Carrot Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies, cookies, cookies. They're just about everywhere this time of year. 

Unfortunately all those cookies can mean refined sugar and refined flour over-load. These cookies are a nice break from all of that because they actually provide a hefty dose of nutrients. They're made with only wholesome ingredients and don't leave you feeling that yucky inevitable sugar crash associated with refined foods.

So let's take a look... We've got whole grain flour and oats; fresh carrots; healthy fats from the coconut oil, flaked coconut, and pecans; good-for-you-tasty spices, and some natural sweetness from maple syrup. Yum. I just love healthy snacks.

I've been making these cookies for a couple of years now and they've remained a family favorite to this day. We usually have the ingredients on hand and they're quick to throw together. No waiting for ingredients to come to room temperature or creaming involved - just two bowls, a whisk and a spoon. 

Convinced yet? You should be.

Notes: These cookies are easily adaptable. For example, you might experiment with different nuts, oils, flours, or even adding a little lemon zest. In the cookies pictured, I didn't add the optional raisins. Sometimes I throw them in, sometimes not. They're a great addition if you like baked goods with raisins. Enjoy!

Adapted from 101 Cookbooks

Carrot Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/3 cups whole-wheat pastry flour (or spelt flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1 cup rolled oats
2/3 cups chopped pecans
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup finely grated carrot
1/3 cup raisins or currants (optional)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the oats, pecans, coconut, and carrot. Stir to combine.

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and ginger. Add the maple mixture to the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined.

Drop cookies onto prepared baking sheets, one tablespoonful at a time. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set and slightly golden.

Yield: about 32 small cookies

Chicken & Shrimp Curry with Peanut Drizzle

Sunday afternoons are pretty relaxing around our house. You can usually find someone lying on the couch with the day's newspaper and another curled up close by with a nice thick book. The little ones will usually occupy themselves with their favorite toys in some remote corner of the house or by running around out back with the puppy. As for me, I'm usually taking advantage of the workless day to create something delicious in the kitchen. Something delicious - like this.

This is one of our favorite dishes for a Sunday afternoon dinner.

At first glance, it seems a bit intimidating by the long list of ingredients, but don't be fooled - it all comes together within an hour or so. And it is worth every minute of that hour, I promise. The peanut sauce takes this curry dish over the top. (As we've determined previously, peanut butter is excellent in just about any form.) With a few fresh vegetables, a bit of rich coconut milk, and some plump shrimp, you've got yourself a comforting meal for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Or any afternoon, for that matter.

Notes: Be sure to read through the entire recipe before beginning so you know what to expect. (i.e. There are a few garnish items that need toasting, which can be done in a few minutes in a pan set over medium heat.) Also, this method of cooking rice is my favorite. It is fool-proof and produces fluffy, perfect rice every time. And finally, this dish can easily be made vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken and shrimp. It'll still be fabulous, I'm sure.

Loosely adapted from here, where it is known as "Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp"


This post linked to Real Food Wednesdays

Coconut Cake with Chocolate Chunks & Coconut Drizzle

I was a Girl Scout back in the day. You know, the signature green and brown vests with badges, camping trips, service projects, plenty of silly songs, crafts, and games... (the last three being essential life-saving skills, mind you). Wait, I'm forgetting something, you say? Oh yes. That's right. Girl Scout cookies. Silly me, to forget. I don't know how many boxes of cookies I sold during my scouting days, but it was a lot. I remember the Thin Mint cookies were always the most popular. My personal favorites were the Samoa cookies, though. Chewy, chocolaty, and nutty from the toasted coconut. A glass of milk was a must with these little treats - dunking was certainly necessary. Selling boxes upon boxes of the various signature cookies was always an exciting part of being a Girl Scout.

I was immediately reminded of Girl Scout Samoas when taking my first bite of this cake. Although there is no caramel in it, as there is in the cookies, this cake is very moist and has a perfectly subtle coconut flavor. The chocolate chunks are rich and the coconut on top is crunchy and barely sweet. The cake is best served with a tall glass of milk. (Though dunking is not necessarily suggested...)

Notes: I have made this cake several times, playing around with different ratios of flour types, and have found the following combination of whole-wheat pastry and all-purpose flours to provide the most appealing crumb. You may certainly use exclusively all-purpose, if you wish. Also, I love this cake best when made with coconut oil because it lends an extra kick of creamy coconut flavor. If you don't have coconut oil on hand, butter also makes a rich and delicious cake. Coconut milk is sold in cans, typically near the Asian foods at the grocery. Be sure to not use "light" coconut milk - it is too watery for the cake. You can play around a little with the flavorings for fun, if you'd like. I think next time I make this I'm going to try it by leaving out the orange zest, and instead of vanilla, use almond extract. Have fun and enjoy!

Adapted from Bon Appetit, also found here