Healthy PB + J Cookie: Complete with Chia Seed Jam Recipe

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 (packed) cup pitted Medjool dates (*buy pit-in version and remove pits)
• 3/4 cup unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter (sub almond, cashew or sunbutter or tahini)
• 2 large eggs, whisked (sub flax or chia eggs for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine oats and dates and pulse until combined into a chunky mixture, approximately 10 pulses.
3. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until ingredients are incorporated and you can only see tiny pieces of dates and oats. Carefully remove blade from processor.
4. Place a bowl of room temperature water between the baking sheet and food processor. Dampen your hands in the water to prevent sticking, and roll dough into 2 1/2 inch balls. Place balls on baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each.
5. Wet a fork and use the tines to gently press down on each cookie until it is approximately 1 inch thick. You can turn the tines in opposing directions to create a cross-hatched look.
6. Bake for 11 minutes, then allow to cool.

Chia Seed Jam

• 2 heaping cups of frozen mixed berries (or fruit of your choice)
• 3/4 C water
• 1-2 Tbsp of Pure Maple Syrup
• 4 Tbsp Chia Seeds (we tend to add a lot. you can start with 1 tbsp and add to taste)

1. Place berries and water in a small sauce pot- turn on medium heat- and bring to boil. Stirring occasionally.
2. Use a fork or spoon to help the fruit breakdown
3. Once liquid has been absorbed and the jam is your desired consistency [we prefer some clumps of fruit], remove pan from heat and add maple syrup + chia seeds.
4. Whisk for about 5 minutes to make sure chia seeds don’t clump up on you

Enjoy hot [like I prefer] -or- chilled [like Patrick prefers]! Both, so delicious!!

-The Neilan Family-

PS: we wrap them in tin foil (by twos) + throw them in the freezer- so it’s super easy to whip them out in the morning and send Patrick on his way to the hospital!