Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/3 cup canola oil

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

2 cups oats

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/2 cup raisins

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, applesauce, oil, and syrup until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and allspice; gradually beat into applesauce mixture until blended. Stir in raisins.

Drop batter by heaping tablespoons onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. (I used a cookie scoop.) Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until the top is beginning to brown. Let stand on cookie sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack. Makes 24 cookies.

No-Bake Energy Bars

Feel free to experiment with a variety of dried fruit and nuts. I spread the batter in a loaf pan and cut it into six bars.

No-Bake Energy Bars

1 cup oats, uncooked

1/3 cup dried fruit (any kind)

1/3 cup chopped nuts (any kind) 

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 tbsp honey

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all together and spread in pan and refrigerate for 2 hours. 

Slice into bars and store in the fridge.

Delicious Low-Sugar Muffins

These are wonderfully moist muffins with a sweetness from applesauce and fruit. Enjoy!

Low-Sugar Muffins

4 Tbl. butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 cup applesauce
6 ounces plain low-fat yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour)
2 Tbl. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins, etc.) OR fresh or frozen blueberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tins (10-12 muffin cups) or line with paper liners.

Combine softened butter, egg, applesauce, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix well.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a second bowl. Add fruit and nuts.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Spoon into muffin tins. (I used my large cookie scoop.) Bake 20-22 minutes. Remove immediately from muffin tins and place on a wire rack to cool.

Makes 10-12