the big bake

this last week we were busy doing a lot of baking. baking isn't usually my thing because it requires an exactitude that i don't possess but i was inspired to make some healthy treats for some reason. on the list two recipes from jessica seinfeld's "deceptively delicious." the bean was hesitant to eat both of these but he doesn't like to eat almost anything these days except annies bunny crackers and bacon. a nice balanced meal. i enjoyed them though and some other kids we had over also ate both things with no complaint. so, get cooking and enjoy! or rather, get baking ;)

i altered both of the recipe's slightly so i am going to post them up here the way i made them. but i am still citing her recipe's appropriately i hope.

first i made chocolate chip cupcakes with pumpkin. i had a pumpkin from the farm which i roasted at about 425 with a splash of water in the pan until it was soft. then i pulled the peel off and mashed it up.

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choc chip pumpkin cupcakes

adapted from deceptively delicious p. 164
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beat together 1 1/2 cups pumkin puree, 1/2 c brown sugar, 1/2c water, 1/3 c canola oil, 2 tsp vanilla extract.

add 2 1/4 cups whole what pastry flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 c choc chips and mix.

divide batter into 12 greased muffin cups and bake about 25 mins. at 350*

for frosting beat 8 oz. cream cheese, 1/3 c agave, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp salt. when the cupcakes are cool frost them then eat and enjoy!

you can store these at room temp for 2 days or freeze them for up to a month. with the help of friends and extended family we ate them in two days ;)



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choc chip cookies with chickpeas

adapted from deceptively delicious p. 177
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beat 1c brown sugar, 3/4 c margarine, until smooth. add 2 egg whites, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 15 oz can of washed chickpeas, and 2 c choc chips. then add 2 c whole wheat pastry flour, 1/2 c oats, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt and beat until a thick dough forms.

drop dough onto a greased pan and press the cookies down slightly with a fork. bake 11 - 13 mins at 350*. these can story for three days at room temp.