My definition of junk food has really evolved over the years.
First it was anything with a lot of calories. Then it was anything with a lot of calories and not a lot of nutrients.
Now, I think of junk as processed foods that contain additives or unidentifiable ingredients I would never keep in my own kitchen.
I no longer think of butter (pasture-raised) or ice cream (organic) or chocolate (fairly traded & sustainable) as junk foods. Rather, these are real foods that I eat in moderation – because yes, they are high-calorie and have fewer nutrients than fruits & veggies – but not foods I feel are harming my body as long as I’m active and maintaining a healthy weight.
This evolution in my nutritional views has changed the way I shop, cook and eat. And the effects on my weight and emotional state have been nothing but positive.
Onto the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies….
I wouldn’t go so far as to say these cookies are healthy. That would be a little outrageous.
But, these cookies are made with ingredients that support healthy people, healthy animals and a healthy planet. Organic, fairly traded chocolate and peanut butter cups (Videri and Justin’s), pasture-raised butter (Kerrygold) and pasture-raised eggs.
So hidden under the delicious flavors are a set of food values you can feel good about.
Enjoy!
- 8 oz organic or pasture-raised butter at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup raw turbinado sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pasture-raised eggs (like Happy Egg Co. or Vital Farms)
- 2¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (4 packages of Justin's 2 PB cup packages)
- 1 cup chopped fair trade milk chocolate
- 1 cup chopped fair trade dark chocolate
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars.
- Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time and combine until smooth.
- Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl then add the flour, ⅓ at a time, and mix on low until just incorporated.
- Gently stir in chocolates by hand with a spatula, or mix on low until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake two inches apart for 9-11 minutes or until edges are just beginning to brown.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes then move to a cooling rack.
2 Comments
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.com
September 26, 2014 at 4:36 amoh my yum, these look incredible!
I love your position of the evolution of your feelings on junk food. I feel so grateful to be coming, “of age” in a time where as Americans we are more and more conscious of the freedoms we have with food, not restrictions!
I also adore seeing anyone using Videri Chocolate, it’s made in my city and I love, love, love visiting their factory!
Amelia Winslow
September 26, 2014 at 1:55 pmIt must be so fun to visit the Videri factory! Hope to do that someday myself 🙂