I think we actually should have named my son Cookie Monster. This kid loves cookies. When we go shopping, rather than wanting to head to the toy section, he wants to head to the bakery to grab a cookie. If you're a mom like me, then you probably have to worry about the amount of cookies that your kids (and probably you too) are consuming. Well here is a recipe that can help you feel better about your sweet tooth. These cookies are low in fat and sugar, and actually pack a healthy and fun crunch in the form of chick peas! More vitamins and protein in my cookies? I'm sold. And your kids will be none the wiser. 

Ingredients: 
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt 
16 ounce can chick peas, drained and rinsed 
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions: Mix ingredients in a mixer in order listed. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-13 minutes. Serve and consume within 24 hours. 

We hope you enjoy a sweet treat that you can actually feel a little better about. 

We have been eating a lot of meatless meals here recently. I know I sound like a broken record, but finding hearty recipes that fill you up on vegetables and grains just makes me happy. It also seems to make my wallet happy too. This curried cauliflower rice is so creamy and is the perfect warming dish for a cold winters night. 

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons olive oil 
1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite sized pieces 
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups white rice
4 tsp curry powder 
Lavender Salt & Pepper

Directions: 
In a Le Creuset type dutch oven, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Cook your cauliflower with salt and pepper until it begins to brown.  Add an additional tablespoon of oil to your pot and cook your onions with salt and pepper until softened and translucent. Add your curry powder, rice, and chickpeas. Stir until combined, then add your broth and bring the pot to a boil. Add your cauliflower back into the pot, but do not stir it, let it sit on the top of the rice. Put the lid on the pot and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. 

This dish is creamy, healthy, low in fat, oh so good for you, and delicious too. 
Enjoy!

Nachos speak my love language. Chips, cheese, beans, I mean, c'mon! When I found a recipe for a mediterranean version, I couldn't get to the grocery store fast enough. Here is my own little spin on them. They are crunchy and creamy. The marinated beans are so satisfying. You will be so happy with this dish. Trust me.

Ingredients: 

3 Pitas
2 cans garbanzo beans
1/2 cup greek yogurt
3 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander seeds 
1 cup chicken stock
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1/4 cup feta cheese
1/2 cup arugula 
juice of 1 lemon
zest of 1 lemon
salt and pepper


Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven safe pan on the stove. Add your onions and saute until soft and cooked through. Add your cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic, and lemon zest. Drain and rinse your beans. Add your beans and stock to the pan and boil for 1 minute. Add 1 tsp salt and pepper. Cover and bake in oven for 15 minutes.

Cut your pitas into triangles and separate the sides from one another. brush each side with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, bake in oven along side your beans for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy. 

Mix your tahini, water, lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and your greek yogurt. Salt and pepper as needed. 

Layer your chips on a plate. Top with beans, tahini sauce, cucumber, feta, and arugula. Serve immediately and have a party in your mouth!

Its so nice to have easy meals on hand, ready in your fridge that can be whipped up in 30 seconds. When hunger strikes, please tell me I'm not the only one who stares hopelessly in my fridge or pantry trying to decide what I'm willing to eat that is the easiest to throw together. I always have tortillas in my fridge. This week I whipped up a batch of this delicious hummus and used it all week. You can spread hummus on toast, chips, veggies, whatever you'd like. By far my favorite use for our hummus this week was this wrap. It was creamy and satisfying and like I said, super easy to make. Oh, and it's healthy too! 

Wrap Ingredients: 

1 Whole Wheat Tortilla
1/2 of an Avocado 
1/2 cup shredded turkey 
1/4 cup hummus (see recipe below) 
1/4 tsp salt 

Ok, are you ready for the super complicated directions? Spread the hummus, avocado, turkey, and salt on your tortilla and roll it up. Even my 2 year old could make this recipe! The hummus and the turkey are so filling, and the buttery avocado goes so well with it. Couldn't be more simple or delicious. 

If you prefer to make your own hummus like I do, rather than buying it, feel free to try the recipe below. You could also substitute the shredded turkey with turkey slices from the deli, or even baked chicken. The great thing about a wrap is you can be flexible and use whatever you have in the fridge! Plus this delicious hummus is so yummy you can sneak in celery, carrots, or whatever veggies you want and it won't take away from the deliciousness. 


Home Made Hummus: 

1 sixteen ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
Juice of 1 1/2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons)
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil

Add all of your ingredients except for the olive oil into a food processor and blend until smooth. While the processor is still running, slowly add your olive oil (so it can emulsify). Taste and adjust salt or acid as needed. Enjoy!