Healthy Oatmeal Apple Drop Cookies- Gluten Free, Vegan, & Delicious

First-Please understand that you do not have to be gluten-free to enjoy these oatmeal apple drop cookies! They are perfect no added sugar recipe for everyone! Oats + apples = the easiest healthy cookies ever.

There’s something about fall that makes me want to turn on the oven and do a little baking with apple or pumpkin. But here’s the thing — I’m not really much of a baker, so simple has to be the key word for anything I bake.

Irresistible Vegan and Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Breakfast

I'm welcoming fall (it's almost here) with an easy to make and tasty apple crisp breakfast idea that is healthy enough to eat for breakfast but delicious enough to adapt for dessert.

Oat Flour for Easy Waffles or Pancakes

Waffles or pancakes anyone? 

There is nothing easier or faster than making your own oat flour in the blender, and then making this simple no fuss 3 ingredient healthy recipe which can be used for delicious waffles or pancakes. 

What I Eat In A Day On A Plant-Based Diet

Do you ever think about eating less animal protein and eating more plant-based meals? 

In a world where not just adults but even children struggle with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer etc, scientific research proves that diet as the #1 culprit of these problems. See how you can eat a full day of plant-based meals and enjoy them. 

Carrot Apple Breakfast Slaw- Vegan

Grated carrots, apples, and pomegranates- oh my!! A deliciously sweet juicy slaw loaded with valuable antioxidants and nutrients. 

Perfect Steel Cut Oats In the Instant Pot

It's officially fall- the season of pumpkins, gorgeous mums, and trees displaying their colorful leaves. The temperatures have been dipping to the low 40's in the mornings, and I've started to crave a nice cozy bowl of warming oatmeal for breakfast. I use the Instant Pot and my oatmeal comes out perfect every time and doesn't stick to the pot (a bonus). It is important to have the correct ratio of oatmeal to water.

Quinoa "Oatmeal" - A Delicious Breakfast Cereal

Do you like to eat oatmeal for breakfast but sometimes just get tired of it and want to switch it up? It turns out that you can make a wonderful easy hot breakfast cereal from quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah). read more

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats, or it could be called no cook overnight oatmeal, is not only super convenient, it is super nutritious and delicious. 

If you feel that your breakfasts could be healthier, overnight oats may solve your problem. Oatmeal is highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists because oats may help lower cholesterol, keep you regular, and help stabilize blood sugar. In fact, I've heard some doctors say it may be good to eat some oatmeal everyday!

This basic recipe contains lots of healthy plant-based protein, lots of fiber, good fats, and valuable nutrients. It's a super breakfast that is convenient and taste great. Eat in cold or warm it up (I eat mine cold).

 

I use simple rolled oats.   Of course the brand I purchase is certified gluten-free. Please note: Oats are naturally gluten-free, however they also may cross contaminate if grown near wheat or processed in a factory that processes wheat. Therefore to be safe, I always purchase oats that are certified gluten-free. 

So excited about my overnight soaked oats because they taste so darn  good. There is only a basic and you can use whatever ingredients you prefer. 

No more excuses! This is a very healthy breakfast that is easy and convenient! It's ready when you are and it can be a "grab and go" as well.. 

Kids Love It Too!

Kids can help or make their own overnight oats the night before. They love it because they get to choose their favorite ingredients. The great part is that in the morning a healthy delicious breakfast is already prepared and just waiting for them. 

The Basic Recipe 

3/4 cup of uncooked rolled oats (I use gluten-free)

1 and 1/4 cups of almond milk ( I use the 30 calorie one)

Berries (1/2 cup of blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries)

1/2 sliced banana or sliced kiwi 

1/2 teaspoon (or more) cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of turmeric 

Other spices of your choice (I like a pinch or two or cardamom or a teaspoon or unsweetened cocoa)

1 teaspoon of ground flax seed or chia seeds

2 walnuts, chopped

Directions: 

Use a wide mouth mason jar or any wide mouthed jar. Add rolled oats, nut milk, spices, seeds, and chopped nuts. Add berries and fruit of choice. I like cover with a lid and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can eat it with a spoon directly out of the jar cold or warm it up if you prefer.

My Notes: 

1. Time Saver: Make multiple jars at a time. This recipe will last for three days in the refrigerator. 

2. Snack: Overnight oats are great to keep in the refrigerator as a quick healthy tasty snack too. 

3. After School Snack: Overnight oats are a nutritious after school snack. 

4. Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free ( do not use soy milk if you want it to be soy free- use almond or cashew milk)

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats- oil-free

There is nothing like a steaming bowl of hot creamy oatmeal for breakfast- and steel cut oats are both delicious and nourishing.

I love the Instant Pot for making oatmeal. 

I buy these steel cut oats (link for Amazon purchase)

 

I used to cook instant or rolled oats because they cook faster than steel cut oats. However, now that I use an Instant Pot (pressure cooker), making the highly nutritious steel cut oats is a snap. 

Oatmeal can be classified by the way it is cut and processed. 

Oats are naturally gluten-free -HOWEVER- I always buy certified gluten-free oats BECAUSE oats can cross-contaminate when growing near wheat fields AND they can become contaminated in the factory if processed near wheat products. 

1.  Steel cut oats- the least processed, the highest protein and fiber count which is 5 grams of fiber and a full 7 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving. Amazing!
2.  Rolled oats- close to steel cut oats in nourishment but digests more quickly and many cause blood sugar to rise more quickly than steel cut oats.
3.  Instant oats - the most heavily processed and most likely to raise blood sugar levels, especially if it contains sugar which many of the instant oat packages do. 

I love wild blueberries and walnut topping 

Oatmeal can be enjoyed topped with berries ( I use frozen), flax seeds, chia seeds, chopped nuts, nut milk etc. - anything that you enjoy. 

  

Recipe for basic steel cut oats   steel cut oats  (Amazon link)

Ingredients : 

2 cups of steel cut oats ( I use GF oats)

4 cups of water

Salt 

Directions for the Instant Pot 

Place oats, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Set to pressure cook for 4 minutes. When done, allow steam to release naturally for 12 minutes. Release any remaining steam if there is any, open lid, stir and enjoy with additions of your choice. 

Since my husband does not eat breakfast, I am the only one eating the oatmeal. Therefore, I place the oatmeal in a mason jar and I eat some each day. It usually lasts for about 4 days. I simply heat up the amount I like each day. 

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon and I am compensated a small amount if you click on a link and make a qualified purchase. It helps defray the cost of publishing a blog. Thank you for you support. 

Apple Berry Cream Parfait- Vegan

I love when I surprise myself with a spectacular dessert made from whatever ingredients I have in my kitchen. No, I had no recipe and yes I used whatever I had. I took the individually made dessert parfaits out on the pool deck (I live in Florida) to share with friends and everyone love it.

I had Apples, blueberries, walnuts, and oatmeal which I used to make a vegan and parve parfait that is tasty enough to serve for dessert but can be made healthy enough to also eat for breakfast.  

WHAAAT?? you say. 

I had too many apples and realized that I needed to try to use them up. I was originally thinking about making an apple crisp but my idea sort of morphed into this delicious dessert that would also eat as an overnight oatmeal.

I did not want to add sugar, so I pondered about how to make the filling somewhat sweet. I decided that pure maple syrup would work. 

However, 

My husband buys little fruit flavored crystals to add to water to make a fruit flavored drink. The packets are very flavorful and contain, lemon, lemon oil, cane sugar, stevia, natural flavor and vegetable juice for color.  Are they healthy or unhealthy? I'm kind of neutral on the decision. 

The packets do contain a tad of sugar but have only 10 calories per packet, so there is not even a teaspoon of sugar in a full packet. I used 1 packet to make 8 individual parfaits.  

 You could substitute maple syrup especially for breakfast.

After all how many people eat pancakes with sweet syrup. 

I'll let you choose. I've adapted the recipe so you can choose your sweetener of choice. If maple syrup seems healthier to you, then substitute maple syrup for the little packet of naturally flavored sweetener. DONE!

I used the packet. It was bursting with fruit flavor, very low in sugar, and worked perfectly. I served it as dessert. If I want it as breakfast, I will use maple syrup or no sweetener at all. 

Ingredients: 

4 cups of chopped or sliced organic apples with skin

1.5 cups of water 

2 tablespoons of non-GMO cornstarch dissolved in 1 cup of warm water

1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 packet of True Lemon or 1/4 cup of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger 

1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

1 cup of nut creamer divided between 8 parfaits

Topping: 

2 cups of gluten-free rolled oats

1 cup of unsweetened applesauce 

Mix together applesauce into the oats to moisten and set aside.

Filling: 

Mix corn starch and 1 cup of warm water and set aside. Add chopped apple and 1.5 water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer. Add corn starch mixture and stir well. Add lemon juice and continue to stir. When mixture begins to thicken, the True Lemon flavored packet, cinnamon, ginger, and walnuts. 

Put a teaspoon of topping on the bottom of a glass. Add some filling, some topping and end with filling. 

Pour 1tablespoon or more of nut creamer over each dessert. 

Enjoy this delightful apple berry cream parfait that is easy to make and extremely tasty. It's made with fresh fruit, nuts. oatmeal, and almond cream

Notes: 

1. I get the box of packets on Amazon or at my local supermarket. Beware that they have an energy version as well which contains caffeine from green tea.

2.  This is a vegan dessert. I use the BetterHalf  creamer which is made from coconut cream and almond milk. It is certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, nonGMO and has 15 calories for 2 Tablespoons and tastes creamy and delicious. I get it at Whole Foods or some local supermarkets in the refrigerator case. 

3. The True Lemon Packets are kosher, gluten-free, and non GMO.

 

Fall in Love with These Vegan Gluten-free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are all the rage this season. I love that this  tasty treat is healthy and yet low in calories and Weight Watcher points! 

With only 3 ingredients, this basic pumpkin cookie has 1 point per serving of 2 cookies.  (without the chocolate topping).  I use whole oats ( gluten-free oats ), pumpkin puree and or applesauce and pumpkin spice. 

Refrigerator Oatmeal ( Weight Watchers Style)

                              

Doesn't this easy to make refrigerator oatmeal look amazing? And so easy because you simply assemble, place in the refrigerator overnight and in the morning you have what tastes like a wonderful parfait. I call it Weight Watchers Style because it is about 4 points on WW.

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, yet many people skip it or eat something that is not very healthy because of lack of time.  Well, here is a solution 

This oatmeal recipe is actually not cooked, but is made by letting the mixture sit overnight in the refrigerator.

• There is no messy pot to clean 
• the oatmeal tastes amazing
•  It is extremely convenient
•  In the morning, when you are are in a rush, it is will be ready to eat or take with you.
• This is a great idea for kids as well because it is a nutritious high protein and high fiber breakfast.

Basically, you simply assemble the ingredients before you go to bed at night and in the morning you will have a nutritious breakfast that is creamy, thick, and flavorful.

It's so simple even your kids can make it. Why not make this breakfast treat the night before for your kids, your spouse, and yourself. In the morning even though everyone may be on a different schedules, everyone can help his/herself when he/she is ready..you can also make different flavor- fresh strawberry, blueberry, banana, - you choose.

Did I mention that you eat the oatmeal cold?  
You won't mind because it tastes like a delicious creamy parfait.

Are oats gluten free?
Only gluten free certified oats are gluten free ( oats that grow near wheat or other grains can become contaminated) I get my certified gluten free oats at Trader Joe's and they are reasonable.

Autor: Judee Algazi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: none- place overnight in refrigerator


Ingredients:

1/4 cup dry oats per container ( I used certified gluten free oats and a small mason jar) 
1/3 cup of unsweetened almond or coconut milk or Ripple ( or use any kind of milk)
1/4 cup of plain Greek Yogurt ( a must if you want it creamy) 
1/4 cup chopped blackberries berries or any berry
6 Whole berries for topping

Optional: 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup ( I did not use any) or a pitted date
optional; 1 Tbsp. chopped walnuts 

**Those on Weight Watchers : if you want a lower points plus for breakfast
1. omit the walnuts,
2. use nonfat plain yogurt
3.  substitute a package of stevia for the honey.
a cup of plain unsweetened almond milk is only 35 calories and a container of plain Greek yogurt is only 2 Points plus. I figure the modified version is 3 Points Plus . The full version is 5- PP. Anyone get a different calculation???

Directions:

Mix all ingredients, stir , cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add whole berries as a topping.

Ready to eat whenever you are--great after school snack too


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Food is my passion. I am gluten intolerant, busy. and strive for a healthy balanced lifestyle. It has taken me many years to develop and discover easy healthy recipes that meet gluten free, vegetarian and real food standards. On my blog I share my journey, my struggles, my discoveries, and my new recipes. I hope you find ideas, resources, and recipes that will be helpful to you. Come Back soon.

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon and receive a very small compensation when you buy anything from Amazon by clicking on to Amazon from my blog - This helps me defray the cost of my blog expenses. Thank you for your support.

I got the idea for this type of recipe from  a recipe for strawberry refrigerator oats  that I viewed on  This Chick Cooks.  

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Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies were one of my favorites when I was growing up.

This healthy recipe is quick and easy to make and uses wholesome ingredients and very allergy friendly with no sugar, flour, eggs or milk.. Everyone will love them because they taste amazing!!

Do you have some ripe bananas that you want to use up?  You will need four bananas for this recipe. 

These cookies are sweetened with fruit, you don't have to feel guilty eating them or giving them to your kids for snacks.  Be sure to buy certified gluten free oats, which are available in most health food stores, Trader Joes , and Whole Foods.

Are you in a hurry? This recipe can be whipped up and baked  in less than 1/2 hour. 

Whenever I make these cookies, everyone, whether gluten free or not, loves them. In addition, the recipe lends itself to many variations, so you can be as creative as you choose. Depending on what you decide to add, you can change the taste of the cookie. If you add chocolate chips it will be sweeter. If you add chopped walnuts, it will be a little chewier. If you add dried cranberries, It will be a perfect cookie for Thanksgiving.



Basic Recipe
2 cups certified gluten free rolled oats ( I get mine at Trader Joe's )
4 ripe bananas, mashed
4 tablespoons of olive oil 

2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1/2 cup add ins of your choice ( raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, walnuts, etc.)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix gluten free rolled oats, mashed banana, oil and cinnamon with a spoon in a large bowl. ( batter will be chunky)
Add raisins (or any add- in of your choice), mix with spoon and allow to sit in refrigerator for at least 10 minutes (or up to 8 hours covered)

Drop spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes at 350 or until tops brown a little.

Step by Step

Assemble Ingredients

Add caption

Mix mashed banana, rolled oats, olive oil and cinnamon in a large bowl.

Eat immediately or store in a little baggies to keep them soft and chewy!


How to know if oats are gluten free click to read the article.

Variations: Using the same batter, fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake for about 15 minutes. Cool and can be kept in a plastic bag for about 3 days. Since the recipe contains no sugar ( unless you use choc chips or sweetened dried fruit) it makes a great convenient breakfast on the run.


Disclaimer: If you are gluten free, check with your doctor before using gluten free oats. Some people may react to even gluten free oatmeal. Read my July 2010 post on gluten free oats.

I am an affiliate for Amazon and I do receive a small compensation if you purchase on Amazon through my blog. I appreciate the support to cover the expenses of running the blog.