No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok, ok. I grew up on chocolate chip cookies. I know these aren't chocolate chip cookies, but they certainly make a fine substitute if you are trying to make better choices about your food! I saw this recipe in the September/October 2009 issue of Clean Eating magazine and thought they looked like minimal effort for a potentially sweet outcome (pun intended). There is no baking involved, making them a perfect treat for summer. In fact, I've even kept mine in the freezer. It helps them stay together and provides a cool snack.

They are naturally sweetened by raisins and dates, with just a minimal amount of agave nectar or honey to hold the cookies together (on this first attempt, I think I was a little shy on the agave so mine didn't hold well unless I froze them). The cinnamon is a delight, waving hello to you from the background. I haven't had a chance to check out my local health food store for cacao nibs (has anyone ever seen those?), so I just used mini chocolate morsels (definitely not clean, but it was all I had). You could probably also just use some squares of really dark chocolate, chopped fine. I think these would be good in a ball shape, formed with a cookie scoop for easy release onto a tray, then frozen.

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies
Source: Clean Eating Magazine, Sept/Oct 2009

~1 1/4 cup raisins
~1/2 cup pitted Deglet Noor dates
~2 cups whole oats
~4 tbsp agave nectar or honey
~2 tsp cinnamon
~pinch of salt, to taste
~1/2 cup cacao nibs

1. Place raisins and dates in your food processor and chop into small pieces. Add oats, agave or honey, cinnamon and salt. Process to mix well. Empty into a mixing bowl and add cacao nibs. Mix well.

2. Use a tablespoon measure to portion cookies. Enjoy immediately, or chill before serving for firmer texture.

Nutritional Information per 2 cookies:
Calories: 140
Total fat: 3 g
Sat. fat: 1.5 g
Carbs: 26 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 15 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg