winter Archives | Page 63 of 74

For some reason I just can’t get into the so-called Christmas spirit. Anybody else out there feeling the same way? I got out my sparse collection of decorations at the beginning of this week and they are still in the same spot, unmoved and collecting dust at this point. I’ve been trying to think about why this is and I’ve settled on a combination of it not feeling like Christmas (it was 80 and humid today… blech) and not having found a routine or sense of normalcy that I mentioned in the last post.

I’m thinking that perhaps I can get into the holiday spirit by just cultivating positivity and genuine happiness and thoughtfulness with those around me. I found myself doing it at work today, going the extra mile to try to make someone’s day even if it meant making them a breakfast taco 15 minutes after we stopped serving them. It didn’t put me out any, but it seemed to make that person really happy. And in turn, it made me happy.

So now for the cookies. All you really need to know is these are simple and taste like freakin’ Christmas. They are vegan and gluten free of course, but they are also grain free depending on the type of powdered sugar you use. I think these are perfect for a party or for something sweet to munch on while you watch Christmas Vacation for the eleventy-billionth time while reciting the lines word for word. The only word of caution I will provide is that these are slightly messy to eat if you aren’t careful. Though I suppose spots of powdered sugar on your shirt could maybe be considered edible Christmas decor…

Candied Ginger Snowballs

As mentioned above, to make these grain free use either a whole cane powered sugar or one made with tapioca or arrowroot starch as opposed to corn starch. If you are a ginger fiend, you can up the amount of candied ginger, or vice versa if you just want a smidge.

150g almond flour

30g arrowroot flour

1/4 tsp fine sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

heaped tbsp minced candied ginger

30g coconut oil, melted

65g agave nectar

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsbp flaxmeal

powdered sugar to coat (I used about half a cup)

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then mix in the candied ginger. In a separate small bowl, combine the wet ingredients and flaxmeal. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, then add it to the dry ingredients. Stir until a relatively stiff dough forms and all of the wet ingredients have been fully incorporated into the dry.

Using a small cookie scoop, take level scoops of the dough, roll them into balls, then place them on your baking sheet at least 1 1/2 inches apart. Once you have used up all of the dough, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 5 minutes to firm up the dough (this helps the cookies keep a rounded shape).

Bake the cookies for 18 to 20 minutes until they are golden and firm. Cool the cookies completely. Once they are cooled toss them in the powdered sugar until they are coated evenly. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 20 small cookies.

Holy crap it’s December. I have done zero Christmas shopping/planning at this point other than random times in the past couple of weeks when ideas might enter my head. Since moving I’ve felt a little discombobulated as I struggle to develop a routine or a new sense of normal. Naturally this has affected everything in my life, including this blog. I haven’t been posting as much as I want to and I realized that it’s because I still haven’t found a comfortable routine for doing so. The light situation in the house is challenging and I often have to lug things back to my room or outside to get a good photo. But, enough excuses. Until I find the new “normal”, I’ll just keep buggering on.

‘Tis the season to focus on COOKIES! Starting back in 2012, I decided to make December “cookie month” on the blog where I share cookies/other treats that are appropriate for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, gift giving, and providing festive options for your sweet tooth. Last year I sort of failed and didn’t share too many options, but this year I hope to make up for it. I’ll be shooting some recipes this week and hopefully sharing them soon, but until then I wanted to provide you with some inspiration from years past. Happy baking!

* Pecan Raspberry Linzer Cookies (gluten free & vegan) *
These are more time-consuming than the others, but definitely one of my favorites!

Salted Dark Chocolate Nibby Cookies (gluten free, grain free, & vegan) *
Perfect for those with grain sensitivities or those who like a salty/sweet combo