I’ve been spending some time educating myself on the effects of diet on ADD and ADHD in children, as well as adults. I’ve been attending seminars on “Healthy Treats Alternatives” and “Healthy Stuff Kids Will Eat.” I can’t read enough articles on this subject.  It’s been enlightening to say the least. I do believe that our diet is very important, and have been a long time proponent of the Mediterranean diet, as this is how my grandparents ate and they both lived to be 103 years old. However, our food has changed (been modified, sprayed with pesticides, etc.) since they were alive, and I do feel we are starting to see the effects of this on our digestive systems.

Without getting preachy, who among us would not benefit from less sugar in their diet? It seems that we all know at least one person with Celiacs disease or gluten sensitivity. And many are finding dairy to be a problem with regards to sinuses and phlegm.    Well I have the perfect cookie to address all these needs. This recipe was in a handout at one of these seminars. I have made these cookies several times, and no one is the wiser. I made them for a children’s birthday party, and the kids wanted these cookies over the bakery made birthday cake. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them shoveling these cookies into their mouths, instead of the sugary cake. These are not nut-free, so do be careful of that.

I highly recommend these cookies, even if you just want a healthier version of a chocolate chip cookie for yourself. But you’d better give half of the batch away because you won’t be able to stop eating them.

RECIPE:  2 dozen

2 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup grape seed oil

1 TBSP vanilla extract

1/2 cup coconut nectar

1 cup chocolate chips ( preferred are Lilly’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips-vegan, non- GMO, stevia sweetened), and I sometimes add some  high-end,  dark chocolate chips as well, but only to total 1 cup.

1.  Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Stir together wet ingredients in a smaller bowl.  Mix wet ingredients into dry.  Add chocolate chips.

3.  Form 1/2 to 1 inch balls and press  onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

4.  Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes.

5.  Cool and serve.