Oatmeal Date Cookies

The dates and toothsome oats keep this cookie soft and chewy.

1/2 cup (125 mL) whole dates
1/3 cup (80 mL) orange juice
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
3/4 cup (180 mL) coconut oil
1/4 cup (60 mL) date sugar
1 large free-range egg
1/2 cup (125 mL) whole wheat flour
1/4 cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) rolled oats
1/4 cup (60 mL) dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped mixed dried fruit, such as pineapple, mango, and raisins

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).

Simmer dates with orange juice until very tender. Stir in vanilla. Purée to a smooth paste.

Using electric mixer, beat oil with date sugar. Beat in egg, then add date purée.

Stir flours together with baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Beat into mixture, then beat in oats, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.

Drop cookies by large spoonfuls onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly press down to flatten slightly. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes 24 cookies.

Each cookie contains: 137 calories, 2 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 17 g total carbohydrates (6 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 215 mg sodium

source: "Make It a Date!", alive #374, December 2013