Once upon a time, in another life, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management. My absolute favorite courses revolved around pastry because 1.) I love the science involved with creating absolutely perfect breads and treats and 2.) I have a MAJOR sweet tooth.
In a lifetime before that, I was a die hard “Paleo” majoring in Nutritional Sciences at Texas A&M University. Needless to say, food has always been a huge part of my life and finding a healthy relationship with it has not always been easy.
Over the years though, I’ve found that denying myself sweets for prolonged periods of time only makes me resentful and frankly, not pleasant to be around. So, I’ve found ways to appease my sweet tooth, while still fueling my body with healthy and nutritious foods. I’ve been lucky enough to meet and learn from others who have done the same, and even luckier that one of my greatest mentors has become family. Taylor’s Aunt Marsha has truly MASTERED what I’m calling nutritious indulgences, but my all-time favorite recipes of hers are her Nut Butter Cookies and No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Treats.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Aunt Marsha’s Nut Butter Cookies Recipe:
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 2 ½ Tbsp butter, softened *I sub coconut oil here, but grass-fed butter or ghee is great too!
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup nutty all natural peanut butter *Or try another type of nut butter, like Almond!
Directions: Mix all ingredients well. Scoop 1 Tbsp at a time onto parchment covered cookie sheet. Flatten with spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned on bottom.
Aunt Marsha’s No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Treats:
- 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
- ½ cup (approx.) natural crunchy peanut butter *Or try another type of nut butter, like Almond!
- 3-4 Tbsp honey *Depending on how sweet you want them
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/8 cup coconut oil
Directions: Melt the chocolate over very low heat. Stir in the nut butter. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Drop spoonfuls on a parchment lined baking sheet and chill until firm.
Let me know if you try these recipes in the comments or if you have other healthy treat recipes to share!
