Who doesn't enjoy a treat without the guilt? These cookies fit that bill. They are loaded with whole grains and nuts, sweetened with raisins and maple syrup, and are free of processed fats. Much like a homemade granola bar without being off the charts in sugar and fat, they are also quite tasty.
I adapted this recipe from Dr. Neal D. Barnard's book Foods That Fight Pain. Dr. Barnard founded The PCRM (Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine) and is proving the benefits of following a plant-based diet. I am extremely proud to have been recently accepted to a training program to become an instructor and representative for the PCRM's Food For Life program. I will look forward to sharing the knowledge that I gain with you in the near future.
If you are interested in access to other great recipes and information from the PCRM, they have great sites filled with terrific information on health care and nutrition, as well as simple plant-based recipes. PCRM.org and NutritionMD.org
Oatmeal Cookies | |
Makes 24 2 inch cookies | |
For all ingredients, please use those that are organic or grown without pesticides. | |
Adapted and made gluten-free from the recipe in Foods That Fight Pain (Three Rivers Press; 1999) by Neal D. Barnard, M.D. | |
1/3 cup | almond, soy, or rice milk |
1/3 cup | maple syrup |
4 teaspoons | cider vinegar |
2 teaspoons | vanilla extract |
1 cup | gluten-free rolled oats |
1 cup | gluten-free oat flour (original recipe calls for barley flour) |
1 teaspoon | ground cinnamon |
1 teaspoon | aluminum free baking powder |
1/4 teaspoon | baking soda |
1/4 teaspoon | sea salt |
1/2 cup | raisins, coarsely chopped |
1/2 cup | walnuts, coarsely chopped |
2 teaspoons | coconut oil or vegetable oil spray to grease the pan |
Preheat the oven to 350 F. | |
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the plant-based milk of your choice, syrup, vinegar, and vanilla. | |
In a large bowl, mix the oats, oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the chopped raisins and walnuts and stir to combine. | |
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix completely. | |
Use a pastry brush to lightly coat a baking sheet with the coconut oil or use vegetable spray. | |
Use a 1 1/4 inch ice cream scoop with a spring release to scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the cookies down into rounds. They will not spread at all during baking. | |
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bottoms of the cookies are beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and cool. | |
The cookies are best within the first couple of days while they are crispy, but will keep for about a week at room temperature. |