Raw Vegan Oatmeal Hemp Macadamia Cookies

Happy Wednesday Sweeties!

Today I am offering a hump day treat that is as delicious as it is healthful.  ATM and I were craving a little something sweet after dinner last night so with a dash of this and a pinch of that, I whipped up these adorable and yummy-licious raw cookies!  I love learning about raw foodism, and while I find eating 100% raw doesn't work for my body, I try to consume as much food in it's natural raw state as I can.  Raw food is so nutrient dense and full of enzymes that are destroyed through the cooking process so your body a favor and try to incorporate more raw goodness into your daily diet!  I throw two big handfuls of raw organic baby spinach into my morning smoothie and it gives me and instant POW of energy and positivity - no kidding! 

And since we're on the topic of changes to the diet that do a body good, I have been steering clear of gluten for a few months and I must say, I feel FANTASTIC!!!  I have way more energy, my skin has cleared up (V.V. is prone to hormonal acne, blahhhh), I am rarely bloated and my weight is super easy to maintain (which is good news for a lazy bones like me!).  Every now and then, when ATM and I go out for dinner with her family to Santa Lucia's on North Main St, I do indulge in their spaghetti with marinara sauce. . . but otherwise I am G-FREE babes, and feeling amazing :)  Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains like spelt, barley and rye.  Some people are very, very allergic to these proteins and can become terribly ill when they consume them.  Obvs, if this sounds like something you are experiencing, give your doc a call, okay honey?  

Okay, enough diet pep talk.  But before I get to the recipe, I just want to emphasize that diet is all about eating in the way that makes you feel your best!  It is a very subjective and personal thing, what works for Suzie might not work for Sherman, so listen to your body and do what is best for you!  For me, choosing a plant based diet is not only good for my body, but good for my animal friends, the Earth, and human kind, and that's something I feel wonderful about every day <3 

Now on to the eats!

Raw Vegan Oatmeal Hemp Macadamia Cookies

Ingredients:

- 2 cups oats (make sure they are uncontaminated if you have a serious gluten allergy)

- 1/2 cup hemp hearts

- 1 tsp cinnamon

- 1/4 cup raw agave syrup (or maple syrup)

- 1/2 cup raw macadamia nut butter (you could use any nut or seed butter!)   

- pinch sea salt

Put all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the mixture comes together.  It should stick together easily but still be slightly dry.  If you find the mixture is too crumbly, add a little more nut butter.  If you find it is too sticky, add a spoonful of oats at a time until you get the right consistency.  Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into little balls then place them on a lined cookie sheet and flatten them slightly into a cookie shape.

Chill the cookies in the fridge for an hour and then NOSH!  

The addition of some cacao nibs and chopped, dried cherries would be so good!

XOXO

V.V.