#LEAN14: vegan & gluten free cookie dough for one.

I’m a sucker for single serving recipes.

…especially when they include two of the best words in the English language: COOKIE. DOUGH.

Needless to say, when I saw this healthier single serving recipe for vegan cookie dough on Pinterest, I knew it was one I had to try.

I made some changes to that recipe because a) I didn’t have coconut oil and b) I wanted to see how it would taste with almond flour. The result was not only delicious, but also gluten free.

Vegan & Gluten Free Cookie Dough For One

adapted from Vegan Cookie Dough For One

ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons almond flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons dark chocolate chips (make sure non-dairy if strictly vegan)

Just mix the first four ingredients in a small bowl, then add the chocolate chips last. That’s it!

I was planning on using some almond milk to replace the coconut oil, but it actually didn’t need it. The almond flour soaked the maple syrup up for a perfect cookie dough consistency.

I would like to try the original recipe too, which uses regular flour, but I must say I really did love the flavor and heartiness from the almond flour. The only thing I’d say I didn’t like about this recipe is that…it didn’t make enough! Seriously, I might double it next time 😉

Vegan & Gluten Free Cookie Dough For One

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Are you a fan of single serving recipes? Do you have a favorite? (I’d love suggestions!)

snapshots.

Let’s just put this out on the table. I kind of hate myself for how obnoxious my new phone cover is.

My “closet” is slowly but surely starting to look a bit more spring-like too.

The norm.

I could get the (create your own) market vegetable plate from Westville every single day.

I spent Saturday at my church’s first ever Relationship Seminar. It was a great day! And St. Paul’s German Church is just so beautiful (we don’t meet there on Sundays, just for special events).

St. Paul's German Church NYC

We rushed over to Elmo for a quick lunch. I turkey burger-ed it.

Elmo turkey burger

On Saturday night we went to my friend Martina’s birthday party. Having a party in an NYC apartment isn’t an easy task, but she nailed it.

Loved this idea – pour champagne into glasses filled with a bit of cotton candy. How cute!

Last but not least, today’s daily devotionals were oh so good…

Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith

Jesus Calling

(First one from Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith, second from Jesus Calling)

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What has been a highlight of your weekend so far?
Have you started switching over to a more spring-like wardrobe yet?

#LEAN14: those famous 2 ingredient cookies.

Back in February I made 3 Ingredient Banana Bread Cookies, inspired by these famous 2 ingredient cookies. I’ve seen the super short recipe for these cookies ALL over Pinterest, so I figured it must be a good one!

I’ll be honest – I thought that these would at least be a decent healthy cookie alternative, but not necessarily the best tasting. But it turns out that they are SO delicious!

2 Ingredient Healthy Cookies

All you need is 2 ripe (mashed) bananas and 1 cup of oats. Combine well, form into cookies and bake on a greased baking sheet for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

I added dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut to mine to make them a bit more sweet and hearty.

2 Ingredient Healthy Cookies

These definitely have a strong banana flavor, so if you don’t love banana these might not be for you. I love them, though, especially with the balance of flavor from the dark chocolate and coconut add-ins.

2 Ingredient Healthy Cookies

I can’t stop eating these cookies! But that’s okay because they’re like, really healthy 😉

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Have you tried these two ingredient cookies? What mix-ins would you add?

snapshots.

WOOOOOO.

hello spring

Time to bring out the open-toe shoes.

After the horrendous winter, the onset of spring definitely called for celebration.

I’m a sucker for a good candlelit dinner.

The parts I was waiting for for the new Speakable collection FINALLY arrived!

More veggie bowls have been happening. This one with roasted eggplant, squash, and onions atop spaghetti squash, topped with avocado.

veggie bowl

Thai with my bestie at Room Service.

Room Service NYC Room Service NYC pad thai

NYC has it’s magical moments, and then its just plain terrifying ones.

It’s never too early in the year for a (homemade) pumpkin spice latte!

Tassimo Pumpkin Spice Espresso

homemade pumpkin spice latte

“In quietness and confidence…”

Isaiah 30:15

(from God’s Promises Day by Day devotional)

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How did you celebrate the onset of spring? Any fun plans this weekend?

#LEAN14: more from juice press.

Last week I posted about some of my favorite new raw foods from Juice Press, and this week they were kind enough to send me some samples of there newest treats to give a try!

Juice Press

I opened the bag to find Liquid Gold cold-pressed juice, Vital Force Very Berry smoothie, and their raw Mango Chia.

Juice Press

I had really been wanting to try their new Liquid Gold juice (since I love its “cousin” The Remedy). It includes anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric and ginger, which helps relieve muscle tension. It’s also full of vitamin C.

formula: orange juice, turmeric juice (filtered water, turmeric root), pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, carrot juice, ginger juice, lime juice, celtic sea salt.

taste: loved it! It’s really refreshing, with the perfect amount of kick from the ginger.

Juice Press Liquid Gold and Vital Force Very Berry

Next up is the Vital Force Very Berry Smoothie. It’s a vegan probiotic yogurt packed with antioxidants from the blend of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and goji. Vegan probiotic supports the healthy bacteria in your digestive system and maca gives you an energy boost.

formula: almond milk (water, almonds, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt), bananas, filtered water, strawberries, soaked cashews, blueberries, raspberries, dates, lime juice, goji berries, probiotics, maca powder, sea salt.

taste: I loved this one as well! I wasn’t sure what I’d think about it being a smoothie in a bottle, but it was really delicious. It was just like a thick, strawberry yogurt – it could almost pass as a milkshake-like dessert!

Juice Press Liquid Gold and Vital Force Very Berry

Last up was the Mango Chia pudding. According to their website, Juice Press took their classic chia seed pudding and added vegan probiotics and the sweet and tangy flavors of mango to make this snack even more nutritious. By using sprouted almonds and chia seeds as the base, it’s a pudding that supports healthy bacteria in the digestive system and is rich in protein, fiber, omega 3’s and calcium.

ingredients: mango, almond milk (water, almonds, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt), soaked chia seeds (water, chia seeds), deglet noor dates, coconut oil, vegan probiotic, cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt, almond extract.

taste: I must admit that I was skeptical about this because I made chia pudding in the past and didn’t love it. But, clearly I was doing it all wrong. This chia pudding was smooth and creamy (not watery/gooey like mine was) and it had a perfect sweet flavor from the mango. Definitely great for a morning or afternoon snack.

Juice Press Mango Chia Pudding

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Which Juice Press juice and/or food would you want to try most?
Have you ever had chia pudding? Are you a fan?

#LEAN14: single serving oatmeal cookie {dough}.

I don’t know about you, but when about 4pm rolls around, I’m in serious need of an afternoon snack. Sometimes a smoothie or handful of nuts will cut it, but other times I need something that’s more of a treat, while still being at least slightly healthy.

…I found that something.

Single Serving Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Dough

inspired by Fitnessista’s “famous” breakfast cookie

 

ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup quick oats
  • 1 tbsp ground flax
  • 1 tbsp melted nut butter (I used almond butter)
  • 2 tbsp milk (I used coconut milk)
  • generous sprinkle of cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp sugar OR sprinkle of Stevia (optional)

 

directions: In a bowl combine oats, flax,cinnamon, sweetener and nut butter as well as you can. Then add the milk to bring it all together. Add the chocolate chips last.

Form into a cookie shape (you can make it big and flat or small and thicker – I prefer the latter), and wrap tightly in saran wrap. Put in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes for it to set a bit.

Single Serving Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Dough

This really turned out to be the perfect little snack. It’s hearty and filling while satisfying a sweet tooth too. Next time I’m going to switch it up with add-ins like nuts and/or dried fruit.

It could also be great for dessert, or even breakfast!

Single Serving Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Dough

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What’s your go-to afternoon snack?