Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Family Cookies

This week, I had to do a French project on a food that meant something to my family, but of course I focused more on the "make food!" aspect. I couldn't think of a recipe that was very traditional in my family that I could bring into French class and discuss. My great aunt's birthday cake and our favorite crumb cake would be too difficult to transport. I couldn't say enough about pretzels with ham to fill up a presentation.
I decided to just page through my new copy of King Arthur Flour Whole Wheat Baking and find something that appealed to me, which luckily I did. These really epitomize my family. I love oatmeal cookies. My mother is crazy for peanut butter cookies, my sister is a chocolate chip cookie lady, and I substituted half the chocolate chips in the original recipe for walnuts for my dad (healthy Omega-3!). In addition, these have no flour, so with a little tweaking my aunt could have these gluten- and dairy-free.
So here is my adaptation of "Nutty for Oats" cookies: "Family Cookies!"

2/3c smooth peanut butter
4T butter
3/4c packed light or dark brown sugar
1t vanilla extract
1/2t salt
1/4t baking soda
2 large eggs
2 1/2c old-fashioned rolled oats
1c chocolate chips
1c walnuts

Heat the oven to 350F and grease two baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.


Grind 1 cup of the oats in a food processor for 30 seconds.


Cream the first six ingredients in a medium bowl, then beat in the eggs.


Add the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts.


Drop onto pans with a teaspoon and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until just set and beginning to brown around the edges.


Cool on pans, and enjoy!

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