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!

:)

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Cottage Cookies Bars -- vegan, gluten free, sugar free (except for the chocolate chips)





Rainy mornings in Port Elgin always make me feel like baking. The challenge is to create with very limited ingredients, because I didn't bring much with me!

What I came up with is sort of my take on a granola bar, I suppose, minus the granola. These are suitable for those who need help keeping their blood sugar stable, are vegan, can't eat gluten, or just want a healthier alternative.

I would probably make 'em with more cinnamon next time, and some vanilla. And chopped walnuts instead of chopped almonds. But they are very nice, and quite successful for something rustled up from very limited ingredients.

ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1 cup boiling water + 1/2 cup flax meal, combined and allowed to sit for 10 minutes
1/2 cup coconut sugar

1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
black pepper
pinch cloves

3 cups almond meal
1/2 cup hemp seeds


1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (up to 1 cup for true chocolate lovers)
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup raisins


directions:

preheat the oven to 345

1. combine boiling water and flax meal and let sit for 10 minutes
2. mix the flax seed water concoction with the coconut oil, coconut sugar, sea salt, and spices
3. mix in the almond flour and hemp seeds
4. add your chopped almonds, raisins, and chocolate chips (or whatever else you like!)
5. press into a parchment lined baking dish (large rectangular one)
6. flatten with your hands (you'll need to oil 'em up for this)
7. bake for 45 minutes on 345
8. remove from the oven, and cut into bars
9. cool thoroughly, and store in an airtight container

2 comments:

Rebecca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
stacey said...

These were indeed made at Balnagown. How did you know? :)