simple gluten free chocolate chip cookies

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I survived the Zooma Cape Cod half marathon!  It wasn’t my best run, but I finished and that’s enough for me :)

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The morning of the race was picture perfect!

I committed the rookie mistake of starting off too fast.  I just got so caught up in the excitement and tried keeping up with the crowd instead of finding my comfortable pace.  I paid the price by getting the worst side stitch ever!  I was about to throw in the towel at mile 3, instead I slowed down and powered through.  By mile 7 the pain was gone and I was able to enjoy the rest of the race!  The best part of the day was seeing Shaye with Noah up on his shoulders cheering me across the finish line :)

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As a reward, I baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  This is honestly the easiest cookie recipe I’ve ever made!  They whip up in no time and taste wonderful!

simple gluten free chocolate chip cookies

Simple Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

inspired by this recipe

1/3 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 eggs

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

simple gluten free chocolate chip cookies

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-In a large bowl, mix together the coconut flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and eggs until batter is formed.  The batter will form after a few minutes when the coconut flour absorbs the liquid.

(if you need to melt coconut oil on the stove make sure it is cooled before adding the eggs or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs!)

-Stir in the chocolate chips.

-Use a tablespoon and drop dough onto a cookie sheet.

-Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

-Let cool and enjoy!

simple gluten free chocolate chip cookies

Big heartfelt thanks to all those who supported me, donated money to every mother counts, and cheered me on!!!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

pina colada chia seed pudding

I can’t keep enough chia seed pudding in the house!  We’ve been eating it for breakfast, as a snack and as dessert.  (yes, it tastes that good!)

It’s so quick to prepare and is packed with nutritious chia seeds!

 (you can read about the health benefits of chia seeds here)  

There are so many variations of chia seed pudding, but this has become our new family favorite!

pina colada chia seed pudding ~vegan, gluten free~

Pina Colada Chia Seed Pudding

1 can coconut milk (regular or light)

1 cup crushed pineapple (fresh or canned in juice, not sugar!)

1 banana

1/3 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

-In a food processor or blender, puree coconut milk, pineapple and banana.

-Pour mixture into a bowl and stir in chia seeds and shredded coconut.

continuously stir for a few minutes to prevent chia seeds from clumping.

-Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until chia seeds absorb most of the liquid and has formed a pudding like consistency.

-Top with fresh pineapple, shredded coconut and enjoy!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

raw strawberry shortcake torte

My brother and sister-in-law’s anniversary is today!  We are having dinner with them tonight and I wanted to bake a cake to celebrate.  I went to turn on the oven and…we were out of propane :(  Just another thing to add to the “to do” list!

What’s a girl to do when the oven isn’t working???  Make a raw dessert!

I had cashews soaking with intentions of making vegan tacos with cashew sour cream.  Instead, I turned those cashews into a sweet “cream,” made a shortcake crust using almonds and pecans, topped it with fresh strawberries and voila… a picture perfect strawberry shortcake torte!

Don’t let raw “baking” intimidate you!  No fancy kitchen equipment is required, all you need is a food processor and pie dish!

raw strawberry shortcake torte ~vegan, raw, dairy free, gluten free, grain free~

Raw Strawberry Shortcake Torte

For the crust:

1 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup pecans

3 tablespoons flax meal

8 dates, pitted

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Cashew Cream:

1 cup raw cashews

1/4 cup almond milk

3 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Strawberry Topping:

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

2 tablespoons raw cane sugar

don’t forget the fresh strawberries and sprig of mint for the top!

-Soak cashews in water for up to 24 hours.  1 hour will do if you don’t have much time!

-Place all crust ingredients into a food processor and pulse until a sticky paste is formed.

raw strawberry shortcake

-Firmly and evenly press into a pie dish.

my little helper!

my little helper!

-Drain cashews and add to food processor, pulse until cashew butter is formed.  Add almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, coconut oil, sea salt, cinnamon and blend until creamy.  Spread evenly on top of pie crust.

-Place strawberries and raw cane sugar into the food processor and blend.  Spread on top of cashew cream layer.

-Layer with fresh, sliced strawberries and garnish with mint.

-Place in refrigerator, serve cold and enjoy!

raw strawberry shortcake torte ~vegan, raw, gluten free, dairy free, grain free~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com