It’s a funny thing when you run a blog, people think they know you. On some level of course they do, but in many ways they don’t.
I have disappointed many a person when they write to ask me what we are having for dinner and turkey meatloaf is what I write back. I think they have some fantasy about how I am making lavish dinners every night drenched in cream. In fact, I’m sure some people might even go as far to think I take baths in cream (which for the record I stopped years ago, I only bath in hot chocolate now 😛 ). People think I eat dessert every night. Which if you count a little chocolate or a piece of licorice dessert, than yes, technically I do eat dessert every night.
So it might come as a bit of a shock to those people who think I sit around eating fattening food all the time that I eat raw vegan until 5pm every day. Yep, you read that right. I eat raw vegan every day until 5pm. I have a condition that I care not to go into and my naturopathic doctor suggested going raw vegan for part of the day. Now come 5pm I can eat whatever I want, but I usually stick to a vegetarian diet…with limited dairy. I have a slight dairy allergy that since I never had a reaction to I assumed was never really a problem. Well, when I started eliminating it from my diet, I felt better. Much better. And so I only eat dairy on special occasions (aka dessert). I still eat bacon. I could not give up the pig. And I am not one of those obnoxious people who tell other people what they should be eating (like the idiots who are always commenting to poor Veggie Girl).
At first it was pretty darn hard, especially since I don’t do soy products either as it interacts with my thyroid. But as time went on I discovered more and more things to make and products that could help me in my new adventure. I, like Veggie Girl, am a big fan of all things coconut based. Switching to coconut based ice cream (like Coconut Bliss) has been a lifesaver.
Now I still eat the white devil, sugar. But I tend to also only save that for my baked goods. Most of the time I use agave syrup. Have you picked your mouth up from the floor yet?
Branching out into this world means you have to start looking for places that cater to you style of eating obviously. Luckily, vegan/vegetarianism is becoming more mainstream. As is gluten free. Now luckily I don’t have a gluten issue, but a lot of people do and it is nice that there are alternatives for them.
So when I was asked to look at a vegan, gluten free, wheat free baking book from Seattle’s own Flying Apron Bakery I was all over it. I will admit that I don’t usually bake vegan as I save my non vegan stuff just for after 5pm. And I don’t really bake gluten free all that much either. But I love getting to highlight this book for those who do fall into the full time vegan or gluten free category. Or if you just want to give it a try.
Now the one downfall is of course that they use a lot of different types of flour. Buckwheat, corn, brown rice, garbanzo beans, etc…So the start up cost might be a little much. But once you have them in your pantry you will use them more and more. I personally use corn and rice flour a lot. As well as garbanzo bean flour of coating veggies for baking.
The most awesome thing about this cookbook is that basically what they make in the bakery is now available in this book. So if you are like me and live almost an hour north of Seattle and can’t get down there this is a great alternative!!!
I chose to make something with some slightly more mainstream ingredients. I know to a lot of people hazelnut flour isn’t that mainstream, but it is to me as I always have it in my freezer. The original recipe called for fresh cherries, just one per cookie on top. But I have dried and this isn’t exactly cherry season right now. I also used some local honey from Kent, WA….so these cookies really represent the Pacific Northwest. I also skipped the 1 tsp dried lavender or dried rosemary, just wasn’t feeling that at all. I under-baked mine to make them more chewy. Mine had the texture of a coconut macaroon.
It’s been an interesting switch in my life. All for the good ,for the most part. The hard part is people. People not understanding and thinking you are a freak. The people who get offended if they make something I an choose not to eat it, this is mostly during the daytime. The thing is that, when I deviate, I feel it. I feel like crap. And I would rather feel good than eat a cookie.
But if I piss a few people off a long the way, so be it. It’s what is working for me. And they don’t live my life. Just like I don’t live theirs. 😛
P.S. No worries…this is not becoming a Vegan blog. 😉 Just letting my peeps who are, and who are gluten free, know there is a new book out there for them to enjoy.
Hazelnut Honey Cookies
2 cups hazelnut flour
1 cup honey
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup dried cherries
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine the hazelnut flour, honey, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. I used a stand mixer as this dough is sticky and doesn’t like to come together at first. Mix until smooth and then fold in dried cherries.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop cookie dough into ping-pong sized mounds. Press slightly with your hand to flatten a little.
Bake until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Personally, I like these a little chewy, more like a macaroon (not French, the coconut kind) so I only went for 16 minutes.
Adapted from Flying Apron’s Gluten-free & Vegan Baking Book by Jennifer Katzinger
Claire says
I bought brown rice flour when I made your (i’m pretty sure it was you anyway) snickerdoodle blondies. I’ve used it in a couple other things and I really like it…soft, light texture.
Shoshana says
Thanks for posting this recipe! I love that it is gluten free without all kinds of other flours. I can’t wait to try it. I know how hard it is to make things both dairy and soy free, but if you need a sweet treat in the middle of the day sometime feel free to stop by my blog for some ideas.
Zazzy says
I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you and helps you feel better. I’d like to try things like hazelnut or almond flour but here in the boondocks it’s just not happening. The cookie looks fabulous!
ML says
I discovered fairly recently that, on top of being lactose intolerant, I also have celiac disease, which puts quite a damper on food blogs and baking (until you get used to being gluten-free) and just college in general (pizza and cupcakes at 5 a.m., anyone?). I always read your blog and love salivating over your creations, but I really appreciate this post to those of us who have a bit of a harder time with food. Thanks a lot! Even if you don’t turn this blog gluten-free or vegan, it’s always great to see some recipes that don’t require tons of work to make them gluten-free. I think I speak for all of us when I say “A BIG Thank you!” Keep up the great work!
Megan says
Hi Peabody! As one of your vegan readers, I say EFF the people who are giving you shit. As you said, you know what works for you and what makes you feel good! Pleasing everybody is farrr below that on the list of priorities. I know you’re more than capable of doing this on your own but if you ever want vegan recipe/cookbook/blog recommendations, drop me a line. 🙂
K says
Wow, what a simple recipe with such tasty looking, and sounding, results! Thanks for reviewing the cookbook (I hadn’t heard of it until now and it definitely piques my interest) and letting us know a little bit more about you.
-K
Cakelaw says
These cookies look delicious. I think it’s great that vegan is becoming more mainstream, because it seems to be a healthier way of eating for all of us, so being able to borrow just some vegan recipes would be beneficial for me.
VeggieGirl says
Aww Peabody, you rock – thanks for the mention. I’m so honored to have become true friends, so I DO think I know you at least a little bit 😉
Great cookies! Never seen that cookbook before.
Bellini Valli says
Alternative lifestyles as you mentioned are becoming more and more mainstream.Who would have “thunk”.
Rosa says
Lovely cookies and great flavor combo! An interesting book!
Cheers,
Rosa
Adam says
That’s really interesting about your diet… but I agree with you 100% It’s much easier to cut things and justify not eating them when it comes to your health. Why feel like crap if your body interacts with something? I’m glad you’re working with someone to help you out. I usually cut dairy out for people (peanuts too) and it works wonders.
Vegan or not, you’re still kicking dessert tail 🙂
Susan @ SGCC says
It sounds like you’ve found a happy medium that works for you. I think it’s great that you’re showing people that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to our diets.
I’m thankful that you’ve highlighted this book. I know several that will really love it!
Mimi says
Those cookies look great! I’ve never used hazlenut flour. Does it give the cookies a nutty flavor?
Erin says
I’ve been eating gluten free for almost a year now, and it’s nice to see that it’s becoming more recognized. I’ve had lots of success using GF flours, so I can still make delicious cakes and brownies. I’ve never tried hazelnut flour, but now I really want to!
snooky doodle says
oh I love hazelnuts and these cookies look delicious!
Donna says
Hot chocolate baths,hmm. Interesting!
Katrina says
You’re right. I did not know you’re vegan for part of the day. I actually didn’t really realize that is an option, for health reasons. Smart and good to know.
You and the concept!
Barbara says
Fortunately I can tolerate everything! Guess I am one of the lucky ones….although it doesn’t stop me from eating vegan once in a while if I find a recipe I really want to try.
So carry on, Peabody- I like just about everything you post(Love the post title- we all have many faces.)
Laura says
Peabody, I think you’re awesome for sharing this bit of yourself with us! As far as eating goes, I say do whatever works for you and makes you happy. In addition to being lactose intolerant, I can’t stomach nuts, coffee, garlic, chilies (or any thing super spicy), fried foods… And I don’t eat red meat or pork. My biggest quirk is that I don’t like sweets but LOVE to bake. If people think I’m weird, so be it. 🙂
Elle says
Neat that you are able to feel better with the pre 5pm raw vegan foods. No one should be anything but happy for you in my book. Amazing what people get upset about…but these cookies would be great for any kind of eater. Love the dried cherries addition.
Cara says
Well, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Just kidding! I too have a lot of personally-imposed rules about what I will eat and when. I absolutely know what you’re saying about how people can be so misunderstanding and even mean because you don’t eat exactly the same way they do. In my case, my “rules” cannot even be backed up by medical conditions, but I have a history of obesity and I have finally learned how to eat (when to eat healthy and clean, and when I can allow for indulgences) to maintain my weight – and I shouldn’t have to explain that to anyone, and neither should you. Rock on with your fabulous desserts after 5! Thank you for sharing.
Cara says
oh, and the cookies sound fab – I have some almond meal so I might try them out with that instead!
Nutmeg Nanny says
It’s great to hear you live such a healthy life. I wish I could say the same about myself but unfortunately I do not. I need to learn how to balance my dessert blogging and baking with a healthier life. I bake small but something it’s just not enough. I need some more neighbors to eat my goods…haha.
Kristin says
Thank you for this recipe. Due to recent health problems I have had to go on a restricted diet. These should fit it nicely! 🙂 And be a wonderful change from the plain fare lately.
Kristen says
Thanks for sharing about your diet. It’s amazing how awful some foods can make you feel if you have an intolerance or allergy to them, isn’t it?
I’m going to have to check out that book; those cookies look tasty, and I’m always happy to see a new gluten free cookbook!
Alicia says
It is nice to hear a bit more about your world of food. I actually just watched a docu called Food Inc and it has changed the way I think about food. I’m now seriously contemplating becoming a vegetarian.
The Wife says
Thanks for sharing!!! My dad is gluten intolerant and I am always looking for gluten free recipes to send my mama to make for him.
Debbie says
The cookies sound wonderful and different from I am used to. I will have to check out hazelnut flour and compare these to what I would normally bake. I say to do whatever makes you feel your best….
Amanda says
Looks like a great recipe, but I was stunned by the fact that it’s made with honey. I was under the impression that most vegans do not regard honey as a vegan food? Just suprising.
Best of luck with your diet!
Lynn says
Thanks for sharing the recipe and the personal information. I am happy for you that you found food choices that make you feel better. So many people suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, that it’s nice to have alternatives. Good to know about this cookbook – it sounds great.
Mimi says
Thanks for sharing about, you the book and the recipe. I enjoy cooking/baking for people with dietary restrictions. It pushes me to try new ingredients. It is nice that you are able to find a middle ground between your health and cooking.
Mimi
Patricia Scarpin says
Pea, I have never tried using different kinds of flours and these cookies look like the perfect way to try – they look so delicious! I love dried cherries.
Dolce says
I think you are really brave and should be proud of yourself + finding all those wonderful recipes that work with your diet.
These cookies look wonderful !
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
Hazelnut flour, now that is a new one to me!
I am actually loving grain-free baking (giving away a copy of Elana’s Almond Flour Cookbook today). Like you, we don’t “do” soy, and I am dairy-free, but grain-fee is new territory for me and I really am enjoying it. Thanks for the cookbook recommendation!
Sarena says
GREAT Post! I am so with you on all of those accounts. People always make assumptions about me for what I eat. Mostly people judge me (read make fun) because they think I am going to judge them. I hate what people do to Veggie Girl. I appreciate you sharing a little more about you. It is nice to know I am not alone in my food issues.
Laura says
Looks good, Peabody. But wait…do they taste any good? What about the texture? I would love an honest review. Hazelnut flour is expensive, is this recipe worth the $$?
elly says
These cookies sound delicious. I LOVE hazelnuts. I’m definitely trying them.
Kerstin says
I use almond meal all the time, but have never used hazelnut flour, it sounds so good!
We eat pretty healthy – most the treats on my blog go to friends or co-workers 🙂
thecolor says
My wife pointed this post out to me and it made me think about the half day thing.
While I hate the thought of giving up the “nummy” stuff I love your idea of the 9-5 raw work day.
Sadly I’m experiencing more and more discomfort with certain foods as I get older and while I don’t know exactly what they are I wonder how you got started in the raw eats?
My wife and I are trying it this week (with what info we can find online about it)… but fear repetition during the breakfast/lunch/snack hours of work.
I was wondering (time allowed) if you might be able to pass on additional experiences you’ve had with this raw work day. It’s an interesting balance for those that don’t want to go full on! 🙂
Thanks,
~TC
Lauren says
Its wonderful that you’ve figured out what works best for you! I’m celiac, and have 4 other (fairly big) health problems, so I know all about big diet changes and being ill. Also, this cookbook looks great! Its always exciting to find things you can eat =D.
Katie says
Awesome! You rock.
Hannah and Esther says
Oh yummy cookies!
Vince Da Blisser says
The cookies are awesome looking. Thank you for posting this recipe! (and also thanks for the Coconut Bliss mention, too 🙂 ).
Vince Da Blisser
from the Coconut Bliss Mothership, Eugene, OR
Aparna says
I’m going to give these cookies a go. They look good and have no eggs.
Don’t get hazelnuts here, but almonds ought to work, I’m thinking.
And you’re right about people thinking they know you because of what you post on your blog. I get people asking me if we eat what I post all the time. If I regualarly ate wat I bake a lot of the time, I wouldn’t be around to post anything!!!!
anna maria says
I am surprised but not flabbergasted. I’m a vegan wannabe myself, but can’t do much soy, or too many legumes, so I’m still enjoying eggs and salmon.
I do have a bit of wheat intolerance, so I try to avoid it and I thank you for mentioning the boo, and the bakery which I will check out the next time I’m in Seattle. Soon, I hope.
The cookies sound delectable, and, yes, that Coconut Bliss “ice cream” is delicious!
anna maria says
the boo? the book, of course.
barrie says
where are you finding this hazelnut flour? i’ve scoured all the seattle markets and no one’s heard of it. even bob’s red mill doesn’t carry it. let a girl know your secret!
Katie says
I was so excited to try this recipe, but I’m sad to say it failed miserably! Instead of plump, ball-like cookies, my cookies ran together into a giant pancake! Is there any chance the quantities posted here were wrong? Less honey maybe? before I backed them, Ie ven increased the nut flour because the batter looked too thin and it still didn’t do any good. Help!