March Five Element Recipe: Enjoy No Bake Oatmeal Cookies!
“Let food be thy medicine,and let medicinebe thy food.”This famous quote is often attributed to Hippocrates, although there’s no actual proof he ever said it. But whoever did say it was brilliant! Everything we put in our bodies affects us, so not only can we nurture ourselves with food, we can heal and balance ourselves with it, too! It’s long been known that specific flavors support each of the Five Element energies. This month we honor the energy of Earth, the element that supports the four main seasonal balancing points across our solar year: solstices and equinoxes. Earth energy stabilizes both times of perfect balance between light and dark (the equinoxes) and times of greatest imbalance between light and dark (the solstices). The taste that supports the Earth element is sweet and starchy, which means March is an excellent time to enjoy these super easy, three-ingredient No Bake Oatmeal Cookies!Oats are among the healthiest grains on Earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that the many health benefits of oats include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Oats are rich in carbs and fiber and are higher in protein and fat than most grains. They are also very high in vitamins and minerals including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, thiamin, and pantothenic acid.The peanut butter is packed with protein, fiber, and many essential vitamins and minerals including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and B vitamins. And while high in fat, peanut butter is considered unlikely to lead to unwanted weigh gain if eaten in moderation. Plus, it just tastes good! These cookies even make a healthy breakfast because they are full of enough whole grains, protein, and fiber to keep you satisfied until lunch.Making this delicious and good-for-you treat is a breeze, too. It takes less than five minutes and requires no butter, milk, sugar, or baking. Just put the three main ingredients in a bowl, add mix-ins if desired, then stir them well and lay them out. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to help support your Earth energy with these healthy and delicious No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies courtesy of thebigmansworld.com. Bon Appetit!Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats (can use quick oats)
1 cup peanut butter (can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup chocolate chips or other mix-in (optional)
Instructions
Line a large plate with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or other mix-in of your choice, if desired.
Using your hands, form the dough into 12 small balls and place on the lined plate.
Press each ball into a cookie shape.
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up the cookies before enjoying.
Notes: If your no bake cookies are gooey, it means your oats are too fine in texture and/or you added too much maple syrup. To rectify this, simply add more oats to the mixture. Also, if you want, you can bake these cookies in the oven at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm around the edges.TO STORE: Leftover cookies should be stored covered in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks.TO FREEZE: Place the cookies in a zip lock bag and store in the freezer. They will keep well frozen for up to 6 months.Nutritional Information: Serving size 1 cookie. Calories: 120kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 8g, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 190mg, Fiber: 3g, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg, Net carbs: 14g.