The holidays are not only busy but also tempting: everywhere we are plied with cookies, candy canes and other sweet treats that taste delicious but aren’t the best for our health.
Many women with mental health issues avoid sugars and processed foods, which have been found to aggravate symptoms of anxiety, depression and mood disorders. While the holidays can be a nutritionally challenging time, they don’t have to be. It is possible to enjoy delicious seasonal treats that actually support our physical and mental health.
These gingersnap cookies are nearly completely raw, so they preserve more of the nutrients and enzymes in the ingredients. They combine the heart-healthy benefits of nuts with naturally sticky-sweet dates to create a chewy treat reminiscent of our favorite holiday desserts. And best of all, they are super simple to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pecans
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoons oat flour
Directions:
- Put pecans in food processor and pulse several times until broken down.
- Add all remaining ingredients and process until well mixed and dough sticks together when squeezed.
- Shape cookies into 1-inch balls then flatten.
- Refrigerate at least one hour or until ready to serve.
