Recipe (Re)creation: Oatmeal + Banana + Chocolate Chip Cookies

I bet you can't stop at just one!  Luckily these cookies are super healthy and nutritious and can easily be eaten for breakfast or a snack without feeling too indulgent.  I based these cookies off a recipe from my friend Casey and her blog Pink Brandywine.  She mentioned how much her son loved these cookies and thought they'd be the perfect bite-sized treat for my little one.  Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients as well- you can't really mess these up!

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp. almond butter
• 1-2 tbsp. dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a baking sheet.
Mash the banana and oats in a bowl until they are well blended.
Add the cinnamon, vanilla and almond butter and continue mixing.
Scoop round spoonfuls of dough and place on your baking sheet.
Top each cookie with a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and enjoy!

Recipe Creation: Coconut + Almond Butter Milkshake

I don't know about you, but there is nothing more refreshing to me than an ice cold milkshake on a hot day.  I have recently discovered that I am completely obsessed with almond butter.  Like crazy obsessed. I have it at least twice a day (and blame it on pregnancy cravings). Anyhow, I figured nothing could be better than drinking my favorite food in the form of a frothy, creamy, and refreshing treat!  I decided to do some research, found a few versions on blogs I liked, and made a few changes.  Voila- liquid perfection!  Plus, it has healthy fat, fiber, and protein in it so it's totally a health food.  At least that is what I tell myself ; )

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 5 large dates, pitted
• 1 14 oz. can of light coconut milk
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups ice
• (*optional- add Stevia, to taste)

Directions:

-In a high-powered blender or Vitamix, add all of your ingredients.

-Blend until smooth and creamy.

-Pour in two tall glasses and enjoy.

Recipe (Re)creation: Easy Mini Chocolate Souffles

You will not believe how easy it is to make this souffle.  It is light and airy and wonderfully chocolatey (plus, its low-fat).  The souffle recipe is based on this recipe from Cooking Light.  It offers the perfect amount of indulgence without being too gluttonous.  I made this for Valentine's Day and it was a hit.  After it was devoured, the words uttered in our dining room were, "this needs to go into the weekly rotation."  I believe it just has.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dutch process cocoa
• 2 tablespoons skim milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat 2 ramekins with cooking spray and sprinkle each with 3/4 tsp granulated sugar.

Combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, flour, cocoa and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.  

Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes and stir until smooth.  

Remove from heat and scoop in a small bowl to cool for a few minutes and stir in vanilla extract.

Place egg white in a medium bowl (or standing mixer) and beat on high until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form and the mixture thickens.

Gradually stir the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture until smooth.

Evenly spoon the mixture into two ramekins.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until fluffy and set.

Sprinkle eat souffle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Top with berries or gelato for a fun twist.


Enjoy (AKA devour)