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Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars
Fay Kazzi, PhD, MS, RD
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Instagram: @theearthycanvas | theearthycanvas.com
The Key to Happiness:
The truth that I know for sure is, the happiest I’ve ever been in my life wasn’t when I was on the receiving end, but when I was on the giving end. It seems strange when you think about it since we’re conditioned to believe the more we get the happier we will be. But it’s actually the opposite! I am convinced that we are wired to experience the purest form of happiness by giving a little part of ourselves to those around us, whether it’s our time, creativity, means, thoughts or even just a piece of advice. Happiness is the one thing everyone is looking for, and it’s interesting that it’s the one thing we all have the ability to experience simply because we all have the ability to give.
Wellness, Wholeness and Mindfulness:
Wellness means a state of wholeness. After completing my PhD and having spent years in a high-intensity lifestyle working and studying almost all the time, I now recognize how desperately I need to cultivate my wholeness by practicing mindfulness. Breathing exercises, yoga and exploring my creativity through food photography and recipe creation has brought a tremendous balance to my life. I also believe that wellness has a lot to do with gratitude. When we’re grateful, we naturally fall out of a state of stress, and stress is a major contributor to today’s mental and physical diseases.
Power Vinyasa Was a Game Changer:
I never thought I would appreciate or care about this type of exercise, but ever since I finally got myself to try it, I became hooked. It is such a physically intense yet stress relieving practice. But I believe it’s played a big part in aiding me on my journey to wholeness. It has put me in touch with my body in ways I didn’t think possible.
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
Makes 20 2"x 2" bars | Use a 10'' x 6 1/2'' tray, or slightly larger
INGREDIENTS
Cookie Dough Layer
1½ cups almond flour
1 cup coconut flour
1 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped
¼ cup tapioca
¾ cup all-natural peanut butter (smooth)
6 tbsp coconut oil
4 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp lucuma powder
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
Peanut Butter Layer
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup peanut butter chips
1 tbsp coconut oil
METHOD
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Melt the coconut oil in a small bowl in the microwave for about 25 seconds, add maple syrup and vanilla. Roughly chop the chocolate chips. Add the coconut oil mixture to your large bowl, incorporate ingredients using your hands. Add the chocolate chips last and mix until well incorporated. Line a tray with parchment paper, press mixture tightly into the tray until well leveled. Microwave peanut butter layer ingredients for about 30 seconds. Mix until smooth. Pour over cookie dough layer, spread evenly. Place tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours until firm. Slice into desired bar size. Store in freezer. Enjoy!