Healthy cookie bars might fit the bill

Published 9:17 am Monday, November 15, 2010

Lynnwood cook Helen Forsythe writes, “I offer the enclosed recipe to the group of silver-haired ladies who wrote you on July 31 seeking a healthy cookie recipe called Dr. Cookie. I can’t locate that recipe, but I hope this one for pecan power bars appeals.

“We really enjoy your column and find many enjoyable dishes using your readers’ recipes. Thank you!”

In case the second recipe today isn’t “it” in the case of the request from our silver-haired ladies, Melissa Logstrom of Edmonds says she is willing to continue searching for the right one.

In the meantime, she also says, “I happen to own the ‘Dr. Cookie Cookbook’ and have included a copy of what I assume is the recipe being requested.”

Pecan power bars

1egg

3/4cup honey

1/4cup canola oil

1teaspoon vanilla extract

1cup grated carrots

1cup chopped pitted prunes

1/2cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

1cup whole-wheat flour

1cup instant oats

1/2teaspoon baking soda

1/2teaspoon salt

1/4teaspoon allspice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square pan.

In a large bowl, beat together the egg, honey, oil and vanilla until blended. Stir in carrots, prunes and nuts. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and allspice; stir into the honey mixture until well combined.

Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.

Makes 12 bars.

Dr. Cookie for the purist

3/4cup oil

1cup brown sugar

2eggs

1teaspoon vanilla

1cup whole-wheat flour

1cup wheat germ

1/2teaspoon salt

2teaspoons baking soda

3/4cup carob chips or chocolate chips

1cup sunflower seeds

In a mixing bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, wheat germ, salt and baking soda and mix well. Mix in the carob or chocolate chips and sunflower seeds.

Drop by the teaspoonful onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Don’t overcook. Voila! The perfect cookie!

The next Forum will appear in Wednesday’s Good Life section.