Gingerbread Cookies

Although I am a nutrition, health and wellness expert, I do know that people do seem to have a sweet tooth around the holidays. It you are going to indulge a little, please be mindful of your food choices and portion sizes. Maintain a balance diet, exercise and be kind to yourself over the holidays. This is the time of year when most people are under a lot of stress for one reason or another so take care of yourself. Exercise and eating right are important parts of maintaining an important balance in your life. Just be mindful when making food choices this time of year.

With that being said I am enclosing a recipe for gingerbread cookies, which are around 100 calories a piece so BE MINDFUL and don’t overinduldge.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegan sugar
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 2-1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Lightly spray two or three baking sheets with Pam Non-Fat Cooking spray, then dust with flour.
3. Mix the vegan sugar, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
4.  Add the molasses and almond milk and mix well.
5. Add 1 cup of flour and mix well.
6. Mix in enough of the remaining flour to make a very stiff dough. If mixing by hand, knead the dough to thoroughly mix the flour.
7. On a floured surface, roll a portion of the dough with a flour-dusted rolling pin to 1/16-inch thickness.
8. Cut the dough into shapes with a flour-dusted cookie cutters or a flour-dusted knife.
9. Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to the baking sheets.
10. Bake until the edges are dry and the centers give just slightly when pressed. Check with a toothpick.

Remember – BE MINDFUL. Enjoy the holiday season by sharing the gingerbread cookies and your time with family and friends.