Gluten Free Vegan Protein Rich Chocolate Chip Blondies

        Do you have a sweet tooth? I do!  In fact, I would gladly skip any meal just to have dessert.  

     Since I decided to make our family's meals and treats a lot healthier this new year, I'm now focused on creating recipes that are sneakily filled with good for you ingredients.  To get the ball rolling, I am sharing with you this very easy recipe for our favorite Chocolate Chip Blondies.  

        Unlike the traditional ones, these blondies don't contain any butter or shortening, eggs or even gluten.  The beans make it creamy and delectable.  Flax seeds not only binds it together, it also provides Omega 3's and fiber.  Speaking for fiber, have you heard of Tigernuts?  Tigernuts, contrary to its name is not a nut but a small root vegetable native to Africa.  It is the #1 source of Resistant Starch, a Prebiotic fiber that resists human digestion and becomes fuel for our bodies natural Probiotic bacteria.   The flour I used in this recipe is made with Tigernuts which has a sweet and nutty flavor. 

          Are the ingredients making you scared?  Don't be!  These have been used by people outside the US for ages.  Plus the end result is surprisingly divine.  Just ask my four tough critics.  The best part is that, I don't have to be guilty about having a piece or two.  Oh, and these are also great for the kids' lunch box dessert.  

            Ready to try something new?  Then give these blondies are try.  Don't forget to let me know how it turned out too. 

             Have a great week!

- Roz

Ingredients:

1 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed well
1 cup organic raw cane sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. flax meal (ground flax seed)
6 Tbs. lukewarm water
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt (coarse ground)
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup Organic Gemini TigerNut Flour
3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Morsels  )

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper.
3. Make a flax goo by combining water and flax meal. Set aside for at least 5 minutes before using.
4. In a blender or food processor, add the beans, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking powder, oil, nutmeg and flax goo.  Blend or process until smooth.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.  Top with chocolate chips.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the sea salt on top.
8. Let the blondies cool in the pan before slicing.
9. Enjoy!

(Note:  This post contains affiliate links for the ingredients I used in this recipe. Please see my full disclosure here.)

First Anniversary Giveaway - Soap Box Soaps

        I can't believe we are on the final stretch of 2013.  Wasn't it just yesterday when I started this blog out of desperation? Well, guess what? The family made it!  We were able to live normally (most of it) for more than a year in spite of the challenges brought about by multiple food and environmental allergies.

      To celebrate this 1st birthday milestone, I have organized a series of giveaways featuring products from some awesome friends I have met along the way. First on the list is Soap Box Soaps.

      This company which was started (and still run) by young individuals, not only provides high quality handmade natural soaps but helps save lives as well.  With every purchase of a bar of soap, liquid soap or hand wash, the company donates either a soap bar, fresh water or vitamin supplement to a child in need.  For the past two years, they have already given soaps to numerous homeless shelters and nursing homes here in the United States.  The generosity didn't stop there.  Through their partner charities, they were able to reach people in other countries such as the recent victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
        

          If their mission to help others isn't enough to entice you, I'm pretty sure their products will.  In preparation for this giveaway, our friends from Soap Box Soaps, sent me the goodies below.  At first, I was surprised why they have decided not to include their famous soap bars for the review.  After going through their website, I realized that their soap bars contain soybean oil which is an ingredient we avoid to have in the house.  This little detail meant so much to me because I felt that they actually care.

         One of the things I noticed with both the hand soap and body wash was their scent.  It smelled fresh and was not overpowering like most scented products do.  The Tea and Ginger body wash in particular, was very refreshing and invigorating.  Perfect for morning showers as it "wakes up" the senses and leaves the skin really moisturized.  Even Child #1 who has the most sensitive and dry skin in the family loved it.  From someone who has been a fan of small batch handmade artisan soaps, the quality of the ingredients used in each product definitely make it stand out.    

          About the giveaway, 2 lucky readers here in the United States will each receive a gift pack from Soap Box Soaps. The gift pack contains a full sized hand wash and body wash.  What are you waiting for? 

- Roz

       

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Super Easy Double Chocolate Pancakes

        I believe moms will agree that breakfast is the most challenging meal of the day.  Not only are we rushing to get something done, we also think about whether the kids will actually eat and finish their food just in time for the bus.  Sad to say but most of the time, most skip this important meal. 

        Before my children were diagnosed with food allergies, I confess I often rely on ready made waffles and pancakes.  You know, the ones that you just microwave or pop in a toaster.  Though they lack in flavor and loaded with "what are those ingredients?", I still admit that they are affordable morning life savers. 

         Fast forward to gluten, dairy, egg, nut and soy free diet, breakfast is still chaotic. Since this time, most packaged food is a big no-no, I have learned to do some shortcuts especially for breakfast.

       

    

        This Double Chocolate Pancakes were actually made with our favorite allergy friendly mix -  Cherrybrook Kitchen Waffle and Pancakes mix.  Instead of adding plain milk, water or milk substitute, I replaced the amount required with Chocolate flavored almond milk.  Yes, my children can take almond milk (Thank God!). Then added a few Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips on top of the pancakes while cooking in the griddle.  Flip and wala easy and delicious breakfast!

          If you can't tolerate Almond Milk, don't worry, you can use any milk alternative --- flax, soy, coconut or even regular milk (if you are not dairy free) and dilute 1/2 tsp cocoa powder for every 1 cup of milk. The chocolate chips add a hint of sweetness which lessens the need for any syrup.  Thus lower sugar consumption for the little ones. 

       Here's an extra tip too.  Make a big batch of these pancakes when you have extra time in the weekends.  Instead of regular sized pancakes, I make it about 2-3 inches in diameter.  I found out that the consistency of mini pancakes reheats better than the bigger version .  Once the flapjacks cool, stack it up and transfer to either a ziplock bag or reusable covered container.  These pancakes store well in the fridge for 7 days.  When someone wants a quick snack or breakfast, place preferred number of pancakes on microwavable plate (single layer) and nuke on high for 10-15 seconds.  

        Take note, I didn't say freeze for later use.  After some trial and error, I realized that freezing these previously prepared gluten free, allergy friendly pancakes do not produce nice results once reheated.  I am not sure if it's the brand or ingredients in the mix but if you like to try, let me know okay. 

        Have a great week Frugalista Moms!

-Roz