My Attempt At Somewhat Healthy Cookies
Today I am giving you a gift. What you choose to do with it is up to you but I recommend taking advantage of it. Yes, I have fallen into the whole love affair thing with Ree Drummond, AKA The Pioneer Woman (http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/)
She at least admits it when she uses an obscene amount of heavy cream in her Alfredo Sauce, unlike Paula Deen who assumes you won't bat an eye :)
Have you noticed how expensive kid's snacks are? Take granola bars for example. If I buy a huge box at Costco, the kids and Ray get so sick of them by the time they are halfway done. Alternatively, if I buy smaller boxes in a variety of flavors they are gone within 3 days.
So, in an effort to save a few bucks in that department I have been looking at some homemade options. I just read that the majority of a family's grocery bill tends towards the pre made snacks for kid's lunch boxes and the home pantry. It's a racket I tell you!
I love Monster Cookies and Sensei Ree has a fabulous recipe. I thought this might be a good one to consider some minor alterations to provide a bit more health to it. Yes, they still have butter but you could swap out Earth Balance for the butter, if you wish. This is a great dump and mix recipe. This makes a big batch so you could freeze some to pull out when needed.
Ree Drummond's Monster Cookies with Jessica's Minor Attempts to Make it More Healthy:
1 cup soft butter
1 cup natural peanut butter
1cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
(OK, I know we aren't off to a great start here. Bear in mind, I said MINOR changes so stay with me!)
Cream together in mixer
Then:
Add 2 farm fresh eggs (doesn't that sound healthier, farm fresh?)
2 tsp vanilla
Beat well
In separate bowl combine the following:
1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup ground flax
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking soda
See? Now we are getting somewhere!
Add to creamed mixture a little at a time until fully incorporated.
Add:
2 and 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (see, dark chocolate is OK because Dr. Oz says it is. Works for me.)
1 cup rice krispies (OK, make your adjustments here - there are healthier versions of rice krispies out there with Enviro Kids and Trader Joes providing some options.) You can also eliminate altogether but I have to admit, that little crunch is pretty nice.)
Now, you also can swap out the chocolate (who in their right mind would do such a thing?) with dried cranberries, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, pecans, etc.
Bake at 350 for about 13-14 minutes until cookies are golden brown.
I know it still isn't great but the health content is at least better!
As you can see, Jaimey adores them. |
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