The UPS Man left a package waiting on my doorstep when I slid home from vacation on Christmas Day. Inside the box I found three of my favorite things: Cookies, coffee, and a cookbook. Let’s just say the day after Christmas only one of these things was still around.

I have to tell you about the cookies. Angela sent me some amazing homemade TRIPLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES inspired by a recipe she found in Ellie Krieger’s cookbook, The Food You Crave…a fitting title because I crave these cookies! I begged Angela for the recipe and have made them. Twice. I like to call them…

The Cookies I Crave

• ¼ cup (1/2 stick) I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, baking butter softened
• ¼ cup firmly packed Splenda brown sugar
• 3 TBS Splenda sugar blend for baking
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup chocolate Protein Freeze protein powder
• ½ cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or regular whole wheat flour)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 oz. dark chocolate chips
• Nuts (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350. In a large bowl mash together the butter and sugars, then add the applesauce, egg, and vanilla.  Beat until creamy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, protein powder, cocoa, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in both chocolates and add nuts (if desired), and mix well. Using a tablespoon, scoop batter onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake until cookies are set – about 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack to cool. Serves: 24

Nutrients per cookie: 82 calories, 4g fat, 6g sugar,1g fiber, 3g protein

I used Smart Balance butter and whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour and they got rave reviews (by yours truly)!

You’re probably wondering what cookbook Angela sent me? Ellie Krieger’s latest cookbook, So Easy. Here’s what the cover says:

Luscious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week

I do not make this stuff up. Who wouldn’t want luscious, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert every day of the week? If you do, then I strongly recommend adding this cookbook to your collection.

Now I really must go grab a cup of coffee and a cookie and call Angela…’cause it’s her birthday! Happy Birthday, Ang!