No-bake almond balls and chocolate chip cookies
Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, and indulging in scrumptious holiday feasts and decadent treats. It is a time of joy and happiness; a time of giving and sharing with loved ones.
When I was a little girl, my favourite time of the year was the time I spent with my mom in the kitchen as we prepared for the holidays. We would bake dozens of traditional cookies to enjoy with the family and gift to our nearest and dearest. As I grew older, my love of baking not only continued but flourished every year and I enjoyed creating new treats for every occasion. To this day I still bake a batch of gingerbread cookies, which we enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa on Christmas morning.
But the past year also came with new commitments for me; 2018 was the year I ran my first 10-kilometre race, my first half marathon, and my first marathon. It was the year I committed to eating clean and focusing on healthier alternatives. As the holidays approach, I am excited to enjoy some of the traditional baked goods that I grew up making and loving, but I am also excited to prepare healthier treats to enjoy as we celebrate and look forward to a new year and new commitments.
Below are two of my favourite treats, which are perfect for individuals with food sensitivities but can also be enjoyed by everyone during the holidays and as you start a healthier and happier new year
No-bake almond balls
These treats are easy to make, require no equipment, and you can feel good about this recipe as it contains real food ingredients that are also vegan and gluten free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- ½ cup ground almonds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ cup dark chocolate
- Cacao nibs or chopped almond for decoration
Instructions
- Combine almond butter, ground almonds, and maple syrup in a large bowl until completely blended.
- Roll batter into one-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Place in freezer for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the dark chocolate in a small bowl over a pot of boiling water and melt the chocolate, stirring continually.
- Remove almond bites from the freezer and pour the melted chocolate over each ball until they are covered.
- Garnish with your choice of cacao nibs or chopped almonds.
Chocolate chip cookies
Everyone will love these chocolate chip cookies — warm and gooey, fresh out of the oven, and perfectly paired with some holiday nog!
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil melted and cooled (if the coconut oil is too hot, it may cook the egg when combined)
- 1 egg at room temperature (1 tablespoon of flax with 3 tablespoon of cold water for vegan version)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup chickpea flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate bar chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the coconut oil, egg, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chickpea flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Use a spoon to scoop dough onto parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Enjoy with family and friends!
Photos by Sara Naim