I was working two jobs up until two weeks ago. Now, I am just teaching, and spending most of the time home, looking for a job, cooking for Tasty Plan, and wandering what it is that I should be doing with my life. Most of the time I am just wondering, tossing back and forth ideas of what I should be doing to get where I want to go in life.  

Nobody told me that my 20’s where going to be hard. You are in a constant existential crisis, which is sometimes tougher than others. Up to this point, if you are a fellow 20-something, you have spent most of your life in school, every level harder than the previous, then: Boom! You are thrown off the boat, into the cold water, and left on your own to figure it all out. You are supposed to know what you want, and how to get it.

Timing did not help us. We are supposed to reinvent the wheel in tough times, when most of the professions we believed to be important are now archaic and obsolete. We are supposed to be creative, passionate, and social, while in this path of self-discovery. But are overwhelmed with how big the world is, and what little part of it we are.

Maybe, I just think too much. 

These cookies are for the soul: Wholesome, moist, soft, and nutty. The maple syrup and cinnamon bring depth of flavor, which is fragrant and aromatic. Whichever ingredients you choose to add to these cookies will pair beautifully. Make sure to include something sweet (dried fruits and/or chocolate) and something crunchy (nuts and/or seeds). For this batch I used almonds, walnuts, dried cherries, and chocolate chips. The combination is sublime.

These cookies are gluten free and dairy free. The original recipe was vegan. It called for xanthan gum and a flax seeds “egg”. I just couldn’t bring myself to use such artificial ingredients. So, even though it is not vegan, it comes close. And to be honest, I think it is more healthful.

Sweet+Nutty Everything Cookies

Adapted from The First Mess

• ½ cup  + 2 tbsp cup gluten-free flour (I used millet flour)
• ¼ cup almond flour
• ½ cup gluten free oats
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup of “add-ins” (chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, seeds)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup oil
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine flours, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and add ins. Set aside.  In stand mixer, beat egg for a minute, add oil and mix until well incorporated. Add sugar and maple syrup and beat for another minute. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Once well incorporated, scoop teaspoon sized dollops of batter into a cookie sheet. Leave at least an inch and a half between each cookie. Bake 10-13 minutes. The cookies will be done once golden. Devour!