Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
My boys are hungry all the time! Must be a constant growth spurt because I honestly can’t keep up with their appetites! This presents a challenge for me because they eat gluten and dairy free and are sometimes a little picky to begin with. And as those of us with kids know, all snacks sent to school need to be free of nuts. So, I gathered together some wholesome ingredients and came up with this recipe. It will help keep you feeling full, provide some good energy and give you the nutrition you need for good health. And, it’s a cookie – everyone loves a good cookie! Give this a try for the ‘hungry’ people in your lives. 🙂
- 1 cup gluten free oats (ground in coffee grinder) + 1/2 cup gluten free flour
- 1 cup gluten free oats, whole
- 1/2 cup coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 – 2/3 cups coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp each baking powder and baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2-1 cup dark chocolate chips (or gluten and dairy free chips)
- 1/2 cup apple juice sweetened cranberries (optional)
Preheat oven to 375. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl and then mix together well. You may need to add more flour to get the right consistency. Stir in cranberries and chocolate chips. Bake for 12 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutritional Nibble…
Coconut oil is a heathier option for baking and can be used instead of butter or vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point so unlike olive oil and other ‘healthy’ oils, it doesn’t break down when heated.
Studies have shown that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies fight both viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus, and candida. Coconut oil can also positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control. People who take coconut oil also tend to have improvements in how they handle blood sugar, for coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. One 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.
Linda Ljucovic, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Oakville