No Bake Compromise

I do my best to eat right and cook healthy meals that are quite tasty as well.  However, I am not above a little compromise to please my husband by trying to preserve the food he loves.  One of his all time favorite cookies is the always simple to make No Bake Cookie.  Chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal deliciousness.  As a side note, they are one of my favorites too.  I experimented today and came up with a delicious version with a few healthier alternatives. Big bonus....the smile on my husbands face.  P.S.  He doesn't know about the "healthy touches".  At least not until he reads this blog in the morning :)

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

2 cups organic sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup organic almond butter
3 cups oats

Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, butter, olive oil and milk in a saucepan stirring often until it comes to a boil.  Let boil for1 minute.  Then add the remaining ingredients and quickly stir thoroughly as it thickens fast.  Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper.  Let cool.  They will harden as they cool.  Enjoy!

Healthier alternative to Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo by:  Elke Dennis/Photoxpress.com

I spent the last couple of days baking Christmas goodies for my neighbors and I say with great pride that I, for once, exhibited extreme discipline.  I did sample a few things, but definitely not in a glutenous manner.  I ran across an old recipe that is a wonderful alternative to chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.  I cannot remember where I originally found this recipe but I did not create it.   The recipe uses canola oil instead of margarine or butter, and oat flour instead of white flour, and raw sugar instead of white sugar.  I have to say it is absolutely delicious.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup oat flour
3/4 cups oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup raw sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup soy milk (I have also used regular milk)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 banana cut into small pieces
1/4 cup nuts (optional)
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (I always add more)

Mix all ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes until done.