Pistachio-Cranberry Florentine Cookies

There is something almost wrong with putting food in your mouth that literally melts away in a few seconds. It's like you never ate it.....but you did. You did eat it, and maybe a lot. Those calories actually count people, you aren't kidding anyone!

Well, these florentines are literally melt in your mouth goodness. They aren't overly sweet and the little bit of crunch from the pistachio and the tang from the cranberries are a perfect balance. This recipe is small (but you still shouldn't eat the whole batch in one sitting) but makes a lot of cookies. You don't have to feel guilty about eating three or four! Or do you??!! :)

Pistachio-Cranberry Florentine Cookies
2 T. butter
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/2 T. agave nectar
1 1/2 T. pistachios, finely chopped
1 1/2 T. dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 T. flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small sauce pan melt butter, brown sugar and agave nectar. Remove from heat and stir in pistachios, cranberries and flour until combined.

On a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet using a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, drop batter on sheet. Make six at a time leaving space in between so they don't run together.

Bake for 3-4 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet until set then transfer to a cooling rack.

My boys and I gobbled these up so fast I didn't have time to enjoy them with tea but I know it would be a great pairing. Okay, I ate five of them. FINE! Six! :) Hey, I did my Jillian Michaels workout too!

Makes 1 1/2 to 2 dozen cookies depending on size.

Oat Bran Muffins

I know what you're thinking.....bran muffins are only for old people! Think again. My entire family loves/eats these muffins. They are moist and delicious but not overly sweet. Perfect for breakfast!

I have worked hard to perfect a bran muffin recipe that I love and this is my 'perfect' bran muffin recipe:

Oat Bran Muffins
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. oat bran
1/3 c. olive oil
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. agave nectar
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. all-purpose flour (unbleached)
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small mixing bowl combine milk and oat bran. Set aside to soak.

Meanwhile, in another small mixing bowl, combine oil, egg, vanilla, brown sugar, and agave nectar. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl sift together flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix in wet ingredients and stir to combine. Add in oat bran mixture stirring to incorporate well.

Line a 12 whole muffin tin with liners and fill each evenly - approximately 3/4 full.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted come out clean.