I’m now into my seventh month of pregnancy and thankfully up until now my cravings haven’t got the best of me (with the exception of the time I ate marshmallows dipped in dark chocolate rolled in vanilla Rice Krispies – heaven). Unfortunately, over the last few weeks I seem to have developed quite a sweet tooth. I think Donna Hay’s Flourless Chocolate Cake may just have been the gateway dessert that started it all (totally worth it).
So I have been on the hunt for a healthy, or at least healthier, alternative to all the sweets my heart desires. Little did I know the answer to my preggo prayers was right under my nose. Two weeks ago I was invited to a dinner party at Anne Lindsay’s house for the launch of her new cookbook, Lighthearted at Home ($40, available at www.chapters.indigo.ca). I was a huge fan of the book already – we ran 5 of Anne’s Lighthearted recipes on SweetHome last month – so nobody needed to twist my arm to taste some of the recipes first hand.
Anne was a delightful host sharing how she got into cooking and recipe development, as well as many of her culinary adventures all the way. I was most intrigued to learn what an integral role she played in making sense of Canada’s nutrition guidelines and to hear her talk about her passion for helping Canadians eat healthier (to learn more about Anne visit www.annelindsay.com). She was truly inspiring and, of course, the food was delicious. Dinner began with Crab Cakes and Roasted Beet Salad, and that was followed by Lamb Chops Dijon cooked to perfection over hearty Bulgur Pilaf.
But as you can guess, it was dessert that I was waiting for. Anne did not disappoint. She offered an array of sweets to choose from and I could not help myself but to indulge in one of each. I started with the Raspberry Squares, then moved on to the Double Chocolate Brownies but in the end it was her Easy Cranberry-Chocolate Cookies (get the recipe at www.dinnerwithjulie.com) that won my heart. Made with whole wheat flour, oat bran and wheat germ these cookies pack a fibre and protein punch. They were exactly the treat I had been looking for. Slightly Indulgent but not completely void of nutritional value.
Over the weekend I finally had the chance to try Anne's recipe for myself. They lived up to their "easy" claim and were just as delicious the second time around. I can see how they've become a family-favourite in her home because T. has already declared them his favourite cookies in ours. I used margarine for my batch and my only baker's note would be to add a little extra flour to the batter if you prefer a denser cookie like I do. I also tried including a hint of coconut just because.
From Anne's home to my home to yours...I hope that your family enjoys the cookies as much as we do. In fact, I think I'm going to help myself to one more and a warm milk nightcap right now.