Is There a Cookie in the House?

We all enjoy baked goods, especially at this time of year when curling up with a warm cuppa and cookie is an antidote to the winter doldrums. Is it possible to prepare or purchase cookies that contain no overprocessed or chemical ingredients and are also satisfying and delicious?

If you choose to buy packaged cookies, vigilant label reading is required. No matter how much a colour graphic on a label may attract you, go straight to the ingredient panel. That’s where you will learn what’s actually in the package. Remember that all ingredients are listed on the label in descending order by quantity.

Look at the Label

When you’re purchasing packaged cookies, look for whole grain flour in the ingredient list. Whole grains contain the natural fibres, oils, vitamins, and minerals necessary for strong, healthy bodies. Other important healthy ingredients include nuts, fresh and dried fruits, real dairy ingredients, and unrefined sweeteners.

Try to avoid cookies with artificial colouring, refined sugar, fructose, corn syrup, artificial flavouring, modified starch, hydrogenated fats, and preservatives.

Go Gluten-Free

Consumers are now demanding more gluten-free products. Many types of delicious cookies are available that use grains other than whole wheat, such as rice, oats, corn, and millet.
Your local health food store offers choices that allow you to experience either the convenience of buying delicious and healthy cookies or the satisfaction of preparing them
from scratch.

Tips for Home-Made Cookies

1. Mix wet ingredients separately from dry ingredients, then combine them. Cream butter or oil well with the sweetener for a light, smooth texture.
2. To flatten cookies, use your fingers, the bottom of a tumbler, or a fork, dipping often in water to prevent sticking.
3. Always cool cookies on a rack.

Recipe

• Apricot Almond Biscotti