Mangia Con Elena

  Rhubarb and Almond Muffins IG: @mangia.con.elena Did you know that rhubarb is not technically a fruit? I didn't ! I did a  little research to prepare for this blog entry and I found some fun  facts about this this pretty perennial that is a true tell tale sign that Spring has arrived. Rhubarb is a vegetable and is a member of the buckwheat family. Rhubarb stalks can vary in colour from green to bright pink and deep red and it has gorgeous green leaves. Only the stalks are edible. The leaves in fact are poisonous so you will be wanting to throw those babies out.  Rhubarb can be eaten raw but it is VERY sour. I learned that the hard way when as a child my  friend picked off a stalk from her plant and I bit into it.  I had never had it before and I was a little shocked and spit it right out. But I quickly recovered once she took out the sugar for dipping. When rhubarb season arrives, I raid my in-laws garden and I stock up. I wash, dry, chop and freeze so that I have rhubarb all yea

  Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies These cookies check off all the boxes for me. They are soft, moist and a healthier option than most oatmeal cookie recipes. This recipe uses natural peanut butter, coconut oil in lieu of butter or vegetable oils and is flourless. It does contain a bit of sugar, but you can definitely substitute coconut sugar. While oats are naturally gluten free, they become contaminated if processed in the same facilities as wheat, rye and other grains. If you are keeping this recipe gluten free then make sure that the oats you purchase are "certified gluten-free". I like to use a small ice cream scoop to form the cookies. Use your fingers to lightly press down on the cookie batter when in the scoop, this way they will be firmer and will set better.  I hope you give these delicious cookies a try! They will be sure to become one of your favourites. Ingredients This recipe will yield 2 dozen cookies. 2 cups   rolled oats ½  cup sugar or coconut su