Chewy Oatmeal Apple Squares*

These squares are not only tasty they’re really healthy. I started making these when I began the “F Factor Diet” last year. Packed with lots of fiber. Not bad for a good-for-you cookie. Try them and you’ll see; it’s hard to just eat one!

Remember, life is as sweet as you make it.

Quantity: ¼ sheet pan about 24 pieces

Oven Temperature and Cooking Time: 350ºF - 20 to 30 minutes

Equipment

Mixer fitted with paddle

Measuring spoons and cups

Bowls

Spatula

¼ size sheet pan and parchment paper

Baking pan spray

Chef’s knife & cutting board

Wooden spoon

Skillet to toast grains

Ingredients

1 stick of butter

1 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp. maple syrup

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 1/3 old fashioned oats (lightly toasted)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup flax seed flour (lightly toasted)

1/4 cup wheat germ (lightly toasted)

1 cup dried apple slices (finely diced)

1 cup other dried fruit of choice

1 cup nuts chopped (lightly toasted)

½ cup chocolate chips

Directions

Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper and pan-spray the sides.
In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle, cream the butter, sugar, maple syrup, baking soda, baking powder, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Beat in the egg.
Add the oats, flour, dried fruits, nuts and chocolate chips. Mix until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Wet your hands with cold water and spread the batter out evenly in the pan.
Bake in a 350°F oven until the edges are nice browned and the center is set to the touch, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven. Cool and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.