These healthier cookies will be devoured by kids of all ages. The dates, walnuts, and oats provide nutrition in the form of fiber, fat, and complex carbohydrates, respectively, which will help fuel their bodies and minds while doin readin, writin, and 'rithmetic. And better still, they won't come home feeling ravenous and bedraggled. Pack these cookies in the freezer and dole them out all month in lunch boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lard, softened, plus more for greasing the pans
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease two baking sheets with lard and set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer on low speed, cream together the lard and sugar thoroughly. Add the eggs and beat well. Add the orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda; mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the oats, dates, and walnuts.
Using a teaspoon, drop by the spoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are set and the edges are golden brown. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Print this recipe
Submitted 10/1/13.
Source: Lard: The Lost Art of Cooking with Your Grandmother's Secret Ingredient by the Editors of Grit Magazine
Submitted By: B Smith
School Day Cookies