Chocolate Cherry Cookies

 My friend Chris gave me Dr. Joel Fuhrman's new cookbook, "Eat to Live, Quick and Easy" for my birthday last spring.  This is a cookbook worth having.  The recipes are really healthy and quick and easy.  These cookies are delicious and very nutrient dense.  They pack well and are perfect to take on a bike ride or hike, or to have in the afternoon to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Enjoy!!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup medjool dates soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
• 1 very ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons raw cashew or almond butter
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• ½ cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped dried cherries

 Instructions

•  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Add dates to a food processor and pulse until they are blended.  Add banana and almond butter and process until combined. 
• Add oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract and process until combined.   Add dried cherries and pulse until combined.  Chill dough for about 10 minutes.
• Drop by tablespoons onto parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for 15-17 minutes.

Recipe from “Eat to Live Quick and Easy” by Joel Fuhrman, MD