The Christmas season tends to be the most common time of year that people stray away from their healthy eating goals. I find it interesting how the indulgences of Christmas Day have evolved over time to span the entire month of December.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas cookies that my mom makes every year and for a few years I started making my own versions of her recipes to keep the tradition alive. Then I asked myself, why am I doing this? I don't want a months worth of treats in the freezer that I know I will end up eating and then feel guilty about it.

Time for a change up! Now I only make cookies once a year and when I do it's a real food friendly, grain-free recipe. I seriously still have a large bag of all-purpose flour sitting in my pantry that I bought over 7 years ago!! (Why I bought that large of a bag in the first place is beyond me)

I would love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it. Also, what are some of your "new and healthy" Christmas traditions that you have started for yourself and your family?

Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups almond meal

1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate + 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I actually use just the chopped dark chocolate)

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/3 cup grade A maple syrup

1 egg

3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together almond meal, dark chocolate & chips, coconut, baking powder, salt, and maple syrup
• In a separate bowl, beat egg until uniform in colour and doubled in volume
• Whisk in the coconut oil and vanilla, then add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined
• Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or even overnight
• Preheat oven to 350F
• Shape dough into 1 inch balls, place on baking sheet with some space in between each. Press down slightly to flatten a bit
• Bake until edges begin to brown, 12-14 minutes
• Remove from oven and let cool before serving