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!

:)

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Shape Cookies for School -- vegan, sugar free, nut free, grain free, gluten free

It's my son's first school Hallowe'en party, and I thought I'd send some healthy treats with him. I noticed that his friends all eat lunches almost entirely comprised of sugar -- white bread sandwiches, jello, packaged rice crispy bars, chocolate chips, packaged cookies, and juice by the gallon -- so I figured if these taste too healthy, they will wind up in the garbage. I upped the sweetness factor with some white stevia powder, but stuck to ground seeds and coconut flour. I think the taste is terrific, and hopefully the cute shapes will go a long way to winning over the raging sugar-food addicts that are my son's classmates. My son thinks they are delicious, and we made pumpkin shapes. Hopefully, success ...





ingredients:

1 cup boiling water
1 cup dates
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp egg replacer + 1/2 cup water

1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil

1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp ground vanilla
1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
black pepper
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp white stevia powder

1 cup raw cacao powder
2 tbsp carob powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1 cup ground shredded coconut
1/4 cup ground chia seeds
1/2 cup finely ground sunflower seeds
1/2 cup finely ground hemp hearts

1/2 cup coconut flour


directions:

1. combine the hot water with the dates, add the coconut oil and set aside for 10 minutes
2. add the egg replacer mixed with water and puree with a hand blender
3. add the apple cider vinegar, sea salt, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, coconut sugar, and stevia, and puree
4. add the raw cacao and the carob, and blend
5. mix in the baking soda
6. add the ground flax seeds, ground shredded coconut and ground chia seeds, and mix in by hand.
7. add the coconut flour, and mix well
8. place the dough on a piece of parchment paper, wrap, and put in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours
9. preheat the oven to 345 once dough is chilled
10. roll out the dough in small portions between 2 sheets of parchment paper
11. cut with your favourite cookie cutters
12. bake at 345 for 14 minutes +-
13. cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container

No comments: