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Carrot Oatmeal Cookies

These carrot-flecked cookies my mom made when I was growing up now get a thumbs-up from my own kids.

—CANDACE ZAUGG EAGAR, AZ

PREP: 30 MIN. + CHILLING BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH MAKES: 6 DOZEN

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup shortening

1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cups packed brown sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups shredded carrots

4 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in carrots. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

PER SERVING 1 cookie equals 147 cal., 8 g fat (3 g sat. fat), 19 mg chol., 133 mg sodium, 18 g carb., 1 g fiber, 2 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat, 1 starch.