Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

You might think that healthy and cookie don't go together in the same bite, but in this case I assure you that they do. Very little sugar is included in this batch of goodness, and if you use a good quality natural peanut butter without added sugar, and only a scattering of chocolate chips, your tummy won't be grumbling in protest if you have a few more than you meant to. These are also eggless cookies.

Once again, boldness in the kitchen paid off. Coming up with savory meal dishes has become second nature to me, but when it comes to baking I tend to stick to tried and true recipes. But after the success of my Guinness gingerbread cake, I figured I would try my chances with a homespun cookie recipe. The result was quickly devoured and turned out to be a perfect little snack to settle queasy tummies. Chewy, without being overly moist, with a slight crumbly texture, I have already made a few batches because they are so easy to prepare and a delightful way to get a mellow sugar fix from baked treats.

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on January 29, 2013 Simple, chewy, delicious and wholesome eggless peanut butter cookies made with natural peanut butter and just a little sugar Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup spelt flour or unbleached white flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 to 1/3 cup chocolate chips, as preferred 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar, as preferred 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons crunchy natural peanut butter 7 tablespoons whole milk a few drops of vanilla Instructions: Preheat an oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flours, oats, salt, baking soda and chocolate chips. In another medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, butter, peanut butter and milk. Stir in the vanilla. Transfer this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Shape the dough into 12 to 15 small balls, flattening each one slightly, and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the cookies are firm and slightly browned — about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Makes 12 to 15 cookies

More cookies from Lisa's Kitchen:
Chocolate Orange Cookies
Cayenne Peanut Butter Cookies
Flourless Peanut Buttter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

On the top of the reading stack: Savory Pies: Delicious Recipes for Seasoned Meats, Vegetables and Cheeses Baked in Perfectly Flaky Pie Crusts by Greg Henry

Audio Accompaniment: Biosphere

Peach and Bocconcini Salad with Arugula

I am craving spring and it is no secret to those that know me and check in on my space that I despise winter. My smallish frame has a most difficult time keeping warm, even in my apartment, even when I am cooking and baking in my kitchen. I adore old houses but the draftiness and lack of proper insulation make for a good number of cold months in a row with little relief. In addition to that, I miss the warming sun on bare skin.

I suppose that is one of the reasons I made this refreshing peach salad that can hardly be said to be seasonal here in Canada, but I can dream of warmer times. I rarely use canned ingredients, but was invited to try California cling peaches that are not packed in that usual syrupy, sugary mixture of unpleasantness nor with nasty preservatives. I do tend toward soups, stews and baked dishes for dinner during these dreary months, but we all need a bit of sweetness in our diet, no matter the time of year. Store this one away for fresh peach season or just hurry off to the store and get some canned peaches as I did if you can't wait that long.

Mild bocconcini cheese really takes on the natural sweetness of the peaches and tartness of the vinegars, especially when marinated, and the earthy tender greens and fresh basil fill out the whole taste experience. You won't be disappointed with this delightful side salad.

Peach and Bocconcini Salad with Arugula

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from the California Cling Peach Board Published on January 27, 2013 Simple and refreshing, slightly sweet and savory salad of marinated peach slices and bocconcini cheese served over arugula Print this recipe Ingredients: 14 oz (400 ml) can water-packed and sugarless California cling peach slices 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar splash of rice vinegar (optional) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 9 to 10 1-inch bocconcini balls, cut into quarters or halves 1/3 cup fresh basil, cut into fine strips 2 cups arugula 2 to 3 tablespoons pistachios or coarsely chopped walnuts (optional) Note: Use 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar in place of the balsamic and champagne vinegars if desired and do experiment with the vinegars and oils you have on hand. Instructions: Drain the peaches, reserving a few tablespoons of the liquid. Whisk together the vinegars, 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved peach liquid, olive oil, fennel seeds, red chili flakes and salt. Gently stir in the bocconcini cheese and peach slices, and marinate for at least an hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Add the basil and gently toss. To serve, line salad plates with some arugula, drizzle over some of the dressing and top with peach slices, bocconcini cheese and basil. Sprinkle with pistachios or chopped walnuts if desired. Makes 3 to 4 servings

More refreshing salads from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Avocado Salad
Creamy Coleslaw
Chickpea and Fresh Ginger Salad
Fig Salad with Fresh Basil, Arugula, Goat Cheese and a Pomegranate Vinaigrette

On the top of the reading stack: copious number of notes

Audio accompaniment: Pantha du Prince at Shanti 7.12.2008

Carrots are one vegetable that I pretty much always have on hand. They keep for a good while in the fridge and can easily be tossed into salads, stews or soups, or just eaten raw with or without dip. I got to thinking about my fresh bag of carrots and decided that carrots ought to shine as a centerpiece of the meal from time to time and so the idea of this elegant nourishing soup with plump, lightly fried paneer cheese cubes was born and subsequently devoured. My husband declared it was probably the best carrot soup he has ever eaten and, humble cook that I am, I tend to agree.

Read this recipe »

Heathy Vegetarian Game Night Snacks

Pretty much everyone enjoys winding down after a long day by playing or watching a game from time to time. Whether it be card games, board games or sporting events such as the upcoming annual Super Bowl, snacks occupy an essential aspect of the experience. As a long time vegetarian, I thought it would be appropriate to offer up some healthier alternatives to the greasy and salty snacks that often go along with gaming nights. You shall find no chicken wings nor greasy fries here!

To begin the evening, let us start with some savory appetizers from my kitchen that are sure to get everyone in the party mood.

Let us begin with Stuffed Mushrooms. These earthy mushrooms are stuffed and complimented by a wonderful array of savory flavors, from tart sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, spices and jalapeños, to creamy and slightly salty goat cheese. An amazing appetizer for any occasion, this recipe can of course be increased in quantity depending on the number of participants attending your party.

How about some Olive Cheese Balls? Imagine a plump green olive nestled in a slightly spicy and crispy cheese pastry. For a maximum burst of flavor, I suggest you use an extra old Cheddar cheese. I'm quite certain you could substitute small sautéed button mushrooms for the olives. Better yet, double this recipe and make both for a simple and perfect appetizer.

Yes, it is getting cheesy as game night approaches, but these Smoked Gouda Gougères are not to be skipped. These delightful little airy puffs can be served with a red pepper dip, or just on their own, as I enjoyed them. Certainly a great hors d'oeuvre or snack and crowd pleaser.

Dips for chips and sliced vegetables are in order as the evening progresses. Simple, creamy, zesty and Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is another popular choice to have on hand for your evening festivities. It's also vegan friendly if you leave out the cheese.

Tangy, spicy and fresh-tasting classic Mexican Guacamole served with blue corn tortilla chips or, better yet, homemade Spicy Baked Tortilla Chips can't fail to be a hit. If you want to make it a Mexican party, do include Quesadilla with Mushrooms and Black Bean Pastries on the menu. Your guests might never want to leave after this feast, so choose your friends wisely.

Nachos are a must for the party. My Spicy Nachos loaded with vegetables and smothered in cheese are always a hit and hard to resist. Homemade tomato chutney makes these even harder to resist.

Popcorn is always in order, especially if you spice it up while enjoying a glass of wine. Old fashioned stovetop-popped popcorn goes gourmet in Lisa's Kitchen. Generous handfuls are in order.

Enjoy your evening with good eats and good friends.