Sunday, April 18, 2010

Super Charge Me Cookies

Most people don't think I eat sweets because I choose to cut refined, white sugar out of my diet.  Those who've seen me make a healthier option, know that I do really love a good sweet every once in a while.  My friend, Alicia, sent me a link to this recipe and my husband and I made up a batch a few days ago.  They are our new favorite.  It's so nice to have a treat with whole grains and natural sweeteners.



SUPER CHARGE ME COOKIES
Makes 4 dozen cookies
4 cups quick oats
2 2/3 cups spelt flour (I use wheat because I have it)
1 tsp (rounded) sea salt
1 – 2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 –1 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit
3/4–1 cup carob or chocolate chips (optional; or use more dried fruit, nuts, or seeds--I add more raisins)
1 tbsp + 1 tsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup flax meal (not flax seed--you can grind flax seed to make the meal)
2 cups pure maple syrup *
¾ cup almond butter (may use cashew, peanut, hemp seed butter)
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In a bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, coconut, raisins, and carob or chocolate chips, sift in baking powder, and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flax meal, syrup, almond butter, and vanilla and stir until well combined. Stir in oil. Add wet mixture to dry, and stir until just well combined (do not overmix). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon batter onto baking sheet evenly space apart, and lightly flatten. Bake for 13 minutes (no longer, or they will dry out). Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute (no longer), then transfer to a cooling rack.

*Maple syrup in it's pure form can be pricey.  Doug and I experimented with 1/2 maple syrup and 1/2 agave nectar and it was still tasty (I prefer the maple-only version, but my budget does not).  I've read mixed reviews on agave lately--it's a sweetener from the blue agave cactus.  I'm bummed by the reports of it's high level of fructose because it's a favorite in our house.  I'll post an update once I've read more information.

4 comments:

  1. LOVED tasting these at your house... I will be making these soon!

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  2. These look so yummy. Where do you get almond butter? Can you use regular salt? On my next shopping trip (which is 2 weeks away) I will get these ingredients. Winco carries carob chips in bulk. If I was to add dried fruit what do you recommend? Love the recipes. I NEED to give you my black bean soup recipe. So yummy!!!! So cheap!!! and so healthy. Love you.

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  3. I make my own almond butter using a Champion juicer so it's cheaper. You can usually find it at most stores now, but a health food store should have it for sure. You can use peanut butter as well.

    You can use regular salt without a problem.

    I don't use the carob chips--Doug doesn't like them. We love raisins, so I just add more raisins. If you wanted to use another dried fruit, I am sure almost anything will work.

    Please send over your black bean soup recipe any time!

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