Welcome to my crazy world of real food cooking ...

Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. -- Michael Pollan

I wish I could take credit for that because I think it sums up how we should eat. Simply -- eat stuff that really is food, instead of stuff that is food like substance. The supermarket is almost entirely food-like-substances, and, my friends, you should probably never ever eat them.

Fortunately, there is a world of deliciousness out there, and it can all be had in a way that not only doesn't harm your health, but in a way that benefits you hugely.

I think it's important to eat stuff that satisfies you, that keeps your blood sugar stable, and that gives you stuff your body really needs to run optimally.

But baby, it's gotta taste good.

I really like getting experimental in the kitchen. I love cooking, I love layering flavours, and I love coming up with really super yummy food. I have very strong opinions about what constitutes food, and there are a lot of things I won't touch in the kitchen. Bottom line? Pretty much everything I make is ridiculously good for you even if it tastes decadent. Although there are occasional big fat cheats ... but even those stick to real food, my friends.

For food that is usual gluten free, usually free of cane sugar, usually super low on the glycemic index, full of protein, fiber, flavour, and excellent energy, join me and Alice down the rabbit hole.

Every recipe on this blog is my own original effort and idea, so please pass 'em on, giving credit where credit is due.

Many thanks, and come back often. I'm really glad you are here!

:)

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Little Lime Cookies -- gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, and optionally vegan






As I am always on the trail of the elusive perfect cookie -- health speaking -- I made these. They are a sweet and tasty treat that will please a moderate sweet tooth but won't spike your blood sugar. They are gluten free, dairy free, high in protein, and made with sugar alternatives that are low on the glycemic index and good for your health. In addition to being high in protein because they are made with almond flour and coconut flour, they are also made with ground chia seeds, which in addition to being a nutritional power-house, have an almost miraculously stabilizing effect on blood sugar. And the cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar as well, in addition to being a yummy flavour boost.

Our friends Kim, Brooke, and Claire joined us for an afternoon of games followed by a pizza dinner. This presents a good challenge to me because in addition to being a diabetic, Brooke as well as Kim have a selective diet. So, I always feel like I've attained quite a success when Brooke pronounces something I've made as tasting good. He's always amazed the treats I can offer him that won't adversely affect his blood sugar.

I whipped up a batch of oven roasted cashews, these little lime cookies, a couple of pizzas, a big bowl of sauteed broccoli, and chased it all with some chocolate 'ice cream' that is so creamy and rich and yummy you'd never guess it's good for you.


ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup coconut nectar
1 egg (or 1 tsp egg replacer + 2 tbsp water)

1 1/2 tsp ground vanilla (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
2 tsp cinnamon (ceylon or other)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup finely ground chia seeds (aka salba seeds)

1 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup coconut flour

coconut sugar or xylitol for rolling (optional)


directions:

1. preheat the oven to 345
2. warm the coconut oil to melt it
3. mix the coconut oil, coconut nectar, lime juice
4. add the egg or egg replacer mixed with water
5. add the sea salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seed
6. stir in the almond flour
7. stir in the baking soda
8. finally add the coconut flour, and mix thoroughly
9. make the dough into small balls, and roll each ball in a saucer of either coconut sugar or xylitol
10. flatten each ball onto a lined baking sheet
11. bake at 345 for 20 minutes

makes one baking sheet full -- cookie size can vary according to your preference

2 comments:

glorious sandwiches said...

eeeeeeee! I just love the way a cookie looks. It's like an inviting little morsel of sunshine.

stacey said...

Thank you!
:)
Things with citrus in them always seem a little sunshiny to me.