Struggling...big surprise

It's been almost a week since I checked in here. I'm contemplating switching backing to writing about my yeast-free journey on my main blog, since I can't seem to keep up with this one as much as the other. It was such a great idea when I was constantly trying new recipes and trying to adapt my lifestyle to eating healthier. I'm just really having a hard time resisting. I've put so many rules on myself, and broken even more rules than I imposed, if that is possible. I've gained about 5 pounds back in the last 2 months and I am NOT happy about it. And yet what do I want to do to make myself feel better (temporarily)? EAT. Good foods. Bad foods. FOOD. I've done a lot of baking lately, because I love it. It is not something that I can give up easily. But when I bake, I have a hard time not eating a whole batch of cookies plus half the cookie dough sampling. I am still doing The Lord's Table, but haven't been diligent about sticking to the meal plan, which I know is making this journey much more difficult than it has to be.

Now I will say that I haven't just made ALL sugary yeast-filled recipes, though there have been 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies, and a pan of butterscotch brownies. I made another batch of yeast-free chocolate cupcakes with a cream cheese icing this time earlier in the week. And today I finally attempted yeast-free No-bake Cookies. Those were good. With one exception. I used Swerve as my sugar alternative. And for whatever reason, while it has zero calories and zero fat, it has a strange effect. This is the third recipe I've tried it in, and each time it's the same thing. Freezing cold. What? Yeah...let me explain. You take a bite and as you chew, your mouth just gets colder and colder. My 7 year old told me today we should call them "Magic No-Bake Cookies". Because, she said, that's what they are...magic! The kids loved the cookies and a few people who sampled them at church tonight liked them as well. But I just can't get used to that coldness in my mouth. It's just weird; unnatural. BUT, if you use a different sugar alternative, or you want just a gluten-free version, here is the recipe. The flavor of these is really great...it was just the cold that was hard to handle. I may try to make them with agave nectar the next time and see if it impacts the texture/consistency much. If I add more oats to them it may help...we'll see.

Gluten-free No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar (or sugar alternative)

8 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup gluten-free unsweetened cocoa

1/2 cup cashew butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

3 cups gluten-free quick oats

In large saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk and cocoa. Heat, stirring frequently until boiling. Boil 1-2 minutes; remove from heat and cool 1 minute. Stir in cashew butter, vanilla & salt and mix well. Add oatmeal (and nuts/coconut if desired). Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool until it hardens.