Five-Star Cookies

These nutty, moist cookies are satisfying without being too sweet.

This recipe uses healthy barley flakes, which are slightly crisper than oatmeal. They are available from most health food stores.

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes


You Will Need
2 tablespoons hazelnuts, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
1/4 cup pitted dried dates, finely chopped
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 cup barley flakes
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons apple juice

What to Do
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the chopped hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, apricots, and dates together in a bowl. Add the sugar, barley flakes, flour, and baking soda, and stir to combine.

2. Mix together the canola oil and apple juice, and pour over the dry mixture. Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

3. Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Using the back of a fork dipped in flour, gently flatten each ball and neaten the edges with your fingers.

4. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool. These can be kept in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Makes 16 cookies

Some More Ideas:

• Use unsalted cashew nuts instead of hazelnuts.
• Substitute oatmeal for the barley flakes.

Each cookie provides: Calories 61, fat 3 g, saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, sodium 41 mg, carbohydrates 9 g, fiber 1 g, protein 1 g.