Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Single Serve Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie (Vegan, Grain-Free, Oil-Free)

This exceptional almond flour cookie is meticulously crafted to be grain-free, oil-free, and generously packed with rich dark chocolate chips! It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you crave a single, delicious cookie, and you need it fast.

Hello, wonderful friends! How are you all doing today? Life often throws us curveballs, and finding small moments of joy and comfort becomes incredibly important. For me, lately, it’s been a whirlwind of deadlines and exciting new ventures. My cookbook manuscript is now just a week away from being due, and let me tell you, the anticipation and a touch of nervous energy are definitely in the air!

In a truly thoughtful gesture, my partner M surprised me with a beautiful new standing desk as an early birthday present. It honestly couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune moment. It’s exactly my style – sturdy, crafted from warm wood, and imbued with a rustic charm. Its spacious top provides ample room for all my creative endeavors, and the convenient lever allows for effortless height adjustment. This desk will undoubtedly be put to excellent use as I meticulously finalize my manuscript writing this week, before diving headfirst into photographing all the delicious recipes next week!

Speaking of birthdays, mine is just around the corner on April 2nd! This year marks my second birthday spent primarily in quarantine, which is quite a surreal thought. Reflecting on the past year, I recently shared some thoughts on Instagram about what it felt like to mark a full 365 days of quarantine life. Despite the inherent heaviness of the past year and the mounting stress of completing the book, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of lightness emerging on the horizon. The weather forecast promises beautiful days ahead, I’ve successfully signed up for my vaccine appointment, and perhaps most importantly (at least for my sweet tooth!), I’ve finally perfected the art of crafting a single serve cookie.

This incredible Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie for One is not just a treat; it’s a solution. It’s designed to be ready in a mere 15 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for those evenings when an irresistible cookie craving hits, and you need that immediate gratification without the commitment of baking a whole batch. It’s a game-changer for mindful indulgence and quick, wholesome dessert satisfaction.

Read more

Nourish Your Fall: Irresistible Pumpkin Apple Bliss Balls (Vegan & Gluten-Free!)

This post is brought to you by Bare Snacks, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!

Fuel your body and delight your taste buds with these delicious Pumpkin Apple Bliss Balls! Crafted with wholesome oats, nourishing chia seeds, creamy nut butter, silky pumpkin purée, and naturally sweet applesauce, these bites are a powerhouse of flavor and energy. For an irresistible crunch, we love adding baked apple chips and chopped pecans!

As I pen these words, I find myself nestled in my favorite recliner, gazing out at windows beautifully mottled with raindrops. The leaves outside, blurred by the wet glass, resemble an impressionistic masterpiece, a testament to the seriously gloomy weather that has settled in this week. While I adore the crisp air and changing colors of autumn, this persistent rain has certainly curtailed my usual outdoor adventures.

No strenuous hikes or long nature walks, unless, of course, you count the heroic dash through sheets of rain to the grocery store – a true expedition in itself! This week’s weather is a stark contrast to the glorious days of last week, when I spent a memorable afternoon at Great Falls National Park. I vividly recall scaling Juliet’s Balcony not once, but five times, feeling exhilarated with each ascent.

It was one of those perfect climbing days; the rock face felt incredibly grippy and almost malleable beneath my chalked fingertips, guiding my feet to impossibly comfortable footholds. Reaching the summit each time, I couldn’t help but whoop and holler, a pure expression of joy and accomplishment. And at the base, as a well-deserved reward, my climbing partner M and I refueled with a batch of these incredible Pumpkin Apple Bliss Balls.

Typically, my outdoor refueling strategy relies on pre-packaged energy bars, chosen for their convenience and portability. However, there was something truly special about biting into these homemade energy bites. Made with the comforting flavors of apple, oats, and pumpkin, they offered a welcome change, a fresh burst of real food goodness that perfectly complemented the crisp autumn air and the satisfaction of a good climb. These Pumpkin Apple Bliss Balls aren’t just a snack; they’re a quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying way to boost your energy, ready in just 10 minutes and perfect to take with you wherever your adventures, big or small, may lead!

Read more

Delicious & Easy Vegan SunButter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies: A Gluten-Free Holiday Treat

Discover the joy of baking these irresistible SunButter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies, crafted with Organic SunButter and your favorite no-sugar-added jam. They are truly the perfect holiday cookie, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves navigating a whirlwind of activities, holiday preparations, and perhaps, a touch of seasonal fatigue. If you’re anything like me, the shorter daylight hours, the festive hustle, and the sometimes unpredictable winter weather can leave you feeling a bit drained, perhaps even dreaming of a tropical escape. It’s a challenging time for creativity, with blank pages and blinking cursors often staring back mockingly.

This year, I’ve made a conscious effort to be kinder to myself, embracing the coziness of the season and letting go of any lingering negative beliefs as we step into 2025. Whether you’re powering through the final weeks of 2024 with boundless energy or taking a more relaxed approach, one thing remains universally true: we all deserve a delicious treat. And what better way to indulge than with a batch of homemade cookies?

That’s where these exquisite SunButter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies come in. They are not just any cookies; they are the epitome of simple, comforting, and utterly delightful baking. Made with creamy Organic SunButter and your preferred no-sugar-added jam, these cookies embody the spirit of the holidays with their wholesome ingredients and nostalgic flavor profile. They are lovingly crafted to bring warmth and joy, transforming any ordinary moment into a special occasion.

These thumbprint cookies are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a healthier, allergen-friendly alternative to traditional holiday sweets. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and most importantly, peanut-free, making them safe for school events, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home without worry. The combination of rich SunButter and sweet-tart jam creates a harmonious balance that is truly addictive. Prepare to fall in love with these charming, melt-in-your-mouth delights!

Read more

The Ultimate 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Curated Favorites for Thoughtful Gifting

A carefully curated collection of my top discoveries and beloved essentials from 2021, designed to inspire meaningful and unforgettable gift ideas for everyone you cherish this holiday season. Happy holidays!

Friends, we’ve successfully navigated another year and arrived at the most wonderful time – the holidays! This season feels especially precious as I anticipate the immense joy of reconnecting with family and friends for in-person gift-giving and merry-making. While virtual exchanges brought their own kind of fun last year, nothing quite compares to witnessing the smiles and excitement as gifts are unwrapped right before your eyes. It’s a moment of shared connection and appreciation that truly encapsulates the spirit of the season.

This year, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering a fantastic array of products, experiences, and mindful practices that genuinely brought a smile to my face and added value to my daily life. From items that spark creativity and tranquility to those that fuel adventure and delicious indulgence, this collection represents my absolute favorite finds from 2021. I’m thrilled to share them with you, hoping they might light up your world and inspire meaningful presents for your loved ones. Whether you’re searching for unique stocking stuffers, thoughtful gestures for a close friend, or a special gift for a family member, I believe you’ll find something truly inspiring here. For even more fantastic ideas, don’t forget to explore my 2019 Holiday Gift Guide and 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Wishing you and yours a very safe, happy, and healthy holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories!

Read more

Nutrient-Rich Romesco Roasted Cauliflower Toasts: Your Go-To Vegan Delight

Elevate your toast experience with this vibrant, nut butter-based romesco sauce and perfectly roasted cauliflower. These exquisite toasts are ideal as a light lunch, a satisfying snack, or a sophisticated appetizer, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Happy Toast Tuesday, culinary adventurers! There’s something undeniably comforting and creatively satisfying about transforming a simple slice of bread into a masterpiece. For many, “Toast Tuesday” isn’t just a day of the week; it’s a sacred ritual, a delightful opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. The moment the bread glows golden in the toaster, then *POP!*—a blank canvas awaits your inspired toppings.

And today, dear friends, your quest for extraordinary toast toppings ends here. I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite culinary creations: Romesco Roasted Cauliflower Toasts. This recipe perfectly marries the earthy sweetness of tender, oven-roasted cauliflower with the bright, nutty, and incredibly creamy flavors of a homemade romesco sauce. It’s a pairing that transcends seasons, delivering a harmonious blend of vegetables, nuts, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your diet, these toasts are a must-try. You bring the bread, and I’ll provide the foolproof recipe for a truly unforgettable toast experience.

Read more

Delicious & Nutritious Blueberry Protein Overnight Oats: Your Ultimate Healthy Grab-and-Go Breakfast

Fuel your day with these vibrant Blueberry Protein Overnight Oats, crafted with the finest Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats. They’re the perfect solution for quick, healthy summer meal prep and busy mornings!

Last weekend, my partner M and I embarked on a beachfront camping adventure with two dear friends and their baby along the serene Nanticoke River in Maryland. While we’ve shared many memorable camping experiences, this particular trip proved to be one of the most challenging yet, offering a stark reminder of why easy, nourishing meal solutions like these Blueberry Protein Overnight Oats are absolute lifesavers.

Camping, by its very nature, demands a certain level of resilience and adaptability. It strips away the comforts and conveniences of modern life, transforming even the most mundane daily tasks into thoughtful challenges. For me, this inherent difficulty is a significant part of its allure. It forces you to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the present moment, problem-solving and appreciating the simple things.

Consider the seemingly simple act of doing dishes. Instead of a sparkling kitchen sink, you might face a five-minute trek to the nearest water station, burdened with dirty pots, pans, and soap. Or perhaps you crave your morning coffee? That means firing up a camp cooktop and patiently boiling water in a sturdy camping kettle. And a shower? That’s often a luxury, depending on how deep you venture into the backcountry.

Typically, these small inconveniences serve to highlight the little joys in life upon returning home. I was fully prepared to embrace the rugged simplicity of being on the water and soaking in the summer sun. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was the relentless extreme heat, the sudden, powerful thunderstorms, and our particularly exposed campsite, which offered absolutely no natural shade. It was a true test of our camping spirit!

We endured one incredibly sweaty, largely sleepless night, narrowly escaping some severe weather. I swear, sleep completely eluded me. I tossed and turned in my overly toasty sleeping bag, my eyes darting open every thirty minutes, yearning for the first hint of daylight – nature’s gentle signal that it was finally an appropriate time to emerge from my tent. The thought of another night like that, with even higher temperatures and more storms on the horizon, was daunting.

When the forecast threatened more storms for the following evening, promising even higher temperatures, we made a pragmatic decision. We did what any nature-loving, experienced campers, prioritizing safety and sanity, would do: we packed up and bailed. And honestly, if it wasn’t for the ingenious tarp our friends brought to create some much-needed man-made shade, and these incredibly refreshing Blueberry Protein Overnight Oats for breakfast, we might have called it quits even sooner.

These Blueberry Protein Overnight Oats were a true highlight, a beacon of delicious, chilled relief amidst the sweltering chaos. They are crafted with a vibrant, naturally sweet blended blueberry milk and wholesome oats, sweetened delicately with pure maple syrup. They provided the sustained energy we needed without any fuss, making them truly perfect for quick summer meal prep, no matter where your adventures – or misadventures – take you!

Read more