In my last post, I ranted on about the dangers of sugar addiction.  Many of you shared concerns for how to handle cravings.  In the past 2 years I've experimented with recipes to do just that.This "sugar" cookie recipe I developed this past Christmas is, so far, the best I've come up with (in my own opinion of course).  I modified the traditional sugar cookie recipe found in the Betty Crocker cookbook.  I hope you enjoy these!   - Shannon

Cookies

2 cups gluten-free flour mix (or white rice flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp xanthum gum
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cup Xylitol (found in natural food section)
1/2 cup butter (or I used 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup coconut butter..also in natural food store - no reason really, I was just out of butter!)
4 tsp vanilla extract (or you could use other extracts like lemon, rum, almond)
1 egg

1.    In medium bowl mix flour,baking powder, xanthum gum, cinnamon, and salt
2.    In large bowl combine sugar and butter mix well
3.    Add egg and vanilla (and other) extract to sugar and butter, mix in flour mixture well,
4.    Chill in refrigerator 2 hrs.
5.    Pre heat oven to 350 F,Grease baking sheet
6.    Shaping options:  Roll dough into 6-1 1/2 inch log rolls,slice into 1/4 inch slices.  Or..roll         out flat: about 1/4 inch (I used non-sweetened vanilla protein powder to keep it from         sticking...adds more flavor)  and cut into shapes.  Place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart
7. Bake for 10-12 min or until golden brown.

Makes about a dozen.

Frosting

Okay, these are rough estimates because I wasn’t really using a solid recipe here.

1/4 c coconut butter (or reg butter if dairy is okay)
1/4 c sour cream
1 - 2 teaspoons xanthum gum
One dropper of liquid stevia (if flavored, that’s fine)
Vanilla or other extracts to taste.

Whip it to desired consistency.  Texture is like marshmallow creme, taste for right amount of flavor.  Add more xanthum gum if not thick enough.

Sugar addiction is an insidious problem in America. It may not attract the attention of certain other addictions, but it is doing us no less harm.  A range of health problems stem from the over consumption of sugar including mental disorders like depression and even schizophrenia.  Read my article "Sugar Addiction and Mental Health: America Needs Rehab" at GoodTherapy.org. 

The problem is so bad, that chances are very high that either you or someone you know is addicted to sugar.  I understand what it's like to be hooked and my hope is that this article will help you, or someone you love, get unhooked.   Whatever action you take, it's good to know your options!

Shannon