“Treat” Yourself to a Cookie

Who doesn’t love to eat a really tasty cookie? A cookie is a “treat” and just because it‘s a “treat” doesn’t mean that it should be unhealthy filled with white sugar and bad fats. Instead a “treat” should consist of nutritious foods that do not compromise our health.

Now I didn’t say that a “treat” didn’t give rise to weight gain but, it does depend on how many you eat. By using buckwheat flour which doesn't contain gluten, this cookie is perfect if you have gluten sensitivities. If not, then go ahead and use wholewheat/spelt or amount flours.

Use the most nutritious ingredients that you can find, and if possible, grind the flour fresh. Use fresh pineapple and organic eggs and real vanilla extract. The nuts and seeds should not be rancid. If you buy them in the bulk food section this is quite possible that they are.

In this easy, delicious and satisfying dense cookie recipe you can add any type nut or seed you prefer. This recipe makes approx. 4 dozen medium size cookies or 3 dozen large cookies. You can freeze the batter or freeze the cookie….that's if there's any leftover. These cookies are a great treat to take along as fuel for a long hike or a long car ride. Kids will love them too! Yummy!!!

Preheat oven to 350 F (200 C)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500 ml) buckwheat flour
• 1 cup (250 ml) rolled oats
• 1 cup (250 ml) nuts and seeds (pumpkin, walnut, sunflower, etc) OR 2 cups (500 ml) trail mix
• 1 cup (250 ml) raisins or currants
• ½ cup (125 ml) dried fruit (mango, apricot, date, etc) optional
• 1 cup (250 ml) carob chips
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 4 whole eggs
• 1 1/2 cup (375 ml) crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup (250 ml) unpasteurized honey or coconut palm sugar
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh squeezed orange juice (optional)

Suggestion

Try adding 2 or 3 scoops of Vanilla or Chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients.

Directions

• Add first 5 dry ingredients to large mixing bowl.
• In small bowl add beaten eggs, pineapple with juice, honey and mix well.
• Add wet ingredients to dry and blend.
• Add orange juice if needed for more liquid.
• Spoon onto greased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes approximately 3 dozen medium sized cookies. Let cool and enjoy, but not too many at one time or you’re bound to add a few pound to your waistline. Remember that a “treat” is only meant to be eaten on rare occasions other wise it’s no longer a “treat”...it’s a staple.

Bon Appetite!...TKH