German Chocolate Lara Bites (GF, no sugar added)

Happy National Running Day! A day late...sorry. But I made you this great and fast and easy and chewy and moist treat that's also great for you and great to refuel on a long run! You're welcome. 

The first time I ever ate a Lara Bar was last fall when I ran my first race ever---The Baltimore Half Marathon. Woot! I saw these bars in the store before and thought they looked kind of suspicious and overly healthy, but when they're giving them away for free, I might as well at least taste them. So I did. And it turns out they're so good it's worth

Turns out they really do taste like cookies! And trust me, as the girl who can practically inhale a jar full of charming Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter in fewer days than I care to admit, I don't throw that compliment around lightly. Plus, I love the fact that the sweetness in these little bites comes from the dates, no added sugar, so it doesn't cramp up your stomach when you're running. But running or not, these are pretty great. My favorite is straight out of the freezer. Yum!

German Chocolate Lara Bites (Gluten Free!) [click to print]
Makes 10-12 bites

• 3/4 c. pitted dates
• 1/2 c. pecans or walnuts, toasted
• 2 T. cocoa powder
• 2 T. shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/16 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until well combined. Firmly press heaping tablespoons of mixture into bite-size silicone mold (I used a brownie bites mold, which I thought was silly until I got one, so don't judge) or roll into balls. 

Source: Slightly adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie

90 Second Peanut Butter Honey Cookies (Gluten, Dairy Free!)

I'm not gonna lie. I'm kind of addicted to peanut butter.

Creamy, crunchy, natural, preservative-laden. It doesn't matter to my tastebuds. Just load me up, please.

I'm sure all of you have had those days where you just need a quick peanut butter fix. (Unless you are unfortunately allergic to my blessed peanut buttery spread, in which case, I'm sorry you'll have to ignore this post.) And I mean a really quick fix. Like it would be perfect if someone could infuse your entire body with a steady stream of peanut butter.

These cookies are that fast. And good. You can whip up a batch in less than two minutes, eat a few spoons of dough while they bake for a mere 12 minutes and then enjoy steaming hot cookies! Complete with milk, thank you.

90 Second Peanut Butter Honey Cookies (Gluten, Dairy Free!) [click to print]
Makes about 2 dozen large cookies


1-1/4 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. regular sugar
2 T. honey
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Combine all ingredients and stir until the dough clumps together. (It will still be soft but scoopable.) Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto parchment paper. Bake 12-14 minutes or until edges are just golden.

Source: Adapted from Babble

Baking a Difference: Food for Good Thought

Ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls to welcome a new neighbor to the hood. Piles of buttery, chewy (reduced sugar!) cookies for your lonely elderly neighbor. Birthday cake to let your friend know you remember and care. Hand-crafted, decadently rich baked goods practically scream, I love you more than the three cups of sugar and the pound of unsalted butter coursing through my slowly constricting arteries!

But some bakeries take it a step further. They are creating opportunities for growth beyond the waistline. They are "Baking Opportunities." In this posting mini series, we'll focus on bakeries with a conscience and what they're doing for our communities across America.*

So let's dig in with Food for Good Thought!

When and where was your bakery founded?

Food for Good Thought was founded in 2008. We began baking with individuals with autism in subleased kitchens, churches and the OSU Food Industries Center at The Ohio State University. We are now in our own space at 4185 North High Street in Clintonville, OH.

Who was your inspiration?

The concept of Food for Good Thought emerged while Dr. Audrey Todd was considering the probable limited future employment opportunities for her nonverbal son with autism. Following one of her son’s interests, cooking and baking became skills that her son was able to learn. Before her son developed an interest in cooking and baking, he was placed on a gluten-free diet due to significant digestive problems; as a result, some problematic neurological behaviors also diminished in intensity. From this experience, Dr. Todd created a company that provides supported employment and gluten-free foods to individuals with autism as well as other consumers with dietary sensitivities.

Who do you serve and what training do you provide?

We serve individuals on the autism spectrum who are approaching adulthood or in adulthood. (For additional info on autism, check out Autism Speaks.) Participants can be trained in a wide range of skills, including baking specific (or all) products, cleaning, dish washing, building maintenance, labeling, computer work and packaging. We also provide vocational rehabilitation for those who wish to work outside of the bakery in the larger community. 

What keeps people coming back for more?

All baked goods in our store are Gluten Free and people keep coming back, not only because it is good, but a lot of customers like to support our employees and mission. We have been told a number of times we “have the best Gluten Free Pecan Pie ever” and our cakes are continuously ordered for special occasions.  

Note: Photos in this post are property of Food for Good Thought and are found on their website or facebook. 

*Know someone "Baking Opportunities" in your community; please let us know!