I don't think there's much of an argument to the fact that everyone loves cookies. You meet your occasional cake-hater, a nonchocoholic here and an ice cream criticizer there. However, the one thing that all of those people will have in common is that they like cookies. I'm guessing that most of those people (myself included) could also stand to get a few more veggies and a few less calories into their diet. Impossible, you say? Just wait until you try these delicious treats!
In this recipe, the apple and the carrot add the moisture and sweetness that would normally come from butter and sugar - cutting the added sugar in half and reducing the fat by one third! Heart-healthy olive oil is substituted for butter, and white flour for a more substantial whole grain flour. The dark chocolate chips sweeten the deal and deliver antioxidants.
Ingredients
1 cup oats
1 cup finely chopped apple
1 cup finely chopped carrot
2 cups whole grain wheat flour (or substitute white whole wheat flour for a smoother texture)
2/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
2 eggs
Procedure
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
Combine sugars, salt, baking soda, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Lightly beat egg and add. Add all other ingredients and stir well until fully incorporated.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes per batch. Makes about 2 dozen.
Tip
Cookies may be dropped fairly close together on baking sheet as they do not spread much.
