Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Chickpeas)

Me - "Morning Girls! Lets make cookies for breakfast!"
Ava, with a puzzled look on her face - "Did you turn into Daddy?"

I wonder who is the good cop in my house? I went away on a girls trip a few weeks ago over Father's Day weekend (oops). I left Will and the kids with a huge basket of candy, movies, gift cards, and pool toys. Yes, I was feeling guilty for leaving Will on Father's Day and was trying to make the weekend as easy for him as possible. Well, as the weekend was coming to an end Ava asked Will, "When is Mommy going away again?!" ARGH!! Does she even notice he didn't do dishes, laundry, go grocery shopping, clean her room?? Just kidding, I was angry at first but then quickly realized I don't have to feel guilty about going away again! Girls trip anyone??

Anyways, I saw this recipe for chocolate chip cookies using chickpeas and peanut butter (I used SunButter) and thought it would make a good breakfast treat. And it did!! I have to at least try and be the fun parent sometimes.

Check out the link below and Enjoy!

http://www.texanerin.com/2012/04/grain-free-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-bites.html

Best GF Pizza Restaurant EVER

Since the day I stopped eating gluten the only thing I really miss is Pizza. I have found some frozen ones that keep me sane but I have not found a place I can take the family and just enjoy pizza. Tonight that has changed. YOUR PIE. (http://www.yourpie.com/)

First, the gluten-free pizzas are exceptional!!! Not for a second did I miss eating everyone else's pizza. They are prepared in the back, away from all traces of gluten. You have millions of toppings to chose from... pesto, sun dried tomato pesto, red sauce, unlimited free veggies, meats, etc.

Second, they have great options for non-GF peops. They have white crust and whole wheat crust. They are careful with other allergies, such as our kids' egg, nuts, and sesame allergies. They confirmed all ingredients.

Third, the kids options are awesome. They give you a kids pizza, drink (from a fountain with a million choices), and gelato for $5.99. While waiting for your food they gave my kids pizza dough to play with. They had a ball!! Emma asked if we could have breakfast there tomorrow and Ava asked if we can have all future family dinners there.

Lastly, the have wine and beer.

Kids happy, me happy, we are going back!!!!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

How could black beans and dates turn into delicious brownies? They can! My kids were shocked. They helped me make them and gagged at the thought of black beans, plus dates, plus sunbutter, plus chia seeds all blended together. It wasn't until I put the cocoa powder in that they considered even tasting them. However, blend and bake and I swear they come out delicious. After coming out of the oven, I must warn, they are more like a gooey souffle. Jill, the friend who gave me the recipe, suggested putting them in the fridge over night and the next day they are more the consistency of a fudgy brownie.

The recipe actually gives another recipe for a topping. I went the easy route and just put whipped cream and blueberries on top.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fudgy-black-bean-brownies-and-banana-treat

Ingredients
2 cups cooked black beans or canned no-salt-added or low-sodium black beans, drained
10 Medjool dates (remove the pits)
2 tbsp Sunbutter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup natural, non-alkalized cocoa powder
1 tbsp ground chia seed
Raspberries or other berries for topping

DirectionsPreheat oven to 200° F.

Blend the black beans, dates, sunbutter and vanilla in a food processor or high powered blender until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again. Pour into a very lightly oiled 8 x 8 inch baking pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Cool completely before cutting into small squares. Top with raspberries or other berries.