional: 1/2 mashed banana, 1/4 cup nuts or nut butter of choice, coconut flakes, raisins or other dried fruit

If you’re a baker, you would mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another and then combine. If you’re me, you throw everything in the Vitamix (except chocolate chips) because what new mom has time for that? Roll into balls and place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Cook at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy.

One Healthy Breakdown: just another excuse to eat cookies!

P.S. apologize to the new moms who I promised this recipe months ago. I have no excuse other than motherhood and I think you get it 😉

Pumpkin Treats Two Ways

These are hands-down two of the best pumpkin treats everrrrr invented. Pumkins are not only a fall staple for their color and taste, they also deliver a rich dose of antioxidants to boot. You can feel good about making these treats over and over and over again.

Pumpkin Nut Fudge: (vegan, gluten-free, and can be made sugar free)

IMG_3116Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (I like Farmer’s Market organic pumpkin or you can make your own)
  • 1/4 cup cacoa powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional, omit for sugar free recipe)
  • 1/3 cup nut butter of choice (peanut, almond, and sunflower seed all work great)
  • pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

You’ll need two separate bowls to make the layers. For chocolate fudge, combine cacoa powder, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup/honey. Melt briefly (microwave for about 20-30 seconds or use stovetop) and stir fudge until consistent. Pour half of fudge on parchment paper in a square pan. Put in freezer or fridge for 5-10 minutes while making pumpkin layer. For pumpkin filling, combine pumpkin with the remaining coconut oil (2 tablespoons) and maple syrup/honey (1 tablespoon.) In a blender or mixer, add nut butter and sea salt and mix until consistent. Spread this layer on top of fudge once it’s solid and freeze or refrigerate another 5-10 minutes. Once pumpkin layer has solidified, add remaining fudge and refrigerate another 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

*option: for a sweeter treat, simply melt chocolate chips and coconut oil for fudge layer. For a less-rich and more “cookie-like” fudge, add almond meal to fudge layer. Recipe adopted from Detoxinista.

Pumpkin Oat Cookies:

cccIngredients:

  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin
  • 1/3 cup oats
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • dash of pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions:

Mix or blend all ingredients together, adding chocolate chips last. Scoop spoonfuls of cookie batter onto cookie pan over parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until outside becomes crispy.

One Healthy Breakdown: you’ll be extra thankful for pumpkin this season after tasting these treats!

 

 

Banana Chocolate Chip Yum Muffins

Leave a comment

photo 3Bananas getting a little too ripe on the counter? These bad boys are the perfect solution and make the yummiest breakfast or snack any day! Recipe makes about a dozen muffins.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 2 eggs (or flax egg for vegan alternative)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup carob or dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon raw oats to top (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

2. Spray muffin pans (I use organic coconut oil spray or cupcake liners) and pour batter, top with oats or toppings of choice (coconut and peanut butter are fab too!) Bake for 15-20 minutes and voilà!

photo 1One Healthy Breakdown: Healthy? Check. Breakfast? Check. Snack? Check. Dessert? Delicious!