Cookie Dough Smoothie

Recently our kids had a "Taste of GRACE" day at school during lunch.  This is an opportunity for parents and grandparents to bring in some of their favorite recipes for kids to sample or they purchase food that might be unusual and encourage kids to give it a try!  Think sushi, alligator, seaweed, edamame, etc.  A new mom to GRACE asked if she could use my Vitamix and make smoothies.  She made a Green Smoothie as well as a Cookie Dough Smoothie!  It was a hit with the kids and I wanted to post it so I can make it soon for my kids!  Dawn volunteered too and ended up helping make smoothies AND hold Evelyn!  I only got this one picture, but it captures the day perfectly!

Cookie Dough Smoothie
1/4 cup raw pecans
1/4 cup Medjool dates, pitted (about 3-4 large fruits)
1 cup chopped very ripe pear
2 tablespoons lucuma powder
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 1/2 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
2 cups coconut ice (coconut water frozen in ice cub trays)

Blend all ingredients in your Vitamix or other mixer.  Enjoy!

-leanne

Cookie Dough Bites

I made these a few weeks ago and texted Dawn that she had to try this recipe soon!  So, she made them that day because that's how we roll with cookie dough :)!  I've made them several times since and brought them today along with the Macadamia Nut Cookies to a PTF luncheon.  My friends told me they loved them and wanted the recipe - I am trusting they were honest :)!
Chew slowly because every bite is so good!

Cookie Dough Bites

1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
pinch of sea salt
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips)