With fall weather around the corner & after several requests by Gerritt, I've finally decided to bake some cookies. The cookies had to include chocolate chips (just like in one of the Dora the Explorer episodes) & be void of dairy & eggs (so that I could enjoy eating them too). I didn't have to search very long by modifying a recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks - Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair. These cookies have a delightful aroma (if you love chocolate & coconut that is) & are best served warm with a glass of cold milk.
Chocolate Chip Walnut Coconut Cookies
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup melted extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil (I like the Fresh Shores brand) (may use butter if you wish)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup chocolate chips
a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine oats, flour, salt in a bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl mix together maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry mixture & mix well. Stir in nuts, chocolate chips & coconut. With moist hands form dough into 3" cookies & place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden on edges.
Sidenotes:
Why cook with coconut oil?
Coconut oil has no trans-fats & is one of the richest sources of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFAs permeate cell membranes easily & don't require lipoproteins or special enzymes to be utilized effectively by the body. MCFAs are easily digested, thus putting less strain on one's digestive system. MCFAs are sent directly to one's liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat. MCFAs in coconut oil can actually help stimulate body's metabolism, leading to weight loss. Since insulin is not involved in the process of digesting the MCFAs in coconut oil, you won't get the carb-related spikes in your blood sugar level. Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which does wonders for the immune system & thyroid health. Coconut oil can be used for stir-frying or sauteing vegetables, eggs, poultry & fish; added into smoothies; used to make own mayonnaise, in salads & on popcorn (instead of butter).
2 comments:
I use coconut oil as well. But I buy cheaper kind from WalMart - the closest store to my home :)
I have just discovered it & was surprised how easy it is to cook with. It's also has a heavenly fragrance! I stayed away from it in the past, however, learned about its multiple health benefits thanks to www.drmercola.com
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