adoption auction

Two of my high school friends are currently in the process of adopting a child from Uganda and are hosting an adoption auction to raise the necessary funds to make the trek to go and visit their newest family member.

I am donating a few plates of homemade cookies and macaroons to help their cause. Make sure to check out their facebook page and check out all of the cool items up for auction. Bidding starts on November 16th and runs through the 21st.

1 dozen Almond Joy Macaroons (vegan, organic, gluten free)- Retail Value $24
Perfect with a hot cup of coffee, these macaroons, with subtle almond flavors, melt in your mouth. Dipped in chocolate and toasted coconut, these macaroons add a touch of elegance to your afternoon coffee. These macaroons are a favorite at the Washington Farmers Market and are sold at Dodici Coffee Shop in Washington, IA. 

1 dozen cookies (vegan, organic) - Retail Value $18 
Final bidder can choose flavor of choice. Featured flavor combinations include toasted hazelnut chocolate chip, toasted walnut chocolate chip, toasted almond cranberry, trail mix...the varieties are endless. These cookies are a favorite at the Washington Farmers Market and are sold at Dodici Coffee Shop in Washington, IA. 

Cookie and macaroon variety pack - Retail Value $21
The best of both worlds! 6 cookies and 6 macaroons - a perfect dessert for any dinner party, family gathering, or just a nice stash to store in the freezer for when your sweet tooth attacks with a vengeance!

Get your holiday shopping done early while supporting the Suthers' Adoption auction! The auction will run Nov. 16-Nov. 21 & 100% of proceeds will be used for their adoption!

chocolate chip cookies {vegan}

I've been on a long quest to create a really delicious vegan chocolate chip cookie.

I thought I wanted to try to make a healthier cookie, but ultimately decided to go the other direction.

The result is everything I hoped for.

Thanks to my many taste testers whom I am sure grew tired of me knocking on their doors or stopping by their offices with cookies in tow.

Now that I have a recipe I am happy with, these surprise visits might grow less frequent.

Or not - because I am on to my next quest, wherever that may lead.



Chocolate Chip Cookies

You'll need::

• 1/2 cup unrefined organic coconut oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons warm water)
• 2 cups toasted walnuts* 
• 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 2 cups quinoa flakes
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

To make::

Preheat oven to 325*

Make your flax egg and set aside.

Add the oatmeal to a food processor and process until fine (you are essentially making oat flour). Add in the toasted walnuts, quinoa flakes, whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and salt. Pulse 10 times. Empty into a large bowl.

In the bowl of the food processor (no need to clean), add the coconut oil, syrup, brown sugar and vanilla. Process until combined. Add the flax egg and pulse until thoroughly combined.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Add chocolate chips and mix well.

Line a cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

Roll cookie dough into balls, slightly flatten and place on cookie sheet. I found that having slightly wet hands prevented the cookie dough from sticking too much.

Bake at 325* for 10-12 minutes, or until beginning to brown.

Invite your friends over, eat and enjoy.

*I've have used hazelnuts in place on walnuts with FANTASTICLY DELICIOUS results as well. I am itching to try peanuts and subbing out the chocolate chips for raisins.