Antioxidant-Rich Chocolate Chewies...

It was late and I was craving chocolate…..blast my sugar-free trial!  This just would not do.  So, being the problem solver that I am, I decided to create something that was delicious and had the essence of chocolatey goodness I longed for.  The result: my first sugar-free recipe of the month!

It turned out quite tasty, in my opinion.

The chewies combined a subtle foundation of chocolate with a hearty oatiness, complimented by the occasional sweet tanginess of a dried berry. 

Friends are referencing Clif bars and chocolate granola during their test tasting and I would have to agree.  There is something wonderfully granolaish about them.

Antioxidant-Rich Chocolate Chewies

Mix together:

1 1/4 TSP Egg Replacer

1 TBSP Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Cocoa Powder

1/2 cup Agave Nectar

1/2 cup Maple Syrup Grade A

1 TSP Cinnamon

1 1/4 cup Almond Meal

1 cup Gluten Free Oats

Add:

1/4 cup Dried Cranberries

1/4 cup Dried Cherries

1/4 cup Pecans (broken up with hands)

When mixing, expect an almost gummy dough that is not truly yummy until baked.  Do not be alarmed when sampling the dough! It will turn out much tastier, I promise.

Using a spoon, drop dough onto an oiled pan or parchment paper. 

Bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes or until crispy on top and cooked through the middle. 

This recipe makes around 6 large chewies or for more manageable sizes 10 smaller chewies. 

Enjoy these goodies for a sweet breakfast nibble or an evening chocolate craving!

A tasty, healthy and easy breakfast...

I am currently eating a delicious little ensemble I created this morning.  It's a rather simple compilation, yet somehow so tasty!  It offers rich color and vitamins with one of my favorite vegetables, asparagus, and a sizable amount of hearty protein for morning energy and lasting satisfaction.  This treat is, of course, sauteed!  Surprise, surprise... 

Ingredients:

Fresh Asparagus

Smoked, Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage

Olive oil spray

Sea Salt 

Raw Agave 

*I bought all of my ingredients from Trader Joe's, but you can use any brand and adjust the salt and agave accordingly.

1. Chop the asparagus into three parts (don't forget to cut of the dry end!)

2. Spray a pan with the olive oil and heat

3. Toss asparagus into the heated pan and every few minutes stir or flip asparagus

4. When slightly blackened (should have a bit of a grilled look) turn off heat and sprinkle sea salt

5. Heat up a sausage and slice into little discs

6. Combine in serving bowl and mix

7. Last, but not least, drizzle very lightly with the agave

Wahla! Deliciousness is served!

Enjoy :)