{BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP}

This super healthy soup is so easy, and my whole family loves it! You can't beat that on a cold winter day!

1 medium to large butternut squash *
2 large leeks (white part) or 1/2 c. onion
 4 t. minced peeled fresh ginger *
4 c. vegetable broth

1/2 c. cashews (preferably soaked overnight and then rinsed well)
about 1c. water or milk (should equal one cup after blended with cashews)

1 1/2 t. salt

toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
cilantro (optional)

*Costco sells pre-cut butternut squash in 2 lb. containers.  1 container works perfectly for this recipe and cuts prep time by a ton!
* We go light on the ginger (about half that amount) because my kids like it a little milder.

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Bake chopped butternut squash for about 35 min. until slightly tender
• Saute onion and ginger in 1/2 c. water until onion is soft
• Add squash
• Add vegetable broth
• Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes
• Blend the cashews and water/milk, set aside
• Puree squash until smooth
• Return to the pot and stir in salt and cashew cream
• Heat through
• Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with cilantro and pumpkin seeds (optional)

This recipe was passed on through my aunts family friend, but I'm not sure of the name or origin so I will check and give credit where it's due!

PB/CHOCOLATE COOKIE DOUGH

This is the GREATEST cookie dough recipe ever! We love to eat it in a little bowl, warmed up slightly in the microwave:) So delish. 

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, well-rinsed and patted dry with a paper towel
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (165 grams) natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (80 grams) honey (agave and maple syrup work too!) 
• 1/2 cup (90 grams) chocolate chips

Directions

- Combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a food processor and process until very smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides and the top to get the little chunks of chickpeas and process again until they're combined.

- Put in the chocolate chips and stir. The mixture will be very thick and sticky.

Notes

- Don't even try with regular peanut butter! They'll come out oily. You MUST use natural peanut butter.

- If you'd like to bake them, just add 1 tsp of baking powder!