(courtesy of the Merrymaker Sisters )

We have forever been searching for the perfect paleo cookies. Several faileos (too hard, tastes like cardboard, crumbles + falls apart = gross) later, here it is! Our (to date) favourite paleo cookies! We like ours soft + chewy but if you bake them a little longer they will go crunchy. Hooray!

makes: 12    prep time: 10 minutes    bake time: 15 minutes

stuff you need…

• 1 ½ cups almond meal
• ¾ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
• ½ cup macadamias chopped
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 1 tbs. Natvia
• 120g coconut oil melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

now what…

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius + line a baking tray with baking paper.
• In a bowl, combine the almond meal, coconut, macadamia nuts, coconut sugar + Natvia.
• In a blender (we use our Vitamix) whiz the melted coconut oil, eggs + vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add the coconut oil/egg mix to the dry ingredients + stir until combined.
• Place tablespoons of mixture onto the prepared baking tray, at least 2cm apart.
• Sprinkle the cookies with a few extra crushed macadamias.
• Place into the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Take the cookies out of the oven + allow to cool.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Why are macadamia nuts good for me?

• macadamias contain a combo of nutrients + antioxidants that protect the heart, brain + body.
• the antioxidants de-activate ‘free radicals’. These damage our cells + contribute to chronic disease, less free radicals = good.
• they contain arginine (an essential amino acid) which keeps our blood vessels relaxed + flexible (we want this!), they also help with spreading optimal blood supply to the body (including the brain!).
• macadamias DON’T spike your GI level.
• they have 2g of fibre per 30g serving… aka digestion regularity (yes, they help you poop!).
• macadamias are a great source of Vitamin B – this helps our bodies get energy out of food as well as the function of our nervous system.
• magnesium in macadamias is good for nerve/muscle function (+ recovery) + bone strength.
• macadamias contain copper! Which improves our immunity + gives us healthy skin + hair.
• the most important reason to eat macadamias… THEY TASTE AMAZING (especially in our paleo cookies!).
• With all these benefits (+ the taste factor) what are you waiting for?! Grab some macadamias + whip up a batch of our paleo cookies (you really will thank us for this one!).

To experience these recipes and more come and stay at www.billabongretreat.com.au