Saturday, November 3, 2007

Recipe: The Great Pumpkin Cookie

The Great Pumpkin Cookie by Valory (my daughter)
High in fiber which will slow down the absorption of the sugar.
A great source of vit A which is an antioxidant.

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 ¼ cups pumpkin
1 ½ whole grain flour (wheat, oat, spelt)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 ½ cups oatmeal, uncooked
1 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

1. Mix butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl
2.
Add eggs and pumpkin to sugar mixture. Mix
3.
Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4.
Stir in oatmeal and raisins.
5.
Drop a spoonful of dough on a greased cookie sheet.
6.
Use your fingers to press and shape into a pumpkin if you want.
7.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Makes about 2 dozen cookies

What do I do with all this candy?

That is what I always ask myself at this time of the year? Here are some ideas to think about. I usually let my kids have a couple of pieces and I'll have one myself. Then I will get some healthy snacks or candies and trade with them. I have also traded the unhealthy candy for $, like 10 cents a piece then we can go to the dollar store or garage sales which my kids love. You could trade for special activities or special time with mom or dad. I think you get the idea, here. Or you could just throw it all away (which I still end up doing with some) but this approach is more gentle and fun for the kids. One idea that I have heard of is taking the old candy and making wreaths out of them or making streamer (garland) for Christmas. Just remember if it is in view you and your loved ones will eat it.