Let's Talk Cookies

Most of us want a cookie every now and then, right? Give these a try. Recipe, as I received it from a friend, is below with my comments added.

Pumpkin-Oatmeal Raisin (or Chocolate) Cookies

Prep: 30 mins

Cooking: 14 mins

Level: Easy

Cooling: 15 mins

Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour and a little walnut meal for about 1/2 cup)

• 1 1/3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened (I try to use half unsalted butter and half greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. The last two make the batter runnier, so you might need less than the one cup.)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar (I never pack it, and usually use less at least 1/4 less than what is called for)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (Again, I use about half and substitute with honey or agave nectar)

• 1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (if desired)

• 3/4 cup raisins (I used dark chocolate chips!)

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease baking sheets. 

COMBINE flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 14 to16 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned and set in centers. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

To be totally honest, my cookies don't always turn out perfectly but they can always curb the sweet tooth! The more unsweetened and unsalted food you eat; the less you will want/crave in the future!

Action item: Try these the next time you want some cookies! Oatmeal, pumpkin, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, honey, and dark chocolate are all much better choices and can provide your body with fuel. Please keep in mind -- they are cookies and they do provide CALORIES. So watch your portions. But wouldn't you feel better feeding this to yourself or your child than a cookie with white flour and tons of sugar?

For Further Reading: 10 Totally Unexpected Ways to Cook with Pumpkin or try a faster cookie recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies (again, I recommend trying it with less sugar!) 

Greek Yogurt

If you're not eating Greek yogurt already, you should give it a try! We tried it a few years ago and Ron mentioned that the plain would be a good substitute for sour cream. Since then, our Mexican food is topped with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. So good! Then I started adding it to recipes. The first time was just because I was out of something else, but it's great for baking because it keeps the items (usually cookies or muffins in my case) very moist while also adding protein!

Many people prefer Greek yogurt for the thicker, creamier texture; buy plain and add your own fruit and/or add lowfat granola for extra flavor and texture for a healthy snack. I've noticed that the individual containers have MUCH less sugar than regular yogurt (though I recommend large containers to be kind to Mother Earth). Even blueberry Greek yogurt, for example, has 6 grams of sugar in one serving and I bet 20-something in "regular" yogurt with fruit. More on that topic later.


Action item: Try using Greek yogurt this week... as a snack, in a recipe or as a substitute for sour cream.

For further reading: Baking with Greek Yogurt - I haven't tried any of these recipes, but they sure look tempting!