Christmas may be over. But my fiasco with baking sure is not.

As you can see.

My mother, myself and my sister. All in our lil’ adorable Anthropologie aprons, we haven’t taken these aprons off in 4 days, hence we are snowed in with 30 inches of snow and can barely see our cars.

So, I’m just baking.  And eating.  Hehe..

This delicious gluten-free brownie recipe is perfect enjoyed bite after bite or crumbled atop your Greek yogurt parfait.

Whichever way you choose. I’m sure you’ll be nibblin’ on these brownies throughout the holiday season.

I may even whip them up again for a little New Year’s Eve treat.

And speaking of New Year’s…

Are you setting a resolution?

I’d love to hear what your goals are for 2011.

Here are a few of my New Year’s Tips n’ Thoughts on starting off a healthy New Year.

Be Sure to Make Time for Yourself

This time of the year everyone wants to see you, visit you, make plans with you, invite you to parties, but be sure to take a step back and carve out a bit of time for you. Read a good book, take a warm bath, jump in your car and take a road trip, explore a new town…the options are endless. Just remember to enjoy yourself, don’t put yourself on a schedule and savor each moment of quality alone time.

Ring in the New Year Healthfully

The holidays can be quite overwhelming for those of us with many family obligations, therefore take some time to plan your healthy New Year and the steps you are going to take to get to your goal.  Are you trying to eat ‘cleaner’? Feel better? Be more active and happy? Whatever your goal or goals may be, be sure to jot them down and take some notes about how you feel each morning when you wake up and each evening before bed.  Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings will keep you focused on your New Year goals.  Jot down your emotions, regrets, hopes and joys and don’t forget to think about your future. What are you hoping to accomplish this year?  Show yourself what amazing things lie ahead of you in 2011 by journaling your plans and goals for 2011. 

Make New Year’s Eve a Relaxing Event

In need of a little R n’ R?  Take it easy on New Year’s Eve. Invite a few friends over for a laid back dinner party or pot-luck.  You can even invite friends over to bring all the ingredients and you can create your own feast together.  Make your own gourmet pizzas, chili or stew for a fun get-together that’s laid back and delicious.  As for me, I could surely do a gluten-free New Year’s dinner party…

Who’s in?

I’ll bring the hot-coco…

Flourless Vegan Chili n’ Cherry Chocolate Brownies

Makes 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups black beans, cooked
• Egg substitute for 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup Earth Balance Vegan Butter Sticks
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/8 tsp. chili powder
• 1/8 tsp. all spice
• Pinch of freshly ground white pepper
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/3 cup stevia for baking
• 1/2 cup raw cacao nibs
• 1/3 cup dried cherries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Prepare a baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine beans, eggs, butter, raw cacao, sea salt, pepper, chili powder, all spice, sand stevia in a food processor; process until smooth.
4. Slowly add in raw cacao nibs and dried cherries; stir to combine.
5. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven; set aside to cool before serving.
8. Cut into squares.
9. Enjoy!