Paleo Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies (my favorite)

If I come by your house, and if you like cookies, it's very possible that I'll make these for you. They're my go-to for when I want a baked treat, but don't want the killer combo of sugar, butter, and flour. To me, they taste like mini dumplings of chocolate-chip-banana-bread-heaven. I used to make them and bring them to work, back when I had an office job. Now I like to make them for my hosts as I travel the country. If I don't make it to you, whip up a batch for yourself and see. When it comes to ingredients, I LOVE Justin's almond butter even if it is more expensive. Also, feel free to use real chocolate chips if you don't have any qualms with them. I took the suggestion from the recipe and found "Enjoy Life" chocolate chips, which are soy-, nut-, and dairy-free. The ingredients are all "real" ingredients, too, just evaporated cane juice, natural chocolate liquor (non-alcoholic, for the children), and non-dairy cocoa butter. Aaaand they're called "Enjoy Life" chocolate chips, so obviously, when you eat them, you naturally "enjoy life" more. As a professional life enthusiast, these were clearly made for me.

I've gotten prep time down to about 10 minutes (though if I were timed, I bet I could shave off 5 minutes for a PR). Here's the recipe for those who can't wait any longer (and I snagged these with the help of Pinterest, and added my own adaptation with the drizzled honey):

 Paleo Banana Chocolate Chip Cakies (adapted by me :) 

1 cup mashed ripe bananas, about 1 large banana ...or more. I like to taste more banana, so I add more sometimes

2 tablespoons creamy almond butter (Use Justin's... it's amazing.)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or more. I like me some cinnamon.

Pinch of Salt

1 ¼ cup almond flour/meal (I get mine in the bulk section for about $5/pound)

¼ cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free – delicious)

And drizzle some homemade honey from your sister's family bee hive on top--or just some good quality honey of some sort, for that finishing sweetness.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (very helpful, so they don't stick).

With a hand mixer, blend together the banana, almond butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.  Add in almond flour and chocolate chips and stir to combine.

Scoop dough into even scoops and place on prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 9-12 minutes or until cookies are slightly golden on top.  Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from pan.  They can be somewhat crumbly, so be careful when they're still warm.

Recipe adapted from the Multiply Delicious blog.