Chocolate Chip Cookies, Paleo-style

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Paleo-style

Dieting can be TORTURE! But since we've embarked on living a Paleo-Lifestyle, our family hasn't really felt like we're missing out....except in one area. Desserts. I love chocolate and I have honestly missed that "something sweet" here and there. At the same time, I'm feeling better than I have in years (I hit my 10-pound goal!) and I'm not willing to go backwards with my eating changes. So, when a friend posted a link to Chocolate Chip Cookies, Paleo-style, I couldn't resist.

First, I must say that deciding to change our lifestyle has required an investment of both time and money. It does take time to prepare food that is healthy and delicious. But, not really THAT much more time than cooking a "regular", non-fast food, home-cooked meal. And money..."organic" and "nitrate-free" come with a price tag. Keeping fresh fruit around means going to the grocery store more frequently and sometimes fruit can get costly.

But, it's about tradeoff's. Our pocketbook hasn't been hurt at all because I'm not buying the "extras" that I used to, such as chips or soda. Plus, like I said, we're feeling great. It's worth it.

So, back to the cookies. They really taste more like a coconut macaroon with chocolate chips, but they were a hit in our home!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Again, my thanks to the amazing folks at The Paleo Plan for their awesome collection of Paleo recipes. I've made a couple taste adjustments, so here is the link to the original recipe: http://www.paleoplan.com/2011/01-25/grain-free-chocolate-chip-cookies/) 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In an small bowl combine:

3 cups almond flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

In large bowl whisk together (or use small electric mixer):

2 large eggs

1/2 cup raw honey

1 1/2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. 

When well combined, add:

1/2 cup coconut or macadamia nut oil, melted

Gently stir in:

1 1/2 cups "Enjoy Life" brand mini chocolate chips

Spoon tablespoon-sized balls onto cookie sheet, leaving room for cookies to spread. Bake for about 8 minutes, watching to make sure cookies do not get too brown. 

Remove cookies from oven. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies freeze nicely and can be packed in snack-sized baggies for a lunch treat.

 

Going Caveman?

I'm a terrible dieter....I just have to admit it. Yet, when some friends told us they had switched to a "Paleo Lifestyle" to live healthier, I have to say, I was intrigued. 

Fortunately, Paleo recipes abound, and I discovered that by eliminating just a few food items from our diet, we could be Paleo, as well. Unfortunately, those items are some of the foods I love most: breads, rice and sweets. 

But, we're giving it a shot. After just one week, I do feel better and I've dropped some pounds. I really haven't missed any of the foods, expect maybe bread, but I'm looking at options to help with that!

For our first evening meal, we decided on BBQ Chicken...no surprise there! But, following the Paleo way, we found the perfect chicken and fresh ingredients. 

If you're looking to make a healthy life-style change, try going "Caveman" for a turn!

Grilled Chicken with Rosemary and Bacon

(adapted from the wonderful recipes found at: www.paleoplan.com)

In a bowl combine: 

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Brush the spices over 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Next, place a sprig of rosemary over each chicken breast. Wrap a piece of bacon around each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks that have been soaked in water.

Grill away!

Serve with fresh fruit and grilled veggies for the perfect Paleo meal.

The chicken can also be cooked on the stove top, but the flavor of the garlic and rosemary blended with the charcoal taste is heavenly!