Fun Fuel Recipe

We are getting ready to head to Colorado for a little family vacation, and since it will definitely be a vacation filled with hiking, fishing, swimming and other activities, I thought I would make up some healthy snacks to take along with us to keep everyone going.

One of our family favorites is what we like to call "Fun Fuel."  I received the core of this recipe from a good friend back in college, and have tweaked it a little here and there to come up with this final product.  Please don't slap my hand for calling them healthy - yes, they have sugar and fat in them, but far less than regular cookie recipes.  And, once you see the nutritious ingredients on the list, you'll know that they go way beyond the average cookie!

I haven't tried to make them with a gluten-free flour combination, so if any of my readers out there give it a whirl and find success, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!! I'll do a gluten-free post and feature you as my guest!!

FUN FUEL: Our Version of a Healthy Cookie...

1 stick butter (or you may use 3/4 c. canola oil)

1/2 c. agave nectar (you may use honey, but the flavor is stronger)

1/2 c. packed brown sugar (white works too)

3/4 c. natural peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

Cream these ingredients together until they are well combined.  Then add:

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla (less if you prefer a milder flavor)

Mix well, then add:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon (more or less if you like)

1/2 tsp. nutmeg (more or less if you like)

1 c. wheat germ

1/2 c. ground flax seed

After these ingredients are well blended, you can add the following and mix by hand:

1/2 to 1 cup finely grated unsweetened coconut

3/4 c. mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

1/2 c. raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or pecans)

2 c. rolled oats

The dough will be very thick.  Drop by the tablespoon onto a cookie sheet.  I like to use a melon ball scoop to make the cookies uniform.  They will not spread out when baked, so I pat the cookies down on top before baking.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Makes 60-70 cookies. Enjoy!