Clean Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Macaroons

These are surprisingly decedent– rich and almost fudge-like chocolate to bind together the coconut. These come from one of my favorite vegan blogs.

Makes Approximately 12 Macaroons

INGREDIENTS
1 banana, finely mashed
1/4 c coconut oil, melted
1/4 c agave nectar
1/2 t pure vanilla extract
6 T cocoa powder
2 c unsweetened shredded coconut
1 T chia seeds (optional)
medium grain sea salt, to taste

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the banana until all of the clumps are gone. Stir in the melted coconut oil, agave and vanilla.

2. Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until combined. Now stir in the coconut, optional chia seeds, and sea salt to taste.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a cookie dipper, scoop rounds onto the sheet. Place sheet in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until macaroons are firm. Store in the freezer until ready to enjoy. These will soften at room temperature due to the high melting point (76 degrees F) of coconut oil so keep them cold.

Simple Peanut Butter Granola Bars

This recipe can easily be made "clean" because everything about this recipe was easy.

MAKES 6 BARS

INGREDIENTS

4 T crunchy peanut butter

4 T brown rice syrup (or honey)

1 1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c dried cranberries or cherries or rasins

1 T whole-wheat flour

Nuts or seeds are optional

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a sauce pan over low heat, melt the peanut butter and brown rice syrup.

2. Add all the other ingredients to the smooth, melted mixture and combine until they're well blended. 

3. Grease a 9x9 pan and press the granola mixture flat with a spoon. Bake for 15 minutes. 

4. Let cool before cutting. Store for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

(Almost Clean) Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Lately I've been interested in a clean diet. The most basic rule is to cut out anything white- refined sugar and flour, for example. This can be difficult to do when you love baked goods as much as I do.

I wanted to make clean cookies, but couldn't resist adding chocolate chips, hence the "(Almost Clean)" in the title.

MAKES ABOUT 30 COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
3 c uncooked rolled oats
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3/4 c maple syrup
1/2 c canola oil
1/2 t vanilla extract
2 T ground flaxseed
1 c applesauce or 1 medium banana
3/4 c cranberries (optional)
3/4 c dark chocolate chips (this was my cheater ingredient)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (make sure banana is mixed in well and that there are no chunks). Place rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.