healthy eating

Celebrate #NationalCookieDay with @NocciolataUSA @RigoniAsiagoUSA Dairy Free Hazelnut Spread Recipe

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​December 4th is National Cookie Day and with the holidays upon us and cookie swaps quickly approaching, I thought I’d share this recipe for Dairy Free Chocolate-Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies ! The star of these cookies is a brand-new dairy-free (and 100% vegan) organic chocolate hazelnut spread called Nocciolata Dairy Free.

Each batch of Nocciolata Dairy Free takes 36 hours of artisanal preparation, which combines top-quality hazelnuts, cocoa and cocoa butter, environmentally-responsible cold-pressed sunflower oil, natural vanilla extract, and raw cane sugar. It contains no palm oil (which is high in saturated fat and whose cultivation devastates the environment), hydrogenated fats, artificial colors, aromas or additives. This product is USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Dairy Free, Vegan and Kosher Certified, Gluten Free, and full of flavor ! 

I  whipped up a batch of these cookies using the following recipe:                

 Dairy Free Chocolate-Hazelnut  Sandwich Cookies

Makes about 10 large cookie sandwiches

Ingredients
1/2 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2/3 cup unsweetened coconut
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer natural but you can use Dutch process)
large pinch salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
3 large egg whites, at room temperature

Jar of Nocciolata Dairy Free

Instructions

1.       Preheat oven to 325°F.

2.       Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for two minutes. Add the almonds to the tray and bake for 3-4 minutes more until the nuts are fragrant and just barely golden. Transfer to a bowl to cool. When cool enough to handle, break the walnut halves unevenly into smaller pieces.

3.       Spread the coconut on the baking sheet and toast it for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden. Add it to the bowl of nuts.

4.       Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

5.       Add the walnut-almond-coconut mixture and the chocolate chips and stir to combine.

6.       Add the egg whites and stir just enough to moisten all the dry ingredients.

7.       Spoon about two tablespoons of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving several inches between cookies.

8.       Bake for 12-14 minutes, turning the baking sheet once.

9.       Once cooled, spread Nocciolata Dairy Free chocolate hazelnut spread between two cookies and assemble the sandwiches. 

These cookies were a tasty treat for me and my little one! I was happy to try the dairy free option but I am a huge fan of the Rigoni Di Asiago Nocciolata Organic  Hazelnut spread made with cocoa and milk ! (I like to add it to oatmeal drizzled on strawberries, rasberries or bananas..so good!) I also have been known to tie a ribbon around a gourmet jar of this rich creamy chocolate hazelnut spread. Whether its the Dairy Free spread or  this one, they both make a lovely hostess gift!  

#CharityTuesday spotlight on #NewmansOwnOrganics Healthy Snacks Review #allprofitstocharity 

5 Comments

Thanksgiving is in 2 days..a time where we celebrate all we are thankful for over a feast with family and friends. I tend to overeat during this time and then jump right back into my healthy eating habits. One of my healthy habits is to make wise and healthy choices when the snack attack hits! Newman’s Own Organics, a division of Newman’s Own, Inc., has healthy snacks that my family and I enjoy.

With their variety of quality choices, Newman’s Own Organics offers a cross-section of products that suits everyone in my family. Our favorite snack to share is cookies yet the Chocolate Newman O’s are soooo good they make it hard to share! These chocolate creme filled chocolate cookies are made with organic sugar and organic flour…just add milk and enjoy! 

Some information about Newman’s Own Organics products: All its products meet the requirements of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information on Newman’s Own Organics products visit http://www.newmansown.com/. If you look under the food section and the categories: snacks, candy & mints, chocolate, cookies, olive oil/vinegar, and pet food you can find out more about each of the products. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newmans.own  

It feels great knowing that I am eating food that is not only good for me but doing good for others. Newman’s Own products make an impact on someone’s life because each purchase of Newman’s Own go to charity. Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to donate all royalties and after tax profits from these products for charitable purposes. You read correctly… 100% Profits to Charity! Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $475 Million to thousands of charities since 1982. Learn more at www.newmansownfoundation.org

As we prepare for Thanksgiving travel, I plan to pack up some Newman’s Own Organic foods to snack on in the car. (My daughter loves the Newman’s Own Organic Raisins..and I do too as it is a guilt-free and mess-free snack). 

Savvy Tip : Looking for a hostess gift idea..place some of these Newman’s Own Organic Snacks in a basket and you got a perfect Holiday basket idea! Give the gift of healthy eating and snacks that give back. 

I wanna know..what’s your Favorite Charity, Favorite Healthy Snack, Hostess Gift idea …share below!