Sunday, November 16, 2014

how the cookie crumbles

We like to eat healthy. 

About two years ago we made a decision to TRY and eat mainly organic. I then proceeded, propelled by our new ideals, on a kitchen rampage ridding the shelves of all plastics, processed foods and even letting go of the good ole microwave.

For us it was a great decision, yet- not one that takes you down the easiest or cheapest path. Eating organic on a budget, takes precision, skill and planning. 

For any of you who might be considering this path, let me offer up some advice.  Like all things in life, I think the most important part of this resolve is balance. To not let it get overwhelming I strongly suggest starting small, and then picking and choosing based on what's most important to you and your family. Find what you can manage while still enjoying the journey, and what is most doable for your life, so you're not missing out on the beautiful moments, the important parts because you're too busy in the kitchen.

So, I thought I would start sharing some of my favorite go-to's. Recipes that are yummy and easy and healthy. Foods you can hand out with little to no complaining from your wee ones, plus they are all so, so good.  You may not even notice you're eating healthier.

This is my favorite cookie recipe that I was given from my amazing sister-in-law and it's become a staple in our house. The recipe is simple, I almost always have the ingredients on hand, and if not there's plenty of room to improvise with whatever is in your kitchen. They are soft and gooey, with the perfect fluffy texture.  Seriously- you will love them!



You will need:

3 1/2 cup oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup cacao nibs or chocolate chips
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

1 cup ghee/butter 
1 cup local honey
2 tsp good vanilla

Pre heat your oven to 350.

In a sauce pan over low heat add your butter, honey and vanilla.  Cook just a few minutes til softened and combined. In a large bowl throw in all your dry ingredients then pour your warm honey mixture over top and give it a big ole stir til it's nice and integrated. 




Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes, then spoon it out in nice rounded scoops and pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes. When they are finished they should just be starting to bronze along the edges. 

This recipe yields about three dozen cookies, perfect for those of us with large families, or if you're just really hungry! You can always freeze any extra dough and save it for a day when you're craving something chocolatey and delicious.




Again this recipe is more of a guideline, so play around with it- go crazy and find what you love best! I love using cacao nibs. They add just the perfect touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch. This go around I was plum out of coconut so I added some chia seed, poppy seeds and golden flax seed and they were still amazing. I think adding dried cranberries and a big handful of walnuts would be so yummy for fall.

Pile them high on a plate, and go share with someone you love!


29 comments :

  1. I'm impressed you guys have been able to stick to the organic commitment. Way to go! We have tried several times but our grocery bill gets so expensive. I wish it was more affordable to go that route.
    The Doctor Diva

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    1. It can be very expensive, we stick to a pretty basic diet and of course we raise our own meat so that does help cut cost!

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  2. Ooh, delicious recipe! Am definitely going to make them one afternoon this week! [Love your 'chuck whatever you have in them' attitude - a woman after my own heart ;)].....beautiful photographs - almost felt I was there with you all in the kitchen ! [Loved the hand-written recipe: I've got a folder of recipes like that and it's one of my most cherished treasures. I can't wait to hand it down to my daughter].

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  3. A recipe I need to try!! I've given up white flour and cutting out sugar (I haven't completely, but drastically reduced it and making better choices), so these would work perfectly for me! Glad you shared!!

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  4. Making a change to you diet is so challenging, I'm in the throws of it right now and it's going well but proving to be expensive! Looking forward to seeing other recipes up here soon!
    Cx
    charliedistracted.com / Bloglovin

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    Replies
    1. It is challenging, although rewarding. A great start is to stick with the dirty dozen and purchase those organic and then go from there to meet your needs.

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  5. That is such excellent advice, to start small. Changing your diet, as you said, can be extremely overwhelming. This cookie recipe sounds so amazing! I will definitely be saving and giving it a try!

    prosecco in the park

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  6. oh these cookies look delicious! even better? the sweet pictures of your babes helping in the kitchen <3

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  7. I always try to buy organic food when I can, but since I'm a student some things are too expensive for me, so I have to prioritise. You're so right about balance being important, though.
    Anyway, these sound wonderful! Saving this recipe for next time I'm craving cookies :)

    xx Mimmi, Muted Mornings

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  8. These cookies look amazing!! I've been trying to eat more whole foods and cut back on refined sugars, so I'm thinking I should pin this recipe ;-)

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  9. I use a very similar recipe for my cookies and they're so easy to make! We try to eat organic too, and for fruit and veg we pretty much manage it, although budget means we have to give in when it comes to other everyday staples.

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  10. These look delicious! And I wish I were able to stick with a resolution like eating organic!

    XX

    http://themirroronthewall.com

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  11. We are about seven years into the same lifestyle, and yes we tossed the microwave too :)

    Thanks for the recipe, the cookies look delicious.

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    Replies
    1. Yay- good for you! It feels so good making changes that you know are beneficial for the whole crew!

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  12. the cookies look so good! i love that you have little hands helping you out, must making baking a lot more fun! :)

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  13. i bet they're good! i've cut down on process foods a lot, which has helped me lose weight.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  14. Mmm these look and sound delicious! Also your measuring cups are so cute!

    - Sarah :)
    www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com

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  15. me too!! I changed my diet when I got to London, too many proceeded food... But hell! the organic one is so expensive! ;( But i don't even use oil now butter...

    xx

    isa

    www.un-likely.com

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  16. LOVE this!! I've been wanting to eat cleaner but wasn't really sure where to start or how to do it without breaking the bank. I definitely need to try these out!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

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  17. Oh these sound absolutely divine!! We are trying to go the same route as you (I'm guilty of using the microwave sometimes, still can't 100% let go of that convenience... but I'm getting there!!) so I always love recipes and ideas on how to stay on this path! Thanks for sharing!!

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  18. Those sound delicious! We are trying to eat healthier now too. We find that sitting in desks for 9 hours a day does not allow us to eat like we use to when we were more active, haha!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  19. Oh my goodness, those look soooo good. I wish I was like you and could be so strong with what I put in my body. But I am a binge eater at it's worst and when a craving sets in, all my good efforts go right out the door.

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  20. Eating organically for so long is such an achievement, although I can appreciate how much that must have cost over time! These cookies both look and sound delicious, I'm not quite at my baking time of year (Christmas), however once there I may just give these a go as I'm always open to finding healthy and organic alternatives. I have developed an extraordinary amount of allergies over the years and some of the main ones include colourings and flavouring, meaning I've been forced down a path similar to yours whether I wanted to or not - but I find it's a far greater way of living, so yes, this post is both inspiring and reassuring! :)

    http://aglassofice.blogspot.co.uk

    x

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  21. Those look and sound absolutely delicious! I would cut out the raisins, but other than that the ingredients sound great. I love coming across such healthy recipes - especially ones for our sweet tooth!

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  22. Wow, those look great. & looks like it can easily be made vegan!

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  23. Cheers to no microwave!!!! People are so confused by "what is missing" in our kitchen until they realize it is the microwave. These look delicious, I haven't tried ghee yet. What are your thoughts in comparison to butter?

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