This recipe was shared with me by a dear friend many years ago when I had my twin boys. She made a meal for us and brought these delicious bars over for dessert and we just loved them! The original recipe has toffee, white flour brown sugar and butter. Not exactly healthy! But at the time when I was postpartum and breastfeeding twins, these bars really made me happy. There are lots of recipes like that I have a fondness for because of the memory associated with them and I didn’t feel guilty about eating and enjoying them at all. Now, for this time in my life, I’ve adapted some of these recipes to have lower sugar and use ingredients that don’t make me feel icky. I am so happy to have these comfort food recipes on hand that really hit the spot for special occasions. My heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness for that time in my life that was tiring and beautiful but also made so sweet by friends who loved on me through yummy food. This recipe is still an indulgence, but I’ve lowered the sugar content considerably and used spelt flour instead of white bleached flour. I used coconut sugar which is also lower on the glycemic index and the extra dark chocolate chips don’t add much sugar either. Next time you want to make something sweet for a special occassion, give these a try! One small serving will not ruin your balanced eating plan. Ingredients: 1 cup of […]

Sometimes I like to have treats around the house, especially during the Holidays! These Raw Oat Bars are pretty low in sugar and contain nutrient-dense ingredients I can get behind. The oats are especially good for hormone balance and I always sing the praises of coconut oil. Compared to something like a Resee’s cup these little bars are light years better for you! These are a treat and not something I make every single week, but they are an amazing option to have on hand during this time of year. I can make a decision that my tummy and health will thank me for! Dig in and enjoy this time of year!! Ingredients: 2C Organic Oats ⅓ C coconut oil 4T Organic peanut butter 2T Brown rice syrup ¼ C chopped dates ¼ C chopped pecans ¼ C dark chocolate chips ½ tsp salt Directions: 1. Melt together ⅓ cup coconut oil, 2T brown rice syrup, 4T Peanut Butter. 2. In a blender, pulse 2C oats and ½ tsp salt until they’re mostly broken down but still coarse. 3. Add the melted mix into the oats and blend until combined.   Then add ¼ C chopped dates, ¼ C pecans, and pulse just a few times to incorporate them. 4. Press into a 1/2-3/4” thick rectangle and place in the freezer to harden up – about 15-20 mins. 5. While they freeze, melt together 1T coconut oil and ¼ cup dark chocolate chips. 6. Pull the bars from the freezer, pour the […]

Collaborations are so much fun for me! I love using this platform to highlight people in my life who I believe are truly talented and beautiful inside and out. Madison is definitely one of them. She is an accomplished cook and baker who makes incredible food for parties and special occasions.  I knew that it was only a matter of time before she would end up on the blog. You can find Madison on Instagram @beautyandthefeast. Her pumpkin roll came out splendidly. So much better than I could ever hoped to have done on my own. There is just something special that talented bakers have…patience!!   Madison makes it look easy! This pumpkin roll is a classic Christmas baking recipe that your family will love. Even though it is made the traditional way, with white flour and sugar, it is so delicious and one for the list of favorites.  I hope you enjoy bringing one of Madison’s family traditions into your home this Holiday Season!     Ingredients: ⅔ C canned or cooked mashed pumpkin 1C sugar 3 eggs ¾ C all purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon Powdered sugar   For the filling: 1 8oz block of cream cheese, softened 3T butter softened 1C powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla   Directions:  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then combine the first three ingredients in a stand mixer, blending well, then add the next 3 ingredients.  2. Grease 15x10x1 jellyroll pan and line with waxed paper and grease again. Spread […]

Happy Holidays! We have one more dessert recipe for you. Vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies! It seems like so many people (and their kids) are realizing their bodies don’t do well with gluten so this recipe satisfies a lot of dietary needs. Did I mention these cookies are rich, delicate and melt in your mouth delicious!? My dear friend Madison did an amazing job with this cookie recipe and I’m pretty sure Santa will approve of them! Savor the memory of making cookies with your kids and loved ones. This is the time to be free and allow yourself to enjoy all this season has to offer.   Ingredients: ½ C refined coconut oil at room temperature, creamy and soft and scoopable texture ½ C tahini, nice and thick, not too runny ½ C granulated sugar ⅓ C packed brown sugar ¼ C plant milk 1 ½  tsp vanilla extract 1 ¼ C gluten-free one to one flour 2 T cornstarch ¾ tsp pink Himalayan salt ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1 ¾ C chopped dark chocolate chips   Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat the coconut oil, tahini, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium for about 3 minutes until a smooth and creamy mixture is formed. Add the plant milk and the vanilla extract and mix another minute to combine.  2. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to […]