Friday, April 13, 2012

Oatmeal breakfast cookies



 I had a little mishap in the kitchen this afternoon. What was suppose to be a healthy oatmeal cookie took a bit of a different turn.

 After baking a couple batches of sandwich buns and a double batch of granola bars, I decided to make some cookies. As I was getting ready to add the sugar I really looked at the recipe and simply couldn't bring myself to add the one full cup of sugar. I stopped what I was about to do and took a minute to think.

  I studied the recipe and decide to just try something different. After thinking about it for a couple minutes my mind began to race with all the possibilities. I'm pretty happy with what happened. The end result was yummy but not overly sweet. Probably not a great dessert cookie, but perfect for those morning when you need something quick as you run out the door.

  Did I mention that these yummy wholesome bites pack a pretty healthy punch? They have flax which fights cholesterol, Chia seeds which are full of fiber, Omega-3's and protein and oats, which are a great source of fiber among other things.

 So here it is, Oatmeal breakfast cookies!

Oatmeal Breakfast cookies:


1/2 cup canola oil
1 medium banana mashed
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk (or soy, almond, or coconut milk)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 cups quick oats
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup nutmeg
2 Tbsp flax seeds
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

**If you like your oatmeal sweet, or are looking for a more traditional cookie sweetness, add 1/4 cup brown sugar to your wet ingredients**

 Gently stir together the wet ingredients. In another bowl mix the dry ingredients together. Slowly combine the two mixtures until mixed well.

  Roll one inch balls and flatten to half an inch between your palms. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.


  Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

  Cool on a wire rack.


 You can enjoy these fresh or freeze them (once they are cooled) and grab a couple on your way out the door.

 Enjoy :)





Saturday, April 7, 2012

Bringing the campfire snacks inside!


Tonight's snack was S'mores cups. It's perfect weather for S'mores, but not quite campfire time. I found this little gem on pintrest and thought I'd give it a go. Kids loved it! They had a friend over to play and watch a movie and they all cleaned it :)

I altered this a bit to use just the basics.

S'mores cups:

Graham cracker crumbs
Chocolate (I just used Easter eggs chopped up)
Marshmallows

Layer graham cracker crumbs, chocolate and then marshmallows in a small glass jar. I used small mason jars. Place in preheated oven (preheated to 350) on a cookie sheet, and cook until marshmallows are toasty brown. Remove, allow to cool for a few minutes, wrap glass in tea towel to allow little hands to handle and serve!




Enjoy!