Vegan cookies with Chef Mark Anthony

We had a special guest for our evening lecture. Vegan Chef Mark Anthony came for a visit and provided an interesting presentation and demonstration of how to make some really delicious vegan offerings.

I’m not sure I can commit to being vegan… Eggs are a thing for me. Well, eggs and butter. Okay. Eggs and butter and cheese. But one thing at a time. Finding a good recipe is golden no matter the style of cooking. With today’s diverse eating preferences, I always like to have a few things in my arsenal that will please any guest at my table whether they are coming to an afternoon tea or a dinner party.

Something that I have always found challenging is baking. I make a few things pretty well but baking is science. I’m too imprecise and scattered to bake well (I’m always cooking like three things at once). As Chef Mark presented his super easy one bowl cookie, I sat straight up. Hmmmm…. this could be just the pleasing and easy at short notice (if my pantry is loaded) Florence-proof gluten free cookie that I’ve been looking for. As a matter of fact, I think the cookies will be making an appearance at a baby play date with Meredith next Wednesday morning (Meredith has the CUTEST babies).

Perhaps you can try them and see what you think?

Gluten Free Haystack Cookies

  • 1 14 oz bag coconut flakes

  • 2 cups chopped walnuts

  • 2 cups raises, chopped

  • 1 cup dates, chopped

  • 1 cup craisins, chopped

  • 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

  • 1 cup honey

  • 1 cup peanut butter (I’m going to substitute with almond butter)

  • 1 cup quick oats

  • 1 cup oat flour

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 tsp salt

Method

  • Mix all ingredients in a single large bowl well.

  • Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

  • Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes

Notes

The cookies should be left to rest for 20 minutes so they can firm up. No eating while they are fresh from the oven! They should be a bit crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside! Store in an air tight container.

I would love to share more vegan recipes if you’re interested. What would you find to be particularly appealing and tasty? I purchased one of Chef Mark’s books called Simply Incredible Meats, which features a ton of pages of vegan meat dupes! I’m excited to give them a try. Like I said, I’m not sure I can go completely vegan but I enjoy a mostly plant based diet. May as well cook up something delicious nutritious and not so loaded with all the refined stuff.

Leave a comment below if you would like me to share more of my favorite recipes from the wellness retreat.

FOODFlorence MerrymanFood, Vegan, Cookies, Haystack Cookies, Plant based2 Comments