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Surprise Sunflower Seed Butter Chocolate Cookies

May 15, 2014 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

Oh Wow. These are just incredibly amazing – that is all I can say. All you need is one or two. Did I mention they are VEGAN? I know, right. Although I myself am not vegan, this is the recipe you make for someone to prove how “vegan” can be out-of-this-world scrumptious. The fact that you can eat these babies raw too – is even more the reason to make them RIGHT NOW.

Emma Cookies

Emma Cookies

This recipe is adapted from Isa & Terry – “Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows.” I have been wanting to try this recipe forever and I finally have done it. Best decision ever. I changed it a bit and they could not be any easier or delicious. Do not be intimated by all the instructions. You can do this. Trust me and so worth it too.

Emma Cookies

This is a recipe with personality, that is bold, definitely sweet, confident, rich in life, very comforting, loving, and is just beautiful all around. Maybe it will inspire too. Allow me to explain where I am going with all of this. This recipe is dedicated to my dog “Emma Lou.”

Our so sweet Emma Lou Nelson.  My lil girl. Emma always living life to the fullest. "Lick-Lick"

I have a story to share. This recipe is for those special occasions or moments. When you want to celebrate someone or something. Holiday’s, Birthday’s, Celebration’s and/or a Dedication. Personally I have gone through one of the hardest moments of my life.

We lost our sweet English Bulldog – Emma Lou. It was hard and still is very much so –  along with a big mix of emotions daily, but in the end – it is all a positive on SO many levels. This is a celebration of her and life.

You will always find me in my kitchen baking (my place in the world) when I need time for me, to create, live my passion, to relax, or in this case to just start to heal. (I know I can’t be alone on this).  I was inspired by this recipe because it reminds me of my Lil’ Emma. It is packed with personality! It is a “go big or go home” kind of cookie and that is just like her. She inspired me, taught me, and showed me so much. So hopefully this recipe does the same to you as I really feel she would have loved this special cookie.

The main reason I made these as well is because our family, friends, and neighbors have been extremely kind to us during the hard time. So you know me…I had to bake everyone something to show and send my love. We received card after card and all our amazing neighbors pitched in to get us a stone with Emma’s name on it. So it was only natural that I made a wonderful treat for loved ones. Enter this recipe.

Emma Cookies

So I just thought I would share the story why I baked these and my inspiration behind them. This is a celebration of Emma and how she lived life to the fullest! That is what food should be too (in this case – a yummy recipe) – a celebration of life. So let’s get on with this recipe shall we.

Emma Cookies

The original recipe uses peanut butter and a few other ingredients but I absolutely love how I made it and am 100% addicted. You will be too. Emma and I you see, both shared many moments indulging in sunflower seed butter. She loved it as much as me. I still think of her every single day and moment I open the jar.

Emma Cookies

Emma Cookies

Easy to make and hard to resist. You have been warned.

Emma Cookies

 

NOTES:

  • Can use peanut butter (or almond butter) instead of sunflower seed butter but no matter what nut butter – try to not have it super warm. I find if the nut butter is slightly chilled, you will get a good cookie dough base.
  • Can use any other oil (like canola) instead of coconut oil but I prefer coconut oil- melted.
  • Now when forming the cookies- take the sunflower seed dough and break it in half. Then break in half again. This way you will know how much dough you have to roll the 23-25 balls with. Make sense?
  • GREAT for those with a peanut allergy.
  • You can find Sunflower Seed Butter at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.
  • You can pre-roll the cookies ahead of time and then toss them in the oven right before when you are ready to bake!
  • Bake for 10 mins. I have gone a lil‘ over 10 mins because I thought they were not quite done and they can slightly burn. So 10 mins is perfect.

Emma Cookies

Kid-friendly, Event friendly, Celebration friendly, Work friendly, and in my case… “loved ones” friendly.

Like treats with magic middle stuffings you say? Then for sure try my Easy Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes. Also check out all my Cookie Recipes or my Similar Recipes to this! <—- my many chocolate & peanut butter combos.

This is for you Emma. Thank you for always inspiring us, teaching us, and above all – loving us.

 

 

Connect with Moni on Face Book, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @monimealfitness (-to get a look of my everyday eats!). Grab a recipe or two at www.monimeals.com before you head over for a quick workout at www.monicanelsonfitness.com.

EAT WELL. STAY FIT. FEEL GREAT.

Moni xx

 


Servings

About 2 Dozen

Filed Under: Baking, Christmas Treats, Cookies, Desserts, EASY Meals & Treats, Holidays, Meals, Most Popular, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: almond milk, Christmas Cookies, cocoa powder, confectioner's sugar, maple syrup, Peanut Butter, peanut butter and chocolate, sunflower seed butter

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Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, I love helping people look & feel great! That's why I've developed more than 350 recipes from diet-conscious to decadent - but all delicious - so you can experiment with healthy foods that taste great. Take a look around and try a recipe or two and head over for a quick workout at monicanelsonwellness.com

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

Popular Posts

Salad with kale, chickpeas, and butternut squash.
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