Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

So far, everyone who's tried these can't believe there's no refined sugar in them, and can't believe the main ingredient is garbanzo beans. The garbanzo beans replace the flour and butter, and are excellent sources of protein, iron and fiber!

Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

adapted from http://a-freerecipe.blogspot.com/

1 can (or 1 1/4 cups) cooked garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup natural peanut butter 

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon baking powder

a pinch of salt (only if your peanut butter has no salt in it)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (I like the mini chocolate chips)

4 dates, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Make sure to scrape the sides and ensure the garbanzo beans get well processed. The dates are optional if you want the cookies to be very sweet. They give a great caramel flavor, but these cookies are tasty without dates, too. 

Stir in chocolate chips. 

Form small balls with 1 tablespoon of dough. Press down slightly, since the cookies won't spread or rise much. 

Bake for about 10 minutes. 

Makes 15-20 small cookies.

Peanut Butter Oat Balls

These are delicious and addicting little energy balls that you can probably make right now, with ingredients commonly found in a well-stocked pantry. Whip these up next time you reach for a box of brownie mix.

Peanut Butter Oat Balls

1 cup oats
2/3 cup toasted coconut (or just shredded coconut)
1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3  cup honey
1 tablespoon chia seeds, or ground flax seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Roll and compress the mixture into small balls. Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator (if there are any left to store!)

Recipe from www.getcreativejuice.com.

Wholesome Oatmeal Treats

 Oatmeal is a delicious, very satisfying, cheap, quick, and comforting breakfast.  These little treats are just like oatmeal outside of a bowl. Quick to grab as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. They are sweetened with a ripe banana or applesauce, yet still satisfied my sweet tooth.

Wholesome Oatmeal Treats
adapted from forksoverknives.com

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour (just blend another cup of oats in your blender for a few seconds)
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened (I bought mine in the bulk section at WinCo)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 ripe banana, mashed
2-3 tablespoons milk or applesauce (for added moisture)
2-3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1. Mix oats, oat flour, raisins, coconut, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder.

 2. Add mashed banana, honey or syrup, and enough applesauce or milk to make a stiff dough that barley clings together.

3. Form balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 15 minutes.