HEALTHY cookie dough dip

Seriously, Nikki? Did you really just use healthy and cookie dough dip in the same sentence? Yes, yes, that just happened. And seriously Nikki, you expect me to believe that it's tasty?! Why yes, yes I do! I'd have you know that not only did my kids lick the bowl clean (after I devoured like half of it myself before sharing)...but I've had 2 other friends give it a go, and they too raved. How on earth do you make cookie dough dip healthy? Ready for this one....CHICKPEAS! Now you really don't believe me when I say it's delicious! BUT, you're just going to have to take a leap of faith and try it. REALLY, please do...it's awesome! I had a hankering for chocolate chip cookies one day, and had heard through a fellow vegan that they had made a cookie dough filling for a homemade candy bar using chickpeas. The wheels started turning and after a variety research (turns out this is not a new concept after all, there were hundreds of similar recipes to choose from) and a combination of several recipe ideas...this is what I came up with!

1 can chickpeas- drained & rinsed

1/4 c agave nectar

2 TBSP rolled oats

3 TBSP peanut butter

2 TBSP almond milk

2 tsp vanilla

dash of salt

dash of baking soda

chocolate chips (to taste)

Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor (or blender, but processor works best) until smooth. Then fold in desired amounts of chocolate chips.

Dip away! My kids and I went through several apples- that was our favorite dipper of choice, but Annie's golden graham bunnies as well as bananas were up there too. Or just use your fingers....oops did I just say that? Luckily it makes a fairly large batch so there should be plenty to share (if you absolutely have to)...it also stores well for several days!

This goes on the kids favorite healthy snacks list- as well as on MY favorite snacks for the kids. I feel great knowing that my kids are getting enough of natures goodness. To learn more about the nutritional benefits of chickpeas check out my previous post here.

Until next time...stay strong, don't quit, and most of all- SMILE!

xoxo

~Simply, Healthy Nikki~