OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

Oatmeal raisin cookies are one of my favorites, so I experimented to come up with a healthy version, and we happened to like the first try!  If you don't like raisins, use other dried fruit.  I've found that if we store them in the freezer, we aren't tempted to eat them as frequently.  We try to limit ourselves to a couple each day.  This is a budget-friendly recipe.

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt (opt.)

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon allspice

2 egg whites or 1 whole egg

1/4 cup agave or honey

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons canola or other oil

1 tablespoons molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (opt.)

In a mixing bowl, stir together oats, flour, baking powder, soda, salt if desired, and spices.  In another bowl, whisk together egg whites or egg, agave or honey, applesauce, oil, molasses, and vanilla.  Stir into dry ingredients until well mixed.  Fold in raisins and walnuts.  Drop by rounded teaspoons onto oiled baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees about 10 minutes, or until firm.  Makes about 3 dozen.