Easy Cocoa Cookies

I happened to be out of eggs when I got the whim to make cookies, so I searched for egg-free recipe ideas and created these cookies. These cookies are very soft and chewy. They actually stay soft for several days, which is lovely. For a cookie that can be made with pantry staples, they are awesome. They also happen to be vegan, so for all the vegan-ites out there - enjoy!

In large bowl, combine the following;
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup chocolate chips

In medium bowl, mix together;
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon molasses


Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. The dough will be very dry looking, just keep working the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until they come together. Resist the temptation to add more water. Using your hands, form the cookies into small balls to be baked.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, rotating the cookie sheet at 4 minutes. Set your timer and stay near by, you do not want to over bake these cookies. Makes 2 dozen.

Next time, I am going to add 1/3 cup peanut butter in with the wet ingredients. I will omit the cocoa and decrease sugar to 2/3 cup.

 The big heart cookie was for Papa, 'cause we love him! 

(it baked 12 minutes FYI)

 Bodhi helped make the cookies.....

 and he helped eat the cookies! 

Delicious! 

{Vegan} Zucchini & Prune Muffins

Oh, come on now. Don't turn your nose up just yet. These muffins were seriously delicious - the whole family loved 'em. You really need to give them a try. Original inspiration found here, but like always I "Lish-i-fied" it.

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ginger - (this added great flavor, don't skip it!)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup plain applesauce
1/4 cup coconut oil   (or canola)
1/4 cup almond milk (feel free to use soy or rice)
1/2 cup sucanat (you can use sugar, but I loved the taste of sucanat in these muffins)
1 cup grated zucchini
3/4 cup finely chopped prunes

2) Mix all dry ingredients (except sucanat) in a large bowl

3) Whisk together applesauce, oil, milk, and sucanat; mix well, then add zucchini

4)Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mix gently until combined, lastly - fold in prunes 

Bake @ 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes; or until toothpick in center comes out clean

I am confident that any of the following dried fruits would work well: dates, apricots, prunes, currants, and as far as fresh fruit goes, I am thinking pears would be delicious! You want something with a little sweet, and a little tang. There are no rules, that is the true joy of cooking & creating.

Also, next time, I may grate a bit of orange peel into the wet ingredients before adding in the zucchini.

Happy Baking!