by Miriam Hahn
Halloween is one of those holidays that goes against my deep-rooted health principles. I love the costumes, the decorations, all of the festivities and seeing the excitement in most kids’ eyes… it’s just the candy with which I have a problem. Giving kids huge amounts of unhealthy, sugar-filled sweets feels wrong on so many levels and the rebel in me won’t go for it!
Instead, I like to think of sweet options that just might do the “trick”. And of all years, this might be a good one to try something different. People may opt for small family get togethers instead of the traditional neighborhood door-to-door trick or treating and offering naturally sweetened cookies, wrapped in small cellophane bags could be a new favorite and a healthier alternative.
Here is a healthy treat recipe that can also double as an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
- 2 super ripe medium bananas
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp shredded coconut flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp cacao chips or nibs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F
- Mash the bananas well in a large bowl. Then add the almond butter and vanilla extract, stirring until well blended. Then add the remaining ingredients.
- Divide into 12 balls and then press down to make a cookie shape. Place on a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Wrap one or two cookies in a small cello and tie with ribbon for Halloween visitors!
More plant-based fall recipes can be found here.
Miriam Hahn is the owner of YouCare-SelfCare a private wellness practice, specializing in plant-based lifestyle and disease prevention. She is a certified wellness coach and a graduate of the Cornell University Plant-Based Nutrition Program.
Her services include online wellness and cooking courses, virtual boot camp programs and plant-based cooking classes/ group wellness classes held in Phoenix.
Follow along on Instagram & Facebook for hundreds of plant-based recipes!