Cookie Face-OFF

CHOCOLATE CRINKLES

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES

Sometimes I bake... the other night after dinner I really wanted to bake some cookies. I couldn't decide between yummy/healthy cookies or sugary/chocolaty/fatteningly delicious cookies. So I made both!

Oddly enough, the healthy oatmeal cookies turned out to be a much bigger hit with my family. The chocolate crinkles are more bitter, like dark chocolate. I liked them because I love dark chocolate, so give them a try if you dare (Recipe from Real Simple).

But..... you should definitely try the yummy banana oatmeal chip cookies (Recipe from Carrots 'N' Cake). There were a few ingredients in this recipe that I didn't have on hand and definitely did not want to search for them in a grocery store so I substituted some:
AGAVE NECTAR = HONEY
SOY MILK = 1% MILK
CHOCOLATE CHIPS = RAISINS
I also didn't have flaxseed meal :( so I just trashed that and added some toasted WHEAT GERM.

Wheat Germ Benefits:
*B vitamins
*Calcium
*Comples carbs
*Fiber
*Iron
*Magnesium
*Manganese
*Omega-3 fatty acids
*Phosphorus
*Potassium
*Protein
*Selemium
*Vitamin E
*Zinc
As you can see, the benefits are endless and quite substantial! It is particularly high in Vitamin E with is great for the skin and has anti-aging properties. The secret to the fountain of youth:)

Baked American Fries

Way yummier than those greasy, deep fried, fast food fries!

-Preheat oven to 450°F

-Scrub potatoes (about 1 per person, depending on the size)

-Cut into wedges

-Combine potato wedges, olive oil (about 1 tbsp per 3 or 4 potatoes), and a generous amount of steak seasoning (Recommended: Montreal) or Sea Salt and Pepper in a Large zip lock bag.

-Spread potatoes onto foil lined baking sheet (add seasoning if you want)

-Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Carrots 'N' Hummus

My new favorite snack would have to be carrots dipped in Hummus. Oh, so good! Hummus may scare you because it sounds like a funky health food, but don't run away so quickly! Meza Traditional Hummus, my favorite kind, is made with garbonzo beans, roasted sesame, lemon, and garlic. It can be found at Costco. It comes in a big tub so you'll have plenty to go around. Someday I'll attempt to make my own hummus, but for now this is a fabulous substitute!

This snack goes perfectly with a recipe I posted a while back. Fish for the Greek Gods. I love love love the feel of fresh, clean, healthy mediterranean cooking! If you haven't tried it yet, please do! It's to die for. Tilapia is a very very mild fish so even if you don't like fish, you might like this dish! I made it again tonight, because my grandpa came over for dinner and my dad hadn't tried it yet. Big hit! Except my dad adds lots of salt to everything... Which explains his really low blood pressure?

Mr. Golden Sun

Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,
Please shine down on me.

Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,
Hiding behind a tree

These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you.

Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,

Please shine down on,
please shine down on,
Please shine down on me!