Time to join Cookies Annonymous (CA)

I have a problem with cookies…I can’t help it.

I am forever in search of the perfect cookie recipe. A cookie that can be appreciated by all. From the carb counters to the diabetics to the careful parents and the sweet toothers. I have made endless batches of cookies in my kitchen. When I was pregnant, most of the cookies were high in fat, chocolate and sugar, however now that I have children, my focus has shifted and I am now baking low sugar/healthier cookies. I have a cookie on my website www.simplyfoodonline.com for Oatmeal Raisin Butter Cookies, which I am pretty happy with, but I was looking for something better, maybe a recipe where I did not have to add any sweetener (I only use Organic Agave Nectar) at all. What I found I have placed below. Holy Cow! These moist cookies can be eaten without much guilt at all. Without any added fat or sugar (besides that which is found naturally in the added fruit, this one is a true winner. I have tweaked it a bit and noted that you can add 2 tablespoons of organic agave nectar if you want to sweeten it even more. Another addition, if you like, in place of cocoa or carob powder, add a teaspoon of vanilla…YUM!!!

No-Sugar Date Chewies

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mash bananas in a bowl, leaving some little chunks.
In a medium bowl add the egg whites and mix with bananas (at this time add agave nectar, if you are using it)
Then add the dates and the raisins and mix well or until the fruit is coated with the egg mixture
Add the oatmeal and the cocoa/carob powder
Use parchment paper or non-stick cookie sheets to bake cookies
Bake for 22-25 minutes
Remove promptly from oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack



Ingredients:
2 bananas (ripe)
2 egg whites (cage free eggs)
1 cup dates, chopped or ground
2/3 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned work best)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder, or 1 tablespoon carob powder or 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
2 table spoons agave nectar (for added sweetness if you desire, but truthfully, not needed)

Egg Free-Peanut Free Yummy Cookies

A recipe revision that worked out well.

Last weekend I spent some time with a friend whose children have some food allergies, so I set out to make a cookie that everyone could eat.
I had to make sure that it was free of peanuts and eggs. I used the Oatmeal Raisin Butter Cookie recipe as my guide and replaced the eggs with 3/4 cup of natural applesauce. I then made them as bar cookies, used a 9"x11" greased pan. They turned out very well. The only problem, I ate most of them and there were little left for the kids.


So, if you must steer clear of peanuts and/or eggs, this cookie recipe is for you!

You can find the original Oatmeal Raisin Butter Cookie recipe at www.simplyfoodonline.com/desserts.htm

Have a great cookie day!
Oatmeal Raisin Butter Bar Cookies (peanut and egg free)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Using mixer beat together butter and applesauce
3. Add agave nectar
4. Add vanilla
5. Beat for two minutes on high
6. Add baking powder and baking soda
7. Add cinnamon and nutmeg
8. Beat on medium for one minute
9. Slowly add flour
10. Add oatmeal
11. Beat on low for one minute
12. Fold in raisins
13. Pour cookie dough into a greased 9"x 11" baking pan
14. Bake for 18-20 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 cup organic butter-softened
· ¾ cup organic agave nectar
· 3/4 cup natural applesauce
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· ¼ teaspoon baking soda
· 1 tablespoon organic vanilla
· ½ teaspoon cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon nutmeg
· 1 ¾ cups unbleached all purpose flour
· 2 cups oatmeal
· 1 cup organic raisins (for plumper, juicier raisins, cook on medium heat in sauce pan with 1 cup water for 5 minutes, remove and drain)