Cookies and a Thanksgiving Wish

I’ve been on a bit of a ‘cookie-crave’ lately, don’t know why but I hope it’s not permanent LOL.

For the most part, desserts of any type are one food ‘group’ I can usually resist. Exception: chocolate, of course. But then, that kind of goes without saying, right?    🙂

So, what’s the best answer if the Cookie Monster comes to call LOL!! Make cookies with lots of nutritious ingredients, natch.

These Kid’s Choice Cookies from my cookbook: Not Just for Vegetarians and are chock-full of goodies and lower in sugar than most ‘kitchen sink’ type cookie recipes I’ve tried in the past (recipe to follow at the end of this post). Do let me know if you give this recipe a try!!! 

I made this batch yesterday with dried cranberries instead of the usual raisins, in keeping with the Thanksgiving spirit.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, Joe and I will be helping out at a church supper tomorrow for homeless people in our area. This is a long-time tradition I personally have tried to participate in, as often as I can on holidays. It has been so rewarding to be a part of these dinners/lunches/gatherings over the years and it’s never been a case of ‘giving back’ but rather, getting so much in return.

For me, being there, meeting so many wonderful people who are  in need/facing truly hard times  and also those who come out to help, has always put things in my own life, into perspective. Over and over, I’ve been reminded just how fortunate I am; even when I’ve been faced with what has seemed at times to be, insurmountable problems and sadness to bear. 

 So many people who never expected to be living below the poverty line, often tragically on the streets, are. And the problem is getting worse it seems, at least here in Canada.  

My Thanksgiving wish for all of you is to be reminded of what really counts and what remains important, no matter what our circumstances and what life brings. And to cherish all the special people and moments along the way. 

Lots of Hugs, G :<)      

 

KID’S CHOICE COOKIES

These cookies are full of yummy ingredients and will be a big hit with the whole gang!! Lower in sugar than most cookie recipes too.

  Makes 3-4 dozen large cookies, depending on how big you make them.

1 C. butter or margarine (Earth Balance works great)

2  free-range eggs, beaten

½ to ¾ C. dark brown sugar (to taste)

2 C. unbleached white flour (or 1 C. whole wheat pastry flour and 1 C. white)

1 teas. baking soda

½ teas. sea salt

1 C. uncooked rolled oats

1 C. raisins or dried cranberries

1 C. semi-sweet chocolate or carob chips

½ C. unsweetened flaked coconut and ½ C. wheat germ (see note below)**

grated rind of one large orange

¼- ½ C. (approx.) milk or soy milk

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, eggs and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients, except for the milk.

Add to first mixture, alternately with milk, until you have a firm dough.

Allow dough to chill in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Now for the fun part, get the kid’s to pitch in (if any are available to help)! Lightly flour hands, form dough into balls  (about 1-1/2” in diameter) and place 2” apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Flatten each cookie with a lightly- floured fork.

Bake 12-14 minutes until golden. Reduce heat if browning too quickly. These freeze well too. 

**For extra flavor, toast the wheat germ and coconut slightly, before adding to recipe.

Recipe from Not Just for Vegetarians.  All rights reserved.