“Healthier” No-Bake Cookies

If you’re anything like me, you like to have simple ingredients on hand to satisfy your chocolate craving when it decides to pop up. Instead of reaching for something full of refined sugar, artificial colors, or genetically modified substances…learn to fulfill your craving with “healthier” options. Organic raw cacao, raw honey, almond butter, and maca powder are a few of my secret weapons when I allow myself to “give-in”, while still staying on track with my healthy lifestyle. Don’t deprive yourself from everything you enjoy, but instead learn to find healthier alternatives that feed your body with nutrients.

No-bake cookies were one of my favorites growing up! I had a constant “sweet tooth” and could live on chocolate. Thankfully my lifestyle has changed drastically since then, but I still enjoy some dark chocolate on occasion. There are a lot of no-bake cookie recipes out there, but I tried to incorporate some beneficial foods into mine so it seems less like a treat. These are packed with superfoods like cacao, maca, and coconut oil. Cacao is packed full of antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. It can also help increase serotonin levels and give you mood enhancing benefits. Maca is an adaptogen and can help balance hormones naturally and increase fertility, increase energy levels, and is a good source of vitamin C and iron. Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and can help decrease inflammation, as well as lose weight!

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Nutiva Butter Flavored Coconut Oil

1/2 Cup Organic Raw Cacao Powder

1/4 Cup Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter)

1/4 – 1/2 Cup Raw Honey or Maple Syrup (sweeten according to your taste preference)

1 TBSP Organic Maca Powder

1 Tsp Organic Vanilla Extract

1 3/4 Cup Organic Sprouted Quick Oats

(Feel free to add nuts, seeds, shredded coconut or other “superfoods“)

Directions:

In a stainless steel pan over low heat, combine the coconut oil, cacao and maca powders, almond butter, vanilla and honey. Mix well and wait for a mild simmer before adding the oats. Stir in the oats and combine well. Cover a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Drop TBSP size amounts onto the parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to set.

Enjoy!

Paleo-friendly Pumpkin Pie

Don’t miss out on pumpkin pie this year because you can’t eat grain, dairy, or sugar! Here is a paleo-friendly pumpkin pie recipe that will allow you to splurge without the added inflammation. Pumpkin is rich in Beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A within your body. Vitamin A is very beneficial for immune health, as well as a potent antioxidant.

Use food as medicine to attain optimal wellness!  Learn to make healthier versions of desserts and treats to keep yourself as healthy as possible throughout the holiday season.

Ingredients:

15 oz Organic Pumpkin Puree

1/2 Cup Full-fat Organic Coconut Milk or Dairy-Free Milk

3 Pasture-Raised Eggs

1/4 Cup Organic Maple Syrup or Raw Honey

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1 TBSP Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice  

1 Tsp Organic Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp Himalayan Salt

*1 Tsp Organic Molasses (Optional)

*Optional for added sweetness – 2 TBSP Organic Coconut or Date Sugar

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all ingredients together very well, and pour into a par-baked grain-free crust. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until set. (This will vary depending on your oven)

Looking for a crust recipe that doesn’t taste like cardboard? Click HERE to see which pie crust I use when I bake my pumpkin pie. I haven’t been able to find anything that compares to this yummy recipe, while avoiding grains, dairy, and refined sugar. It is a must try!

*I’ve found that only making a 1/2 recipe when using a standard pie dish is best to avoid too thick of crust.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding Recipe

This healthy pumpkin chia pudding is packed full of nutrients – healthy fats, vitamin A, iron, and antioxidants. Whether this is for breakfast or dessert, it will not disappoint!

Ingredients:

2  Cups Full-Fat Organic Coconut Milk

1/8 Cup Organic Pumpkin Puree

1/2 Cup Chia Seeds

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1/8 Cup Raw Honey or Maple Syrup

1/2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/4 Tsp Cinnamon

Instructions:

Combine all the pudding ingredients, besides chia seeds, in a blender or food processor. Blend for 30 seconds, or until everything is mixed well. You may now add in the chia seeds and mix with a spoon. Transfer the mixture into small glass bowls or mason jars. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the pudding is thickened. (You may want to stir or shake the jars a couple times during the first hour to prevent the chia seeds from clumping to the bottom).  Feel free to add toppings such as, chopped pecans, crumbled gluten-free graham crackers, cacao nibs, or just a sprinkle of cinnamon. ENJOY!