Hello everyone! It's been so long since I have posted anything. I'll try to quickly summarize what has been going on in life lately.
1. House Hunting
Jess and I finally found a house we love after searching ENDLESS hours on the internet and seeing way too many crappy homes in person. We feel so blessed to have found this house and the way everything worked out was awesome. We put our offer on it and are just waiting for the AWESOME bank to get back with us about it. They love to take their sweet time :)
2. Enjoying Summer/Not Really Cuz We Are Falling Apart
Hurray for summer but not really cuz it's hot outside and that makes life very uncomfortable. Jess and I try ridiculously hard to be healthy but despite our constant efforts Jess has had a sinus infection/his head is going to explode for about 3 weeks now. I have developed an ever growing disease that is undiagnosable i just get random bug bite looking bumps all over my arms! GRRR! I'm so tired of being itchy. Oh and to add some more fun into the mix I've had crippling back spasms for a week now and i feel as if I am 85 years old. So yes summer is going great :)
3. Awesome Church Calling
Jess and I got called to teach the 10 year olds in our ward and its been a really fun experience so far. Atleast for me it has. I really enjoy teaching the kids and preparing the lessons. Jess hates sitting in primary :)
4. Goodness I HAVE to share
So remember when i said I try daily to be healthy? Well its kind of a lose lose situation. Once you REALIZE what is healthy and what isn't, you still don't eat what you SHOULD and now you feel guilty when you still eat what you SHOULDN'T.
BUT! How exciting when something healthy actually tastes edible and delicious.
This recipe makes me happy. I have made these cookies twice and they completely satisfy the sugar craving but after I eat two I don't feel like I'm going to die!
MAKE THESE ASAP. If you don't have some of the ingredients, go to Sprouts and get them. It's worth it.
CHOCOLATE- SPIKED OATMEAL COOKIES
Makes 16
INGREDIENTS:
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 1/4 cups quick-cook old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 2 tsp flaxseed meal (ground flax)
• 1 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup agave nectar (you can use organic honey also, I've done both and the agave tastes yummier to me. Agave nectar is WAY cheaper at costco.)
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tsp unsalted almond butter (at sprouts you can buy $1 packets of almond butter that work great!)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark bittersweet chocolate chips (I use semi sweet and of course I put in a little more than 1/4 cup)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together agave, egg white, almond butter and vanilla.
4. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients all at once and combine. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter equally into 16 mounds (about 1 rounded tbsp in size) and arrange evenly spaced on prepared baking sheets. Using the back of a slightly dampened spoon, flatten each mound into 2 1/2-inch circles. Bake 9 to 10 minutes, until golden. Cool on sheets for an additional 10 minutes before transferring to racks to cool completely. Stored in an airtight container, cookies will keep fresh for 2 to 3 days.
NOTE: Substitute the chocolate chips with raisins, shredded coconut, dried cranberries or other dried fruit to give these cookies a new identity every time you make them.
NUTRIENTS per 2 cookie:
CALORIES: 170
TOTAL FAT: 3.5 g
SAT. FAT: 1 g
CARBS: 35 g
FIBER: 3 g
SUGARS: 18 g
PROTEIN: 3 g
SODIUM: 75 mg
CHOLESTEROL: 0 mg
That's all for now!
