sweet treats

Healthy Rice Crispy Treats

Healthy Rice Crispy Treats.jpg

Makes about 12 - 14

These healthy rice crispy treats made with peanut butter and honey are soft, chewy and so delicious!  This wholesome, made-over version of the classic is a fun and easy recipe to make with kids and is guaranteed to hit the spot for you too!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups organic crispy rice cereal (I used half brown and half white rice cereal)
  • ½ cup peanut butter (you can substitute with any nut butter of your choice)
  • ½ cup of raw honey

Preparation:

  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Put the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl.
  • Melt the peanut butter with the honey in a small saucepan on the stove and then pour the mixture into the crispy rice cereal and combine well. (The peanut butter I used was very soft so I didn’t need to melt first.)
  • Pour mixture onto the parchment paper and press firmly into place. 
  • Refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.  Using a sharp knife, cut into squares and serve.
  • Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Homemade Fruit Leather

Fruit leather/roll ups are a kid favorite at our house! I love to pack it as a snack because it’s delicious and nutritious and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.  Made with only 3 ingredients, without the artificial everything in the store bought versions and so simple that kids of any age can help make!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups organic berries (I used half frozen strawberries and half fresh raspberries)
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation: 

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
  • Blend fruit, honey and lemon juice in a blender or food processor until smooth.  
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, silicon baking mat or plastic wrap.
  • Pour and spread mixture evenly (1/8 to ¼ inch thick) onto baking sheet.  Mixture should be pourable but not thin enough to run off the baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 3-4 hours or until the center is firm and no longer sticky to the touch.
  • Remove from oven and let cool.
  • Cut into strips and roll up.  Can be stored for up to a month in a covered container.  
  • Enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Chip Quinoa Muffins

Dark Chocolate Chip Quinoa Muffins.jpg

Makes 10-12 muffins

These decadent dark chocolate chip muffins are so rich and delicious you’ll never guess they’re good for you too!  Made with quinoa flakes so they’re gluten-free, high in plant-based protein and full of fiber.  They’re also dairy and nut-free making them perfect for a nut-free school snack.  Store in the refrigerator or freezer, and pop in the toaster to warm up for breakfast or a healthy treat anytime!

Ingredients:

  • 2 very ripe bananas
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup quinoa flakes
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk (I used almond milk)
  • ½ cup raw cacao powder
  • 5 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • ¾ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life Foods – dairy, nut and soy free)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Lightly grease muffin tins.
  • In a large bowl combine mashed bananas, egg, coconut oil and milk.  Stir until well combined.
  • Add quinoa flakes, cacao powder, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and coconut sugar.  Stir until batter forms.  
  • Fold in chocolate chips. 
  • Spoon batter into prepared muffin tray.  Top each muffin with a few chocolate chips or sprinkle with extra quinoa flakes.  
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.  To check if done, stick a toothpick into a muffin and if it comes out clean with small crumbly bits then it’s ready.  Top of the muffins should be firm to the touch too. 
  • Let cool and enjoy!  
  • Store in the refrigerator or freezer and pop in the toaster to warm up for a delicious breakfast or anytime healthy snack!

Homemade Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Frozen Yogurt Popsicles.jpg

Makes 8 pops

Let your kids pick out their favorite fruit and make homemade yogurt popsicles!  We made these with only 4 ingredients but the sky is the limit when it comes to making yogurt pops.  Use your imagination and create your own delicious flavors to enjoy whenever you want!

Ingredients:

  • Silicon muffin cups
  • 1 1/4 cup Organic plain or vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • 1 ½  medium bananas 
  • 2 cups frozen mixed  berries (I used Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries)
  • 3-4 tbsp. Raw Honey
  • Silicon or paper muffin cups
  • Wooden popsicle sticks

Preparation:

  • Cut the ½ banana into slices and place one at the bottom of each muffin cup.
  • Toss the rest of the ingredients into a high-powered blender and puree.  Divide mixture evenly among the cups.  Put a popsicle stick in the middle of each cup and into the banana to hold the stick up.  Place in freezer for 5 hours or until solid.
  • Enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Covered Grapes with Hemp and Chia Seeds

Frozen Yogurt Grapes.jpg

Transform grapes into delicious frozen Greek Yogurt popsicles dipped in hemp and chia seeds!  Fiber, omega-3’s and protein make these adorable, easy-to-make and naturally sweet treats a healthy snack that you and your kids will love indulging in! 

Ingredients:

  • Red grapes, washed and dried
  • Organic plain or vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds

Preparation:

  • Combine hemp and chia seeds and place in a small bowl.
  • Pour ½ cup of yogurt into a small bowl and stir until smooth and free of any lumps.
  • Poke each grape with a toothpick, opposite the end with the hole that was attached to the stem.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Dip the grape into the yogurt, then twirl it in the seeds and place it on the parchment paper. 
  • Repeat this process for all the grapes.
  • Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or longer and enjoy!!
  • Can be stored in the freezer in a plastic bag for up to one month.

Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble

Makes 2 servings

I made this crumble as an afterschool snack for my kids on a day that they both had sports until 7:30pm, which meant they wouldn’t be eating dinner until late.  I wanted something that had protein and healthy fats to give them energy and keep them satisfied until dinner.  Not only did my kids devour it, but my son’s high school tutor tried it and absolutely loved it saying it was exactly the kind of snack she and all her friends would make (or have their mom’s make)!  
It’s also the perfect way to indulge our own sweet tooth.  It’s plenty sweet without adding any sugar, and the spices give it a delicious taste that you’ll love!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp organic grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 apple cut up (I used pink lady but use whatever type you like)
  • 1 pear cut up
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 tsp organic raw honey for drizzling (optional)

Preparation:

  • In a sauté pan, heat coconut oil and ghee and add the chopped apple, pear, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Cook until fruit is tender, about 7-10 min.   
  • Add oats and cook for another couple of minutes to toast the oats.
  • Next, add the almonds, cook for 1 minute and remove from heat.
  • Spoon mixture into 2 bowls and top with a few extra oats and almonds and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon.
  • Drizzle honey (optional)
  • Enjoy!

Healthy and Delicious Rice Pudding

Makes 4 servings

This version of brown rice pudding makes for a delicious and healthy treat.  Rich and creamy and made with just 5 ingredients - no preservatives, artificial flavors and colors.  Not only is this the perfect comfort food, but the brown rice also gives you the added benefits of fiber, selenium, manganese and anti-oxidants - all which help to prevent damage to your body!  Not only will you love it, but even your kiddies will be so happy to have this treat as an after school snack!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic short grain brown rice (cleaned, see below for instructions)
  • 3 cups almond or other nut milk of choice + 1 another cup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2-3 tablespoons organic coconut sugar
  • Chopped walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, strawberries, blueberries or any other topping you like (optional)

Preparation:

  • If you have the time, soak your rice in a container with double the amount of water for anywhere between 8-24 hours.  Drain in a colander and then rinse under running water and drain again.  Or for a fast wash you can put the rice into a pot and rinse well until the rinsing water runs clear.
  • Next, bring 1 cup of rice, 3 cups of milk, coconut sugar, vanilla and cinnamon to a rolling boil.
  • Turn to low, cover and let simmer until all liquid has absorbed which will take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.  
  • Finally add additional cup of milk, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and add toppings if desired!
  • Enjoy!
  • Store leftovers in glass containers (I like to use small glass mason jars) in the refrigerator.

Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Matzo Bark

Makes 4 sheets

Light and crispy matzo topped with salted date caramel and dark chocolate makes for a delicious and healthier treat on Passover!  Recipe is a slightly adapted version from Making Thyme For Health.  You can view the original recipe here.

Ingredients:

  • 4 sheets matzo (I used gluten-free but you can use whatever kind of matzo you prefer)
  • 15 Mejdool dates, pitted
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate
  • 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Desired toppings such as pistachios, craisins, almonds, sea salt, etc.

Preparation:

  • Begin making the date caramel by covering the dates with a few inches of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to boil and then remove from heat and set aside until dates are soft, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to a blender or food processor along with the lemon juice, salt and 5 tablespoons of the date cooking water.  Blend on high until smooth.  Add more water if needed.  You may also need to stir it by hand in between blending to get it smooth.
  • Next, put chocolate and coconut oil into another small saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until it is entirely melted and smooth.  Let sit over a low heat.
  • Place matzo sheets on baking sheets without overlapping them.  Spread date caramel on top of each matzo sheet.  Then pour the chocolate on top and spread toward the edges using the back of a spoon.  Sprinkle with desired toppings then transfer the baking sheets to the freezer and allow to set for at least 20 minutes.
  • Break each sheet into separate pieces and serve or store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Enjoy!!!

Easy Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

Makes 15-18 muffins

My family loves a blueberry muffin.  They eat them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack and even for a post dinner treat, so I make sure I make muffins that are healthy enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert.  I made these on a snowed-in day when I didn’t have all the ingredients to make my usual blueberry chia seed muffins and they came out light, fluffy and absolutely delicious!  They are a slightly adapted version of Dr. Axe’s Gluten-Free Blueberry muffins.  They’re made with only a few simple ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make! You can view the original recipe here: 
https://draxe.com/recipe/gluten-free-blueberry-muffins/

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups almond flour
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2-cup honey
  • 1-teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 10 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee, melted
  • 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a small saucepan over low-med heat melt the coconut oil or ghee and then allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  • Meanwhile in a medium bowl mix the almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and cinnamon.
  • In another bowl, combine the eggs, honey, vanilla and melted coconut oil or ghee. 
  • Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix well.  Stir the blueberries into the mixture.
  • Spoon batter into muffin tins or silicon cups and bake for 25-30 min.  Edges should be just turning brown and firm to the touch. 
  • Let cool and enjoy!  
  • Store in the refrigerator or freezer and pop in the toaster to warm up for a delicious and healthy breakfast or anytime snack!

Homemade Peanut Butter M&M's

 Makes about 50 M&M’s

These homemade peanut butter M&M’s are made with pure goodness!  They are sweet, salty, slightly crunchy and WAY better than the original!  Go ahead and indulge in these delicious treats, you and your family will love them! This slightly adapted recipe is courtesy of Minimalist Baker.  You can see the original recipe here: http://minimalistbaker.com/homemade-peanut-butter-mms/

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup rolled oats (I used gluten free oats)
  • 2 pitted Medjool dates
  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • ½ cup roasted peanuts
  • ½ cup roasted, salted peanut butter
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) dark chocolate 

Preparation:

  • Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix oats in food processor until small pieces remain.  Add dates to the oats and mix until all pieces are small.  Remove mixture from food processor and set aside.
  • Next add the peanuts and almonds to food processor and mix until they turn to meal consistency.  Then add the peanut butter to the nut meal and pulse until well combined.  Next add date and oat mixture and process until it forms into a loose dough.  If it seems too wet to handle, add more oats.  If it seems too dry, add a couple more dates.
  • Scoop out the dough and form into small round balls -- about ½ teaspoon each.  Place on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and pop in the freezer to harden for about 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler.  Then take dough balls out of freezer and work in small batches to coat the balls.
  • To coat, dip a few balls into the chocolate at a time, flip until coated and then pick up with a fork and tap on the rim of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.  Place the balls back on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and put back into the freezer to set.
  • Repeat until all peanut butter balls are dipped and coated.  If the chocolate becomes too firm just re-warm it as needed .
  • When set, remove peanut butter M&M’s from freezer and store in an air-tight container.
  • Enjoy!

Red White and Blueberry Popsicles

Makes 10 Popsicles

These deliciously healthy popsicles are perfect to celebrate July 4th or to beat the heat on any summer day!  These no sugar added, dairy-free treats are made with organic berries, coconut milk and honey and are a cinch to make! This recipe is courtesy of Elena’s Pantry.  You can see the original recipe here: https://elanaspantry.com/red-white-and-blueberry-popsicles/

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Frozen Strawberries
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1/2 cut Coconut Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1 cup Frozen Blueberries
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Honey

Preparation:

  • In a vitamix or blender, blend strawberries, water and honey.
  • Pour mixture to fill 1/3 popsicle mold.
  • Freeze popsicles for about 40 minutes.
  • Blend coconut milk and honey.
  • Remove popsicles from freezer; pour coconut mixture to fill next 1/3 of mold.
  • Freeze popsicles for another 40 minutes.
  • Blend blueberries, water and honey.
  • Remove popsicles from freezer; pour blueberry mixture to fill remainder of popsicle molds.   
  • Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  • Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 12-15 cookies

This just might be the easiest cookie recipe anyone could ever make! With just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen and less than 15 minutes to bake, you have a high protein cookie that’s delicious, grain-free and naturally sweetened.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Smooth Organic Peanut Butter
  • ½ cup Coconut Sugar
  • ¼ cup Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
  • In a medium sized bowl mix all the ingredients except chocolate chips together until stiff dough is formed.
  • Gently fold in chocolate chips.
  • Roll the dough into balls and flatten with a fork, making a crosshatch pattern.
  • Bake about 1 inch apart until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. 
  • Since cookies are flourless, they’re very tender so let them cool for a little while before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Blueberries

You and your family will LOVE enjoying these delicious, fiber-filled treats!  Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and the protein from the Greek yogurt makes them the perfect summer or anytime snack!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Organic Blueberries
  • 1 cup Organic Plain Whole-Milk Greek Yogurt
  • 3-4 tablespoons of Honey or 1 tablespoon Stevia

Preparation:

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
  •  In a medium sized bowl, stir together the yogurt and the honey or stevia.
  • Gently fold in the blueberries to coat in the yogurt in small batches.  Scoop them up with a fork and tap the excess yogurt off. 
  • Place blueberries on baking sheet, being careful not to have them touch. 
  • Freeze the baking sheet until the blueberries are frozen, about 1 hour.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
  • Enjoy!

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt

Makes 4 servings

Skip the fro-yo shops where the yogurt is filled with questionable ingredients and sugar "infused" stuff and make your own delectable dessert!  This recipe has only 4 ingredients and can be tailored to your specific likes.  Couldn't be easier, healthier or more delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Organic Frozen Blueberries
  • 1 cup Organic Plain Whole-Milk Greek Yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Raw Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar

Preparation: 

  • Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
  • Pour mixture into a freezable container (large mouth mason jar, cake pan), cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until set.
  • Enjoy!

Kid Approved Healthy Oatmeal Granola Bars

Makes 16-18 Bars

These granola bars are packed with healthy ingredients, taste delicious and are beyond easy to make! They are naturally sweetened with banana and applesauce and contain healthy fats from the seeds. Perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a yummy dessert - you and your family will love them! 

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Rolled Oats (I use gluten-free oats)
  • ½ cup Pumpkin Seeds
  • ½ cup Sunflower Seeds
  • 3 Ripe Bananas
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons Flaxseeds
  • 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
  • ¼ cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9 x 13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl mash the bananas and stir in the applesauce until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients.  Stir into the banana mixture until well combined.
  • Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press down evenly.
  • Bake until bars and golden and are starting to separate from the sides of the pan, about 30-35 minutes.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes then cut into bars.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Enjoy!

5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Brownies

Makes about 10-12 Brownies

These dark, rich and subtly sweet brownies are made with pure goodness! They're vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free and are super easy to make.  Go ahead and indulge in these delicious treats, they are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation!  This slightly adapted healthier alternative recipe is courtesy of Healthy Holistic Living.  You can see the original recipe here: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/super-sweet-potato-brownies.html?t=FB

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Mashed Sweet Potato
  • ½ cup Smooth Nut Butter of Choice (I used Almond Butter, for those with nut allergies, try using SunButter)
  • 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
  • ¼ cup Dark Chocolate Chips


Preparation:

  • Bake a large sweet potato in the oven at 400 degrees for about 45 min or until soft.
  • Turn oven down to 350 degrees.
  • Grease 8 x 8 square baking dish or loaf pan.
  • On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup
  • In a large bowl add mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup and cocoa powder and mix well.
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating.

These brownies are best when cooled completely.  Store in fridge or freezer and enjoy!

Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Treats

Makes 18-20

Frozen bananas and dark chocolate chips are all you need to make these yummy little ice cream bites that your kids will love!  They are super creamy and store in the freezer perfectly, so stock up on these incredibly healthy two-ingredient treats! 

Ingredients:

  • 5 Ripe Bananas
  • ¾ - 1 cup Mini or Regular Size Dark Chocolate Chips

Preparation:

  • Slice bananas into 1-inch slices and lay on parchment-lined baking sheet.  Place in freezer for 1-2 hours.  
  • Remove frozen bananas from freezer and let thaw for 5-10 minutes.  Bananas should be softened a bit, but still frozen.
  • Place bananas in the food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.  Stir in chocolate chips.
  • Scoop banana ice cream into mini muffin pan, filling each cup until full.  Place muffin pan in the freezer for at least an hour.
  • Remove pan from freezer and use a knife to pop out each bite.  Store them in a freezer safe container and take out as needed.

The Best Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate-Chip Cookies

Makes 12-14 cookies

These cookies are a healthier version of a regular oatmeal chocolate-chip cookie.  They are made with oats as the flour and healthy fats such as coconut oil and dark chocolate and are gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.  They are simply delicious and when they come out of the oven my family can’t devour them fast enough!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats
  • ½ cup gluten-free quick Oats
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • ½ cup Coconut Oil
  • ¼ - ½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips

Preparation:

  • To make Oat flour: Blend old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until they resemble a flour or powder.  Measure 1 cup after blending. 
  • Melt coconut oil and let cool.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the oat flour, quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  • In another bowl, stir together the vanilla, egg, maple syrup and cooled coconut oil.
  • Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Fold in dark chocolate chips.
  • Cover the dough and place in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes or until the dough has firmed up (it should feel like regular cookie dough).
  • Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  • When dough is ready scoop onto parchment lined or lightly oiled cookie sheet.  If dough gets too firm from chilling just let it sit out for 15 minutes until it can be scooped into balls.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges.  Let cookies sit as they will harden as they cool on baking sheet.
  • Enjoy!

Chia Pudding

 
 

Serves 1

Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.  They’re loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients.  My favorite way to eat them is to make a delicious and easy chia pudding.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Almond Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons Chia Seeds

Optional toppings:

  • Chopped Pear or Apple, Berries, Nuts

Preparation:

  • Stir together all ingredients and refrigerate for up to 4 hours or overnight.

Gluten-Free-Blueberry-Chia-Muffins

 
 

Makes about 18-20 muffins

These muffins are my family’s favorites!  They are simply delicious and super satisfying while being gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.  My son and husband love theirs for breakfast while my daughter will have hers for dessert, or as an after-school snack.

This recipe is ever so slightly adapted from my dear friend Sophie Slater’s original recipe.  You can see the original recipe here: http://blog.arogya.net/gluten-free-blueberry-chia-seed-muffins/

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Almond meal or Flour
  • 3 teaspoons Psyllium Husk
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 Mashed Ripe Bananas
  • 3 tablespoons Chia Seeds and more to sprinkle on top of muffins
  • 4 tablespoons Coconut Oil
  • 4 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 9-10 chopped Mejol Dates
  • 1 1/2 cups Blueberries
  • ½ cup chopped Walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Use Coconut Oil to lightly grease muffin tins or use muffin liners.  If you have silicon baking cups you can skip this step. 
  • In large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour or meal, Psyllium Husk, Baking Soda and Sea Salt.
  • Add the 3 tablespoons of Chia Seeds to 1 cup of warm water - let seep for a few minutes.
  • In small saucepan over low-med heat melt Coconut Oil.
  • In another bowl beat the eggs. Whisk in Coconut Oil, Maple Syrup, Vanilla and Chia Seed mixture. Stir in the mashed Banana, chopped Dates and Blueberries.  Add Walnuts or other nut if you like.
  • Slowly pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix well.
  • Spoon batter into the muffin tins and sprinkle with Chia Seeds.
  • Bake for 30-35 min, until slightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely in pan on wire rack. Tip to remove muffins from tin: gently run a paring knife around the edge of each cup.
  • Enjoy!!!