I think by now many of you have probably figured out that Mountain Man has a sweet tooth and while I don't necessarily approve the lot seems to fall on me to feed it. One of the things I attempt to do is at least make sweet treats semi-healthy. I do mean semi-healthy as in my mind a cookie really never is very healthy, but, that does not deter Mountain Man in the least and since he is able to wear it off and rarely ever gain more than a few pounds in the winter I figure he deserves it. Besides! After that wonderful coffee table he built I'm willing to make him all the sweets he wants.... Umm.... please don't tell him I said that....
One of the things I love about this recipe is its longevity. By using a mix recipe I can have his special treat ready in no time. It actually takes much longer to heat up the wood stove's oven than it does to get the cookies ready to bake.
The Mix
3 cups brown sugar, packed
6 cups rolled oats
4 cups flour, (I use whole wheat but that can turn some people off as it changes the taste a bit)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 pound shortening
1 1/2 cups coconut, shredded
2 cups raisins (I used dried cranberries this time as I ran out of raisins)
1 cup chocolate chips
Measure the first six ingredients into a large bowl and mix well, then add the shortening, again being careful to mix well. Don't be afraid to change up the last three items to your favorite proportions as long it adds up to the same amount. Finally add the last three ingredients and after mixing store up to six weeks in your refrigerator.
Ready to go into the fridge
Making the Cookies
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups cookie mixture
In a medium sized bowl whisk together the egg, milk and vanilla. Add the cookie mixture and mix well. It can take a few minutes of mixing to get it the liquids incorporated.
Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Squash down a bit with a sugared fork unless you like them really puffy.
Bake in 350 degree oven for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
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Okay, I gotta try these. I agree that they're not completely unhealthy. Like you, I also try to incorporate healthy things into "sweets". Having the mix done up is a bonus. BTW, I made your scones and they're now on my favorites list. Take care. Gloria
ReplyDeleteAnother great recipe I need to try. I was thinking about making oatmeal cookies but I think I'm going to try yours this weekend. Tonight, I'm making Flan, that is if I can get my rear in gear. Worked in the yard today, a bit tired.
ReplyDeleteCan you change shortening to butter?
ReplyDeleteYes, I have and it works fine. :)
DeleteI love make-ahead mixes for the convenience...thanks for sharing on the Seasonal Celebration linky! That's where I found this :)
ReplyDeleteTried these yesterday and even though I didn't include the chocolate chips, they still tasted really delicious- thank you for sharing this with us. I'm so glad you dropped by and I welcomed this contribution last week to the Seasonal Celebration Linky- a great collection of seasonal recipes, homemaking, crafts, homeschooling and motherhood- thank you!
ReplyDeleteSeasonal Celebration is live once more, so feel free to pop over and join this wonderful celebration of creative talent! http://naturalmothersnetwork.com Rebecca x
Glo,
ReplyDeleteI finally tried your cookie recipe and I have to tell you, the cookies are fabulous. Now I know why Mountain Man loves them. Can't wait for Bulldog Man to come home from work and try them.
I made one batch and then I froze the other 3 batches using my food saving machine. Thank you my friend so much for sharing this recipe.