Slow Living with Sweet Laurel Bakery

After receiving a diagnosis for a rare autoimmune disorder, Laurel Gallucci opted for a holistic transformation and began her journey to health by shifting to a grain free, refined sugar free, and dairy free diet.  Blossoming from her desire to recreate the treats she enjoyed prior to her lifestyle changes, Laurel took to the kitchen and began baking. After consistent positive feedback from family and friends, she was inspired to make these decadent treats available for the masses. Thus spoke Sweet Laurel Bakery.Now, Sweet Laurel has amassed a serious cult following in LA - all trailing after her cakes, classes, workshops and products. After sitting down with Laurel to chat about her journey (and make her killer chocolate chip cookies--recipe to follow) we have a feeling there’s a lot more sweet magic happening over at the Sweet Laurel headquarters.  Sweet Laurel Chocolate Chip CookiesFor about 12 one-tablespoon cookies.2 cups almond flour or hazelnut flour1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt1/4 cup coconut oil, melted1/4 cup 100% maple syrup1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup homemade chocolate chips (recipe below)Preheat oven to 350. Stir together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.  Separately, whisk together all wet ingredients and stir into the dry ingredients. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Place one to two inch balls of batter onto greased and parchment lined baking pans and lightly press down. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until just golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and place the cookies on a cooling rack. Homemade Chocolate Chips4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (100% cacao), organic is preferred2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup (or more depending on how dark you like it)Break baking chocolate into one inch pieces and place in thick saucepan or double boiler. Over a very low heat, melt baking chocolate. Once melted, take off heat and add maple syrup and stir. Pour chocolate onto parchment paper and spread into a rectangle, about 8x12 inches. Place parchment in freezer. Once hardened (will take a few minutes), break off pieces and use as needed.https://youtu.be/YLsUjxDGUrQ