Some rather Christmassy cookies

Hello friends!

Deck the halls with bells of holly, FA-LA-LA-LA-LA…LA-LA-LA-LA. Tis the season to be jolly, FA-LA-LA-LA-LA…LA-LA-LA-LA…What? It”s not Christmas yet you say. You are much mistaken my friend, the silly season is well and truly upon us! (At least Starbucks says so!)

What a cracker (in the christmassy sense of the word) of a week I’ve had! Four hideous exams occurred but here I am, positively twinkling with cheer for the holidays! If I had it my way, Christmas decorations would go up in September and only come down in March. Well since that obviously isn’t happening, I’m bringing you a little smidgen of Christmas (you’re welcome.)

So this week I have Chai spiced, cranberry and cacao nib cookies (phew what a mouthful!…literally.) I have to make a wee shoutout to my gorgeous friend Rachel who suggested the Christmassy theme and inspired me to use cacao nibs.

And…since we are on the topic of cacao nibs…I’d like to introduce you to this week’s superstar! Yes, that’s right, it is cacao nibs. So, I can already hear some of you whingeing at me…What even is cacao? Why can’t you just use chocolate like a normal person? …Well listen here poppet, I have a deep, sincere respect for chocolate and am not one to deny the odd sneaky nibble. But cacao deserves some respect…after all we wouldn’t have any chocolate without it. (mmm hmmm that’s right…so stop ya whingeing.)

Cacao trees are native to America (snaps for them.) Cacao is rich in antioxidants, so they means they can slow down the aging process (unfortunately if you have grey hairs it’s far too late…sorry Dad.) Cacao nibs are made by roasting the beans and then separating them from their husks (husk…say it out aloud…go on) and breaking them up. Other health benefits may include: elevated mood, reduced PMS symptoms (win-win for everyone!), improved circulation (i.e warm hands…and a warm heart), and appetite control.

Onto the recipe… Credit to Fiterazzi Magazine

Chai, cranberry, cacao nib cookies                                                                -Makes 10 (double recipe if you are super keen)

• 3/4 cup cashews
• 2 Tbsp almond meal
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup (and I mean the real stuff, none of that grotty, flavoured rubbish. Or use honey!)
• 1 Tbsp almond butter
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tbsp cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup cranberries

You begin by heating your oven up to 180 degrees C, then put your cashews into a food processor. 

Whizz them up until they are a course mealy texture, like so:

Then you add in your almond meal, chia seeds and spices, pulse a few times.

Next mix up the wet ingredients.

Add that to your dry ones. Then add cranberries and pulse a few more times.

Give it a sneaky taste (when nobody’s looking) and add sweetener if necessary.

Next you can add in your crunchy, delicate beads of cacao.

Roll into balls (about 10 unless you were a bit too eager with the mixture.)

Bake for roughly 10 mins, until slightly golden. Once out the oven, leave on the pan to cool for maybe 5 mins.

Now if you aren’t excited for the holidays please take the following precautionary measures:

1. Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album (speaks for itself.)
2. Buy a christmas themed Starbucks latte (or frappe…I’m not picky)
3. Make…and eat these cookies!

And last I shamefully must admit that this was the second batch of these cookies I made. The first were unfortunately cremated and the ashes were scattered.

WARNING: Watch the cookies while in the oven, as if you were babysitting Prince George.

You might even like to package some up and gift them to lucky friends, neighbours or colleagues.

Spread the Christmas cheer! I’ll tell Santa to keep you on the “Nice” list!