Guilt-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Try these easy-to-make cookies as a fun and healthy addition to a lunchbox. No sugar, no oil or butter, and no flour in this recipe!

Ingredients:

·         3 mashed ripe bananas

·         1/3 cup apple sauce

·         2 cups oats

·         1/4 cup almond milk

·         1 teaspoon vanilla

·         1 teaspoon cinnamon

·         1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Preparation:

·         Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

·         Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, until well blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes (this allows the oats to absorb some of the liquid).

·         Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

·         Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Makes approximately 20 cookies.

Baked Apple Chips

Try these delicious crisps next time you have a craving for sweets! Easy to make and even easier to eat.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 large apples
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons raw cane sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

• Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Core the apples. Slice as thinly as possible into rings.
• Place apples in a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Toss lightly.
• Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over apple slices. Toss lightly to coat.
• Place apples on baking sheets, taking care not to overlap. Bake for 50 minutes, then flip. Bake for another 50 minutes, or until they feel dry to the touch.
• Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. 

Vegan Chocolate Pudding

You won't miss the dairy in this pudding!

Ingredients:

• 1 block silken tofu
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• fresh berries (for garnish)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Spicy Peanut Chocolate Cookies

No flour in this quick-to-make cookie recipe! Chili powder gives these cookies an unexpected (but delicious) flavor twist. Chili powder, when added to the diet regularly, can help to ease digestion, reduce headaches and arthritis pain, as well as help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a food processor until smooth. Add chocolate chips and pulse to distribute. 
3. Form 1 1/2 inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press each ball in a crisscross pattern with a fork. 
4. Bake for 10 minutes, cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely. 

Makes approximately 15 cookies.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a delicious treat, but doesn't have to be high in calories, sugar and fat to be satisfying. Try this easy blend to satisfy your sweet tooth. The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, and studies have shown that eating spicy foods can temporarily give your metabolism a boost. Cinnamon is known to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 tablespoon raw cane sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a mug of your choice. Top up mug with hot water, stir and enjoy!

Chia Chocolate Pudding

A rich-tasting, chocolate dessert that uses low-glycemic foods to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• shredded coconut (for garnish)

Stir to combine chia seeds, cocoa, agave nectar and milk. Allow to rest for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally  Pudding is ready when it reaches a tapioca-like consistency. Top with coconut and serve.

Fruit and Nut Chocolates

These chocolates not only taste wonderful, but they have benefits over a regular chocolate bar! First of all, by replacing sugar with agave nectar, you can avoid that sugar crash because agave nectar is a low glycemic index sweetener. Nuts give you protein, fibre, vitamins, and healthy fats. Coconut oil supports stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, immune system, and digestion. Coconut oil is also thought to help regulate the metabolism and support bone, hair and skin health.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 6 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• nuts (try peanuts, cashews, or almonds)
• dried fruit (try raisins, cranberries, or blueberries)

1. Place a few nuts and a few pieces of dried fruit in a chocolate mold.
2. Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and immediately stir in cocoa, agave, and salt and mix well. Now you have liquid chocolate!
3. Pour liquid chocolate over the nuts and dried fruit. 
4. Place chocolate in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Store in the freezer in an air-tight container.