(The BEST) Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

So I do this thing where I make cookies for my husband. Being the amazing wife that I am, I always make sure they are healthy and full of good and wholesome ingredients because let's face it...For lunch he probably had a hot dog from 7/11 and that's just sad. I also remember that he's human, so I usually always throw a large helping of chocolate chips to off set the healthy-ness is hopes that he will forget that I made it with whole wheat and focus purely on the fact that I made him cookies and therefore I deserve roses or something like that. Also, that was a super long sentence.

IMG_2038

IMG_2038

Anyways, most of the time I make these special cookies my husband notices rather (too) quickly that these aren't buttery-sugery cookies that really nice(r) wives make their husbands. So he kindly eats one and well...that's about as far as it goes.

After making dozens of healthier cookies I've learned that I don't have to always sacrifice taste, but texture has somewhat been a problem. Most cookies become more cake like and then after a few days, well they aren't that great. But rest assured, I've eaten every failure without even thinking because...well..let's move on shall we?

So fast forward to these cookies.

IMG_2046

IMG_2046

When these cookies came out of the oven I was a little hesitant to try them because I was used to so-so tasting cookies, but as soon as I ate one, shared some with Boo, then proceeded to eat like 7 more I KNEW these were a keeper!

I've learned quickly a few things when adapting cookie recipes, and what works and what doesn't. Here are just a few of those things:

Screen shot 2012-11-14 at 9.49.37 PM

Screen shot 2012-11-14 at 9.49.37 PM

It's amazing how coconut oil can take the sub of butter/margarine in practically any recipe! And if you are worried if it has a coconut flavor, it most definitely doesn't. It takes on a nutty butter flavor, and you MUST put it on toast...or popcorn...or rub it on your legs because that's sexy.

You know what else you MUST do?

Make these cookies...

IMG_2039

IMG_2039

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies-Adapted from Picky Palate

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c. coconut oil-solid form

1 c. maple sugar

1/2 c. pumpkin puree

2 TB. molasses

1 egg or flax/chia egg

1 TB. vanilla

1 bag chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together dry ingredients and set aside. In a mixing bowl add coconut oil and sugar and beat for about a minute or so until fluffy. Add in puree, egg, vanilla, and molasses. Beat until combined, then add dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.

2. Using a larger ice cream scoop, scoop batter onto prepared cookie sheet. Flatten cookie just a little bit, then bake for 12-13 minutes. Once cookies are done, immediately remove from pan and place on cooling rack.

IMG_2042

IMG_2042

The second the hubs got home I told him I made some cookies, and the first thing he did was make a 'Yea I am super excited, not really face...' But after his first bite, his face went from lam-o to....

IMG_2030

IMG_2030

I am now going to end this post like I do many others...

Best.Wife.Ever.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Let me tell you a story...

IMG_1586

IMG_1586

Once upon a time there was this Princess. She was of coarse the fairest of all and had control over all the house hold...um land, I mean land!

IMG_1576

IMG_1576

She danced, sang, and pranced around like most princesses do, but most of all she was known for her dramatic, and quite loud,  personality.

Often times you might walk into her living quarters to find jewelry, purses, and plastic heels strewed about the room. Then when you look up to see the Princess, you notice her standing against her table wearing an oversized tutu talking to a line up of her favorite princess dolls. She talks politely but demanding to them, and if one disappoints her she slaps them onto the floor...

Her mother, quite beautiful I might add, loved to watch this Princess grow on a daily basis but knew the more she grew the more independent she would become. Instead of request to be held and cuddled, it was more like, "Go away mom, I'm playing!"

 So, in her desperate efforts to hold onto her little princess just a little longer, before Teenage Charming comes along, her mother whisks her away into the kitchen to prepare a snack.

It's where they connect every time and share stories, laugh, and learn.

IMG_0816

IMG_0816

And for that moment in time, nothing matters except the love in their hearts and the chocolate on their faces...

IMG_0837

IMG_0837

Oh...and the muffins in the oven. Those are pretty important too...

IMG_1594

IMG_1594

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. spelt flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

dash of salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 c. homemade pumpkin puree, or puree from a can

1 egg-or 1 flax or chia egg

1 TB. vanilla

1/3 c. almond butter

1/3 c. melted coconut oil-cooled

1/4 c. packed finely shredded carrots, or 1 large carrot finely shredded

1/3 c. maple syrup

2 TB. non dairy milk

1/2 c. chocolate chips.

IMG_1596

IMG_1596

Directions:

1. Whisk dry ingredients together, (flour, salt, BP, BS, spices) in a medium bowl.

2. In a separate bowl whisk the rest of the ingredients together, besides chocolate chips. Add wet to dry and stir until incorporated. DO not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Spoon batter into muffin liners in cupcake pan. Bake in a preheated oven of 350 degrees for 20-23 minutes.

IMG_1595

IMG_1595

As soon as the muffins are done and consumed, the little princess gives her mother a hug and a kiss and quickly runs off to her big girl duties.

The mother, grateful for the time they spent, realizes what a precious and polite angel that little princess really is and wants nothing more than to give her one last big hug before she goes about her duties.

Knowing this would be no easy task, the Princess' mother bends down and says to the princess, "Can I tell you a secret?" In which the princess replies, "Sure!"

Her mother quietly whispers in her ear saying, "I Love You!"

At that moment, the Princess looked at her mom, rolled her eyes, and said...

IMG_1422

IMG_1422

"That's no secret Mom!"

The end.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Pie

Let's talk about dessert.

IMG_0891

IMG_0891

We've all been there.

8:30 at night, kids are asleep, husband is knee deep in his fantasy football draft, and you've plopped yourself down on the couch to watch some good ol' trash tv.

Then it hits you...A craving like no other. First you start to itch, and then your right eye starts twitching.

Then before you know it  your legs begin to spasm and that craving for something sweet has sent you to loose all control.

It's getting dangerous.

You try and hold yourself back from opening that package of M&M's that somehow mysteriously ended up in your pantry, but each time you slap yourself in the face and say, "NO Dangit!," a giant sized red M&M grabs you in the face and says...

"EAT ME!"

IMG_0862

IMG_0862

This is serious.

So then you do the worst thing possible because the stress is too much to handle.

You put on your stretchy pants and head to the kitchen to do some damage.

First the M&M's, and then the Ding Dongs.

Oh Crap! Hubby bought Peanut Butter Oreos...Get in MA' Belly!

IMG_0874

IMG_0874

An hour later your husband finds you in the fetal position lying on the kitchen floor cradling a package of Tums and a bottle of chocolate syrup.

He picks you up, wipes you off, pries the chocolate sauce from your hands, and puts you to bed.

As he is tucking you in, you can't help but wish that the previous hour was all a dream, and drinking a carton of ice cream never happened...

But it did...Oh yes it did.

IMG_0864

IMG_0864

Wait...You mean that's never happened to you.

Uh, ya me neither...

Dessert cravings can be a dangerous thing...OBVIOUSLY.

The stress of trying to beat those cravings and choose a healthier option can send you into full blown panic mode.

Which is why it's almost a necessity to have a pie on hand.

One that's naturally sweetened, packed with protein, boost of omegas, and well one that screams...

EAT  ME!

IMG_0876

IMG_0876

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Pie

Ingredients: (For the ice cream)

3 bananas

1 avocado

1/2 c. peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter for nut free version -make sure no sugar added, just nuts for ingredients

1/3 c. cocoa powder

1/8 c. coconut oil

1 TB. vanilla

(For the Crust)

2 1/2 c. salted pretzels

20 small/medium sized dates-pits removed

1/2 c. peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter for nut free version-make sure no sugar added, just nuts for ingredients

2 tsp. vanilla

(For the topping)

1/2 c. pretzels finely crushed into crumbs-the finer the better

Directions:

1. Prepare the crust first: In a food processor, process pretzels and dates first until fine crumbs appear. Add nut butter and vanilla until combined. Mixture will be crumbly..that's ok! Press crust into spring form pan. (PRESS HARD)

2. Prepare the filling: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour on top of crust and spread out. Top with the 1/2.c finely grated pretzels. (The finer the better!)

3. Place covered in freezer for a couple hours until hardened. If it's in freezer for a longer time, let thaw for a 3-4 minutes before cutting and serving.

IMG_0901

IMG_0901

Now..No need to be all lady like/gentleman-ish when eating this pie.

IMG_0902

IMG_0902

By all means, go crazy and shove this bad boy straight into your mouth...No hesitation!

IMG_0903

IMG_0903

SO next time that sweet tooth craving comes a creepin', just slap your self on the hiney and remember there's a nice delicious healthy pie waiting for you in the freezer!

Your welcome...

:)

Anytime (Veggie) Cookies

**This original post is from 2012 and I have updated it so it’s easier to follow! Along with an updated recipe and pictures :). Scroll down for the recipe!**

I created this recipe to be a cookie you or your family could have ANYTIME. It has veggies, dark chocolate, and naturally sweetened coconut sugar. My kids ask for cookies on the daily, so I love to whip these up as a great healthier alternative! They have a texture similar to muffins vs. a crunchy cookie. I love to store these in the freezer, and then pull one out when needed. Just sit them on the counter for a few minutes to come to room temperature! Also a great filling treat to put in your kiddos lunches!

IMG_8543.jpg

Ingredients:

3/4 cup coconut oil, room temp. (Not too hard, not melted)

1 cup coconut sugar

2 eggs

1 TB. vanilla

1 cup shredded zucchini, I like to do the large shreds. If there is a ton of moisture in the zucchini, you can squeeze it out a little bit.

2 cups plus 4 TB. unbleached flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 1/2 cups chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add coconut oil and coconut sugar to your mixer bowl. Turn the mixture on low and continue to mix until incorporated, about 2-3 minutes. Next mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and then shredded zucchini.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. With the mixture on low, add in the flour. Do not over mix. Then add in the coconut and chocolate chips and stir until just combined.

  3. Scoop cookies onto a baking sheet fitting with parchment paper.

  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, be careful not to overtake. Just when they start to golden up. Take them out of the oven and place cookies on a cooling rack to cool.

  5. Store in a covered container. These have a similar texture to muffins, especially after being stored as they will soften up. I love to make these and then keep them in the freezer to pull out when needed. Just allow them to thaw on the counter for a bit before eating.

  6. It also taste delicious with a spoonful of nut butter spread on top as well!

IMG_8538.jpg


Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are like in my top 5 of favorite cookies.

Like, I love them.

IMG_9145

IMG_9145

My mom makes AmAzInG sugar cookies, and you can't just eat one. You want to eat like...a dozen.

(Like, I'll stop with the likes.)

But seriously,

Have you ever seen those grocery store sugar cookies. The ones shaped like circles with colorful frosting and delicious sprinkles on top.

The ones that taste like soft and chewy buttery marshmallow sugary goodness?? I hope they serve those in heaven.

IMG_9151

IMG_9151

I've been wanting to make sugar cookies for the blog for months now! I've been a little nervous to attempt them, because I know what goes into really good sugar cookies.

Lots a butta.

Lots a suga.

I just couldn't figure out how I would make the cookies taste good and chewy, without all the ingredients that make sugar cookies well...good and chewy.

IMG_9155

IMG_9155

Yet, I succeeded!

Chewy, sugary, 'buttery', and soft.

Now, I know what your thinking..'Umm your cookies are brown? Sugar cookies look nothing like that!'

Yes, I know they don't appear to be sugar cookies, and instead they look like hippie whole wheat crackers, but shame on your for judging a book by it's cover.

They may be brown.

Hippies will probably love them.

But I can promise you this...You definitely won't be able to stop at one! :)

IMG_9154

IMG_9154

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. spelt flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

dash of salt

1/3 c. coconut oil

1/2 c. coconut sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

2 TB. non dairy milk

(Extra flour for rolling and cutting dough)

Directions:

1. Whisk together flour, BP, and salt in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, beat together oil, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Slowly add in dry ingredients until dough comes together. It will be sticky/a little oily.

2. Wrap dough in plastic and place in fridge for at least 20 minutes to let chill. Once dough has chilled, take it out and begin to work with the dough. Most likely it will be a little tough and may crumble. Don't worry, that's what it is supposed to do. Start to work dough in hands, until the dough is rollable. Dust table surface with flour, and top of dough with flour as well. Roll out dough, while continually dusting the top of the dough with flour. Roll dough to desired thickness.  (The thicker the cookie, the more chewy.) Cut desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheet. 

(Tip: Because the dough is made with an oil, the surface will get a little greasy, so don't be shy with the flour. While rolling out the dough, it may crack. Don't worry, just push the dough back together, sprinkle with flour, and continue to roll. Also, dip a thin metal spatula in flour and use that to transfer the cookies from table to cookie sheet.)

3. Bake cookies in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-9 minutes. Take out of oven, and let sit on cookie sheet for about a minute, then remove to cooling rack. Let sit until cookies have hardened. (This will make chewy cookies. For a more crisp cookie, cook a little longer, and make thinner cookies.)

Some of the cookies I sprinkled with coconut sugar, and the others I topped with a coconut butter frosting. I haven't developed a natural frosting that is 'comparable' to royal icing (aka without powdered sugar) but someday I will. As for now, this frosting was great!

Strawberry Coconut Butter Frosting

1/2 c. coconut butter

2 strawberries

2 TB. agave

1 tsp. vanilla

IMG_9158

IMG_9158

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July!!

Here is a picture of us last year:

IMG_0350

IMG_0350

IMG_0342

IMG_0342

Can I just say how that last pic of Boo makes me so sad! :( She used to be so little!

Have a great day everyone!

Healthy On-the-Go Snacks: Kid & Baby Mama Friendly

Snack foods can be a mama's life saver.

Either because that mama is 7 months pregnant and every 30 minutes it's like she hasn't eaten in 13 years...

OR because, that mama is out at the park, taking a jog, running errands, or driving to a farther destination with a hungry child.

Hungry child=No fun.

A lot of times mom's always ask me what healthy food items I pack in my diaper bag when I am out for a day on the go. It's easy to throw in a bag of chips, packaged granola bars, cheese crackers, or fruit rollups, but obviously those aren't always the best options.

A lot of times when it comes to making choices for eating and children, parents love options that are fast, quick, and easy, and a lot of times we forget about those snacks being healthy and nutritious.

And no...I'm not talking about cheez-its made with whole grain.

Sorry hubby, that's not considered a health food.

Luckily with a little (yes just a little) planning, you can have hearty, natural, and healthy snacks ready for on the go runs whenever you need them!

Let's begin shall we!

1. No Bake Cookie Balls

I love love love raw cookie balls, or protein balls. It's basically a blend of nuts/nut butters, dates, coconut, cocoa powder, seeds, sweetener, oats, etc. Basically the combinations are endless and I consider them to be almost like a dessert.

When I make them I usually grind most of the ingredients really fine, (like the nuts), so Baby Boo can enjoy them with her little baby teeth! It's a treat any child will love! Imagine...Here baby, have a chocolate cookie ball!

IMG_8461

IMG_8461

Basic No Bake Cookie Balls

Ingredients:

1/2 c. cashews

1/2 c. walnuts

1/2 c. scant raw cocoa powder

1/2 c. almond butter

1 c. unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 c. oats

1/4 c. cocoa nibs

1/2 c. dried apricots (Organic)

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1/4 c. honey (scant)

1/4 c. maple syrup (scant)

Directions:

1. Using a food processor, blend nuts until fine and crumbly. Add the rest of the ingredients until well combined and the mixture is fine and can be formed into balls. Roll into 1 inch balls and store in the fridge or freezer and grab one when hungry!

Other cookie ball recipes:

Fudge Balls

Peanut Butter Balls

Citrus Cookie Dough Balls (Optional on the citrus part)

S'mores Balls (Top recipe on the blog!)

Store Bough Options: Larabars

2. Mini Sandwiches

IMG_8451

IMG_8451

If I have time in the morning I'll make a quick nut butter and jelly sandwich and cut it up for Boo to have as a snack later when we are out and about. Don't limit yourself to PB&J though, try hummus and cheese or hummus mixed with thinly cut veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes.

3. Raw Veggies

IMG_8463

IMG_8463

Every mom in the world might be laughing at me right now thinking that a piece of broccoli would qualify as a 'snack' to their toddler.

I understand it's different, but start your kids young on loving raw veggies (with fun dips), and pretty soon they won't mind munching a carrot in the stroller. You can also try cucumber slices, baby tomatoes chopped, celery with nut butters and etc...If you are able to, you can also pack a side cup of dip like hummus!

4. Fruits

IMG_8467

IMG_8467

When it comes to fruits the options are never ending.

Banana, apples, plums, pineapple, watermelon, berries, oranges, etc. Pack them pre-chopped, (and the skin off if necessary), in a to-go bag or container with an ice pack to keep them cool and refreshing!

5. Pre-made Baked Goods (Healthy/Natural/Homemade)

IMG_8416

IMG_8416

Pictured above: Chocolate Protein Breakfast Cake Bars

Usually once a week I bake some sort of muffin/cookie/sweet bread etc. I usually put half in the freezer for a quick treat in the future, and save the rest for snack time and on-the-go. The baked goods I pack are usually whole grain and made with natural ingredients and sweeteners.

Other options for healthy on-the-go baked goods:

Date Muffins

Grain Free/Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (Single Serving)

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Sugar Free Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins

Chocolate Chip Bean Cookies

IMG_7316

IMG_7316

6. Store Bought Items:

As much as I love food and treats made at home, I'm also a realist and I know that sometimes I'm not By Golly Miss Molly whose been baking away in my kitchen all week. After all, I've got story books to read, tea parties to have, and forts to build!

My advice for purchased goods is this: shop natural, whole, and sometimes organic when it comes to buying snacks. Make sure you can read  and understand the ingredients and know what each one is.

Remember, organic Oreos are still...Oreos. :)

IMG_8470

IMG_8470

Pictured above: Peanut Butter Green Bars.

Despite that the picture above looks like marijuana granola bars, they are these insanely delicious PB bars that are sold at our local farmers market. (My husband even loves them!) Every time I go by I stock up and buy a bunch because they go fast! I show these because I think it's great to take advantage of local markets and companies that sell natural and whole foods/snacks. They come in handy for those days where you don't have time to cook/cut/and prepare, and you just want something ready to go.

IMG_8483

IMG_8483

Another snack we love are these applesauce packets. Baby Boo LOOOVES them! Sometimes you can buy them with veggies in them too, which is great! These can be a little pricey, so if I buy them I usually get them at Costco. Despite the price, I always buy them because they are such a yummy quick snack grab!

IMG_8481

IMG_8481

As for crackers and things, I aim for products that are whole wheat and minimally processed. Here are a few of our salty favorites:

Pretzels

Kale Chips

Popcorn

Pita Chips

Crackers (Simple ingredients)

IMG_8487

IMG_8487

Dried fruits are another favorite in our household. The freeze dried ones have a crispy/crunchy taste, which some kids love!

Other options include, but aren't limited too:

Dates

Appricots

Raisins

Craisins

Banana chips (Roasted)

156411_10151125104612067_601682066_13175231_1235704379_n

156411_10151125104612067_601682066_13175231_1235704379_n

Last but not least, drinks.

I usually always have a water bottle, but sometimes Baby Boo loves other options. Who am I kidding, if I pulled out a cup of chocolate milk she'd be in heaven!

Here are out favorite drink options:

Coconut Water

Flavored Coconut Water

552207_10150901925017067_601682066_12685856_301166183_n

552207_10150901925017067_601682066_12685856_301166183_n

So remember, whether your headed to Target to spend $100 or a fun day at the beach, there are always healthy options to have ready and on-the-go when you need them.

And when in doubt, chocolate is ALWAYS an acceptable snack :)!

IMG_8485

IMG_8485