Teff Chocolate Cookies

These teff cookies are the real deal! They are gluten free and can be made vegan if desired by swapping or ditching the chocolate chips!

Before going too much further I would like to say that I first found this recipe in the book, “Run Fast. Eat Slow.” by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. I made a few changes to the recipe but it is by no means my very own! I love to run and I love to eat and this book has tons of great snacks and meals to fuel your runs or every day pursuits!

• 3/4 C. Teff flour
• 1/2 C. all purpose gluten free flour (I use Namaste)
• 1/2 C. Chocolate chips (you could do less if you want something less sweet)
• 1/4 C. Cacao powder
• 1 tsp. Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Soda
• 1/4 tsp. Sea salt
• 1/2 C. Pure maple syrup
• 1/3 C. Melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Mix dry ingredients together
3. Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla
4. Line a sheet with parchment-paper
5. Drop cookies onto sheet
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes

Teff is a nutritional powerhouse that has traditionally been a key whole grain in the Ethiopian diet. Teff is protein rich and has many health benefits. Some of which include:

• Growth promotion: vegetable proteins are broken down easier by the body than animal proteins. Our bodies need protein to create new cells and to aid in development throughout the body.
• High levels of calcium found in teff can help aid in bone growth and repair
• Immune support: teff, like other grains contains many vitamins and minerals. Teff can be a great source of vitamin C, which can help aid in the production of white blood cells!
• Teff has a high fiber content which can help to slow the release of insulin into the blood stream, making it a prime grain for diabetics who need to be careful of dangerous spikes in blood sugar!

Coconut oil is considered to be one of those magical superfoods we are always hearing about! I won’t go into too much detail about coconut oil as I think most everyone has heard about it but I will share a few highlights of this wonderful oil!

• Lauric acid: a particular kind of fat that acts as a antiviral and antimicrobial that can have great immune-enhancing effects.
• MCTs: medium-chain triglycerides are easier to metabolize and are more frequently used for energy than stored as fat as they are easily absorbed the intestine.
• Improves heart health by increasing HDL levels (high density lipoprotein), the good cholesterol.
• Can be a great carrier oil for use of essential oils. Carrier oils are oils that can easily absorb into the skin and promote the absorption of other oils.