It’s the week before Christmas and excitement is all around. And so are those “To Do” lists stuck everywhere. The planning, the shopping, the wrapping … luckily love conquerors all at the end of the day.
I really love festive cookery and the majority of what I make is actually traditionally Christmas (my family would not forgive me if I dare try to offer anything other than the FULL works). However, that being said, I do try to sneak in the odd recipe or two that is done “my way”. For example, the Christmas cookies I am sharing today are super simple yet full of healthy fats and packed with plant protein and natural sugars while boasting traditional Christmas tastes and aroma that fill the home while baking.
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If you are not feeling inspired to bring Christmas into your kitchen this year then you can fulfil the spirit of the holiday at the Christmas Fair (which runs in the port until January 2, 2017) where there are plenty of festive sweet and savoury treats to be found (none too healthy, though!), fair ground rides, a beautiful carousel and plenty of cute gift chalets where you can pick up some unique Christmas gifts. There are also two open-air ice-skating rinks, including a small infant rink until March 3, where you can work off all those holidays treats.
Christmas Cookies
130 g Almond meal
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla powder or essence
Pinch of Himalayan salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp orange rind
1/2 cup of raisins
2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp maple syrup
Naomi’s TIP: To melt the coconut oil, place your jar in a bowl of boiling water. Coconut oil will melt at room temperate and is stable as a liquid or solid no matter how many times it changes! Try adding in 1/4 cup of flaked almonds for a nuttier addition to your cookies
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl (excluding the orange rind and raisins). Combine well, then stir through the orange rind and raisins followed by the coconut oil and maple syrup
- When the mixture is well combined and dough has formed, take small golf ball-size pieces and roll into balls placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to gently flatten.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden.
- Leave to cool before eating … if you can resist!
Stop by www.naomis.kitchen for more healthy recipes and inspirations.
Article first published December 20, 2016.