Vegan Cookie Dough "Blizzard"

I stumbled across this post by OhSheGlows (probably through my new pinterest addiction umm enthusiasm) for a vegan cookie dough blizzard that looked super intriguing since I don't like regular cookie dough. I also loved the idea of using pureed frozen bananas and almond milk to form the frozen yogurt base - a healthy twist on dessert, perfect for the new year. Even wife, who loves regular cookie dough, was sold on these vegan cookie dough balls. You just make up a batch, freeze them, and tuck them away for an occasional late night sweet craving, though you'll also get protein and some omega-3's!  (at least with my modifications :P)
I also refer you to OhSheGlows' food shots, which are just gorgeous. Mine of course did not look nearly so pretty. (and aren't ready to post yet either)

Vegan Cookie Dough Balls Yield: 1 cup packed cookie dough

Adapted from OhSheGlows

• 1/2 cup unsalted walnuts
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbs rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (other flours may work)
• 1 Tbs carob powder (or cocoa) *optional
• 1 Tbs almond butter (or peanut butter, but the peanut flavor will be far more noticeable)
• 1 Tbs chia seeds (optional, could also use sesame seeds) *optional
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (to start)
• 1.5 tbsp sugar (could use cane sugar - I would leave this out entirely if using chocolate chips as opposed to cacao nibs, or some combo of choc chips + ground coffee beans)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup (or a bit more if dough is too dry)
• ~1/8 cup cacao nibs (or 1/8- 1/4 c. dark chocolate chips or add in some crushed decaf coffee beans or ground coffee)

1. Run the walnuts and oats in a food processor until finely crumbled.
2. Add in the flour, almond butter, carob, chia seeds, salt and sugar and pulse a couple of times to combine.
3. Add in the maple syrup and vanilla and pulse until combined. Then add in cacao nibs and stir by hand or process. Form into balls about 2 tsp worth of dough? (I got about 16 out). Store in freezer.

To make the "blizzard", you need 3 frozen bananas (for 2 servings), some almond milk (or regular milk), your food processor (since it's already dirty) or a blender, and 2-3 cookie dough balls. Puree the bananas first, adding just as much milk as needed to puree. Then add in the cookie dough balls and puree until chunky. serve immediately. SOOOO good.