Women Cookie Recipes

Cherries contain quercetin, a flavonoid that research suggests may help stave off heart disease. The combination of tart dried cherries and ground flaxseed gives these cookies a one-two disease-fighting punch-not to mention great crunch.

1 cup quick-cooking (not instant) oatmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
1/2 cup finely ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Heat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, stir together oatmeal, flour, cherries, flaxseed, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine sugar and oil into a paste. Whisk in 1 tablespoon water, the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir into oatmeal mixture just until blended; do not overmix. Drop level tablespoonfuls of dough 2 to 3 inches apart onto greased baking sheet. Press with dampened fingers into level 3-inch rounds. Bake in center of oven 10 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Cool on baking sheet 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER COOKIE:
89 calories
12 g carbohydrate
4 g fat
2 g protein
2 g fiber