Cookie Cookie Cookie!!!

I'm not interested in living in a world without cookies. But I'm also a stickler for eating nutritionally dense foods. So what do we do when pre-packaged healthy cookies leave a lot to be desired, and so many healthy cookie recipes are full of date purees, agave syrups and other mysterious ingredients we don't have in our kitchens? The answer is simple, make some easy ingredient substitutions and eat them in moderation. Think it might be harder than it sounds? Read on.

Start with your basic Toll House cookie recipe and make any or all of the following swap outs:

• Swap half the butter (1/2 cup) for yogurt or applesauce (any flavor yogurt is fine, greek plain is protein packed and low calorie, or try raspberry yogurt for a twist)
• Swap the flour for whole wheat flour
• Swap 1/2 cup flour for ground flax seeds (worth having in the kitchen if you don't already, and so easy to find, try breading chicken tenders with the leftovers, or add to muffins, cereal, yogurt etc)
• Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
• Swap 1/4 cup of the brown sugar for blackstrap molasses
• Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• Add nuts, whichever ones you like, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts etc
• Use the darkest chocolate chips you can find, semisweet counts as dark, so if you prefer not to go gourmet that's fine

Bake for 1 or 2 minutes less than directed to keep them soft

It's true, these cookies aren't quite as buttery or crisp as the originals, they are a little fluffier and cakier when you swap out the butter, but the flavors are bold so try this serving suggestion and you'll never go back...

Place one cookie in a ramekin (local tip, pick these up at a discount from Bar Boy in Hampton Bays at a great discount)
Microwave for 20 - 30 seconds
Top with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

The serving size is reasonable and guilt-free (eat slow and savor with a small spoon) it's a healthy home version of a chocolate lava cake. I had one last night, ok ok, i put 2 cookies in my ramekin, and it was absolute heaven, and even with two, I don't hate myself in the morning. That's always the best part.

The Breakfast Ritual

 

In this demanding chaotic world, rituals are practically extinct. Especially for those who don't prescribe to any particular religious affiliation. But rituals can be cathartic, comforting moments in our lives. We can create small rituals focusing on our heath (maybe a regular yoga practice) or around our family (such as dinners together, or Sunday trips to feed the ducks). But the simplest ritual anyone can establish is breakfast. Not only is it healthy for our bodies, but taking a few moments each morning to calmly nourish ourselves sets the mental tone for the rest of the day. We can't take care of those around us if we don't take care of ourselves first. So think about what makes you happy. A warm drink in your favorite mug, some protein, and a quiet place to rest. Add some details, like an artisanal lavender honey for your tea, or a pinch of healthy cinnamon on your toast. Inhale, savor and enjoy. 

Some Ideas:

A soft boiled egg in an egg cup and a cinnamon latte (I love the ritual aspect of cracking the egg with the back of a spoon)

Wheat toast with natural peanut butter and green tea with clover honey

Greek yogurt with fruit and walnuts and earl grey with whole milk

My Breakfast Ritual:

Simmer water for tea

Find my favorite insulated mug from Dean and Deluca

Break a banana into a bowl

Add some healthy cereal to the bowl and a teabag or teaball to the mug

Pick a honey for the tea

Dust some cinnamon on the cereal and/or in the tea

Maybe add some blueberries to the bowl if I have them

Add whistling water to mug

Add milk to both tea and cereal

Find a quiet place to sit and enjoy for 5 to 10 minutes

Begin my day

Lavender Meets Grapefruit

Why: The bittersweet acidity of grapefruit pairs so elegantly with the heady floral of lavender. Simple, cleansing, perfect. Citrus is abundant and cheap during the winter months, so now is the time to indulge in this springtime teaser.

How: Peel and segment grapefruit or slice into rounds. In a glass dish drizzle with honey (less for pink grapefruit which is sweeter than yellow) sprinkle a healthy pinch of lavender flowers. Allow to marinate for about an hour. Serve alone or top with greek yogurt and walnuts for breakfast or dessert. Spoon segments over greens or a beet salad for a first course. Grill rounds until caramelized grill marks appear, sprinkle with fleur de sel and serve with grilled fish.

Holy Beets!

Why: Practically mythical, the underutilized jewel-like flesh glistens with earthy, fuschia brilliance. Beets are simple, versatile, beautiful and delicious. With flavors reminiscent of the fertile soils of spring. The 'beeting' valentine heart of vegetables. February is an exquisite time for beets.

How: Roast whole beets for about an hour (a little longer if they're huge) slice and dress with citrus, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Serve as a side dish to grilled meat or fish, add orange or grapefruit segments if you like, or spoon over a salad of microgreens and top with goat cheese and walnuts as a first course. Beeterrific.