I love to bake goodies for my co-workers, so I created this healthier version of the classic oatmeal cookie. This way, I don’t get blamed for ruining any diets!
—SHARON BALESTRA BLOOMFIELD, NY
PREP: 35 MIN. • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 6 DOZEN
2 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 cup pitted dried plums, chopped
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1. In a small bowl, combine water and flaxseed. In a large bowl, combine the plums, dates and raisins. Cover with boiling water. Let flaxseed and plum mixtures stand for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in the applesauce, maple syrup and orange peel. Combine the oats, flours, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Drain plum mixture; stir plum mixture and flaxseed into the dough.
3. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-11 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
PER SERVING 1 cookie equals 56 cal., 1 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 5 mg chol., 40 mg sodium, 11 g carb., 1 g fiber, 1 g pro. Diabetic Exchange: 1 starch.