Double-Chocolate Hemp Cookies

One of my favorite recipes for Double Chocolate Chip Cookies is by Kathleen King of Tate's Bake Shop.  Originally I found the recipe by watching an episode of Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten several years ago.  This has been my go-to cookie recipe ever since, I even purchased the Tate's Bake Shop cookbook and I love baking different recipes from the book.

Here is the LINK for the recipe.  Usually I follow it word-for-word and having a stand-mixer makes it so easy to mix.  The other day I decided to modify the recipe to include some healthier ingredients and see if I could incorporate hemp seed.  Substituting the butter for unsweetened applesauce reduces the richness of the butter and keeps the cookies moist.  The hemp seed gave the cookies a chewy texture, but I did not add very much the first time I tried this substitution.

On the left are the ingredients from the original recipe and on the right are my substitutions - I suggest printing  the recipe and writing in the substitutions or making a notation on the side.

Substitutions:
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) salted butter  - -  1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce (I used homemade)
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour - -  2 cups all purpose flour AND 1/3 cup hulled hemp seed

Extra cookies being wrapped before freezing

I also baked hemp brownies if you missed my previous blog recipe. Plus if you are unfamiliar with hemp seed there are plenty of great resources.  Here's a great article with other links on the health benefits of hemp seed.

Tip of the Month:Survive the Summer Cold or Allergies

The end of the summer seems to be marked by everyone around me contracting a summer cold virus or sneezing away because of allergies.  I try to avoid using over-the-counter medications for colds or allergies, and personally find that these do not help me.  Here are some of my tips for staying healthy, getting through your allergies and a cold.

1. Wash your hands!  Simple tip, but surprisingly something that is under-utilized.

2.  Don't touch your mouth, eyes or nose with your hands.  (unless you just washed your hands).  You can easily pick up a virus or spread germs by touching these parts of your face.

3.  Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.  Common knowledge, though the last time I was sick was because of someone walking down a hall and sneezed without covering their mouth.

4.  Wash your nose with a Neti-pot.  Until recently I didn't know about the Neti-pot.  After my physician recommending it, I use it frequently throughout the year, more often if I have a cold or have been around those you have.  I also find that if I am starting to get sinus pressure which causes a headache that washing my nose with the Neti-pot relieves the pressure. Caution:  Be sure to read the directions, and use distilled water.  Speak to a physician or pharmacist if you have questions.

5. Try a cup of Nettle tea if you suffer from allergies.  After reading some research and trying Nettle tea, I find that it does help with my allergies.  If you are already feeling the effects of your allergies it may take a few days of having a cup of tea to see any benefit.  You can use packaged Nettle tea bags, but I prefer loose  Nettle leaves.

6.  Sooth your throat with some honey.  Try a small teaspoon or add it to your tea.  I recently tried this since my throat was feeling a bit scratchy and it helps!

7.  Have a cup of organic chicken broth or organic chicken noodle soup.  Researchers may not understand why this works if you are suffering from a cold, but it seems to help.

8.  Take a multi-vitamin with Vitamin C to boost your immunity.  Or try a Wellness Vitamin/Herb formula.  Caution:  Follow directions on the package and take the recommended dose.

Finally, if you are feeling sick, be sure to get enough rest.  The more you let your body rest, the faster the recovery. Stay Healthy!

Monday's Tip of the Week: Health 101 duing the Cold/Flu Season

It always amazing me that people still Do Not cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze.  In the last few years the only times have gotten sick (which is a handful in total) is because someone didn't cover their mouth.  With all that we know about how viruses, bacteria and germs are spread, we (as a society) cannot remember to do the basics.

Wash your hands
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

So please remember to cover your mouth and let's make sure we pass this message on to kids and adults alike.  Minimize your risk of catching a cold or the flu this holiday season.

And as a side note, I find, after having my Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor recommend it, that the NetiPot (or ceramic versions) do really help.  Basically you use warm water and a packet of salt (this is not your normal table or sea salt) you pour it into each side of your nose while leaning over a sink.  It might feel weird, but it is worth the awkwardness when you can clear your sinuses and shorten the time to recover.  It's great for allergies as well.  It washes the mucus and clears your sinus passages. 

Stay healthy this year!

Monday's Tip of the Week: Cellphones

Clean your cell phone regularly!  I have been watching the news and have read new studies that are reporting that most cell phones are contaminated with E. Coli.

Time to clean your cell phone for your health and the health of your family.