Oatmeal Trail Mix Cookies

I got this from some cooking magazine (can't remember which one). The recipe here is as written in the magazine, and below are the changes I use. 




Oatmeal trail mix cookies. 
> 2/3 c all purpose flour
> 1/2 tsp baking soda
> 1/2 tsp salt
> 1/2 c unsalted butter, softened
> 1/2 c packed brown sugar
> 1 egg
> 1 Tblsp rum or orange juice
> 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
> 1 1/2 c quick cooking oats
> 3/4 c mixed dried fruit
> 2/3 c chocolate chips
> 1/2 c sweetened flaked coconut
> 1/3 c roasted salted nuts/ seeds


1. Heat oven 375' F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Wisk flour, baking soda, & salt in small bowl.


2. Beat butter & sugar in large bowl until light & fluffy. Beat in egg, rum, & vanilla until smooth. Slowly beat in flour mixture until just wet. Stir in remaining ingredients. Dough will be stiff. 


3. Drop dough by 1 1/2 tablespoons on prepared sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 8-11 minutes or until golden brown & set. Cool completely on wire rack. 


Per cookie: 140 calories, 7.5 g total fat, 17.5 g carbohydrates, 20 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 1.5 g fiber


I always make Double batch (use Huge bowl), use whole wheat flour, cut out half the sugar, cut out the salt but use salted butter, and sub 1/2 c butter for 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce/pear puree (for double batch). 


I've put in a variety of different dried fruits and nuts/seeds and only had two batches I didn't like. I've even used spinach/pea/pear puree and they turned out great! Who knew, a cookie with vegetables. :)  I can tell you prunes do NOT work well in this recipe nor did I like toasted sesame seeds (but this could just be my taste). 


Obviously these substitutes change the nutritional value. :)


Enjoy!

Jessica's Potatoes O'Brien casserole

32 oz. Potatoes O'Brien (thawed)

1 cup plain yogurt/sour cream

1 cup shredded cheese (any flavor)

1 cup milk

4 oz can of chopped chilies
10 oz chopped spinach
1 tsp salt

1 lb browned, seasoned ground meat or finely chopped meat (for me, the spicier the better) 

1 large tomato sliced thinely
Salt to season top of Tomatoes

Preheat oven 350' F

Thoroughly Mix all ingredients except tomatoes. Pour into 9X13 Greased pan. Place sliced tomatoes on top and lightly salt.

Bake 1 hour.

Substitute/add variety of vegetables that you and your family like.  

Jessica's Avocado Salad

2 avocados

1 small tomato finely chopped

1 tsp finely chopped cilantro

1 Tbl finely chopped sweet onion

1 Tbl balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Cut fresh avocados in half. Remove pit. Scoop from skin with spoon- try not to break halves. Mix rest of ingredients in small bowl. Divide mixture into the avocado halves (where pit once was).

Enjoy!

other ingredients also taste good in mixture: 2 cloves garlic, green onion (instead of sweet)