Iced Oatmeal Cookies

We used to have this thing for iced oatmeal cookies.

And by that I mean, the hubs and I would devour a package or so every week.

The perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, this homemade version does not disappoint.

We like things a little more mellow at our house, so I cut down the sugar as well as the amount of icing.  Feel free to check out the original recipe if you have a larger sweet tooth.

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe modified from Bake-a-Holic

1 c. shortening

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3 c. regular rolled oats

Combine shortening, sugars and eggs, mixing until fluffy.

Add vanilla.

Combine flour, soda, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl, and gradually add to creamed mixture.

Mix in oatmeal.

Let mixture stand for 5 minutes, and then mix again.

Accounting for the cookies spread, arrange 6 at a time on lined baking sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes - edges will be golden, but the middle will look undercooked.

Cool on sheet on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on wire racks.

Makes 2-3 dozen.

Icing

1 egg white

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 c. powdered sugar

Beat well.

Hold cookies by outside edges and dip upside down in icing.

Let harden on wire racks.

White Chocolate Strawberry Granola Bars

Granola bars have become on of our family favorite go to snacks.  These AMAZING ones were adapted from this recipe (another favorite).  These are not your typical crunchy granola bars.  These bake up almost more like a cookie; soft and chewy.

  You could use any combination of dried or freeze dried fruit, but I especially love this with the strawberries and/or raspberries.

White Chocolate Strawberry Granola Bars

Recipe modified from here

1/4 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp. wheat germ

2 Tbsp. honey

2 c. regular rolled oats

1 c. wheat flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. freeze dried strawberries

1/3 c. white chocolate chips

Beat butter and brown sugar until crumbly.

Add egg and vanilla and beat well.

Add wheat germ and honey ad beat until smooth.

In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda.

Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just blended.

Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips.

Wet hands slightly and press into a greased 11x7" baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes, or until set and edges are lightly browned.

Cool for 10 minutes in dish, and then cut into bars.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Cranberry Orange Almond Bites

This is one of those great recipes that you can mix with pretty much any combination of nuts and dried fruit to make a healthier 'fruit snack' of sorts.  I molded these into mini ice cube trays for bite sized pieces and we all loved them.

If you are new to essential oils, or simply don't want to use them, these would still be great without them.  I happen to love the added boost of citrus flavor.

Cranberry Orange Almond Bites

Recipe idea from Chocolate Covered Katie

1/2 c. craisins

1/2 c. sliced or slivered almonds (or cashew pieces)

6 Tbsp. quick oats

1/8 tsp. salt

5-10 drops wild orange essential oils (or lemon)

Place all ingredients in a food process and process very well, until dough becomes sticky and clumps together.

Form into balls or press into mini molds or ice cube trays.

Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

5 Grain Cereal

I grew up on oatmeal and germade.  Surprisingly, I also grew up hating both of them.  As a mother, I understand completely why my own served it to me regularly.  Cheap, filling and so much better for you than the alternative cold "sugar" cereal.

I have been experimenting with different hot cereal variations to try and find something that I personally like.  This is my favorite option so far, which completely came as a shock to me since it has the same texture/consistency as germade.  But the flavor is SO much better!  I also like the fact that it uses grains that I typically don't consume very often.

5 Grain Cereal

Recipe from Blendec

1 c. oat groats

1/2 c. millet

1/2 c. barley

1/2 c. brown rice

1/2 c. cornmeal

Add all ingredients to blender in order listed.

Press "speed up" to Speed 4, let run for 10-12 seconds, and press "pulse" to stop.

**If you don't have a blendtec, just blend it up until it is cornmeal consistency

To prepare hot cereal:

Whisk 1 c. water per 1/3 c. cereal in a saucepan.

Reduce heat, ans simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

I like mine with a drizzle of honey, fresh fruit and milk.

Store unused cereal in the freezer to maximize shelf life and nutrient level.

Oats and Apples

This recipe was originally meant for the crockpot, but there is just no way I am going to remember breakfast at bedtime - it wont even hit my radar.

This is basically your regular oatmeal breakfast, but with added apples, cinnamon and sugar.  Comes together quickly and I love the flavor from the spices and the crunch from the apples.

Oats and Apples

Recipe from Fabulous Food Blog

2 slices apples

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. regular oats

4 c. water

Layer apples, sugar, cinnamon, oats and water (in that order) in a medium saucepan.

Do not stir.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until oats are cooked.

Stir everything together and serve warm.

Chewy M&M Granola Bars

Yet another great granola bar recipe to add to the collection.

Chewy M&M Granola Bars

2 1/2 c. quick oats

1/2 c. Rice Krispies cereal

1/4 c. coconut

1/2 c. M&M mini's

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/4 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Add all dry ingredients and mix together until combined.

Pour in softened butter, honey and vanilla.

Fold into oat mixture until evenly coated.

Press into a sprayed 9x13" baking dish.

Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.

Cool for 10 minutes and score into bars.

Let bars cool completely before cutting.

Store in an airtight container.

No Bake Energy Bites

These bite sized oat snacks are perfect for mid-day cravings and breakfasts on the go.  They can even substitute as a "healthier" cookie for the kids.

 No Bake Energy Bites
Recipe from Smashed Peas and Carrots

1 c. regular oats
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/3 c. honey
1 c. coconut flakes
1/2 c. ground flaxseed OR wheat germ
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix everything until thoroughly incorporated.
Let chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Once chilled, roll into balls.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

**Peanut butter can be substituted for any nut butter, and the combination of mix-in options is limitless. For more of a 'cookie' bite, I'll use Nutella with almonds and mint chips.

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

These chewy snacks are somewhere in-between a granola bar and a cookie.  They have an amazingly soft and chewy texture, with the perfect combination of apples and cinnamon.
They make a great addition to breakfast, or a satisfying snack.  Seriously. Scrumptious.

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Recipe modified from Taste of Home

1/4 c. butter, softened

1 c. brown sugar

1 egg

2 Tbsp. wheat germ

2 Tbsp. honey

2 c. regular oats

1 c. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. dehydrated apple slices, chopped

Beat butter and brown sugar until crumbly.

Add egg and beat well.

Add wheat germ and honey and beat until smooth.

In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda.
Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just blended.
Fold in apples.

Wet hands slightly and press into a greased 11x7" baking dish.
Bake at 350 for 18 minutes, or until set and edges are lightly browned.
Cool 10 minutes in baking dish, and then move to a wire rack.
Cut while still warm, and press sides of each piece together to keep from crumbling when cooled completely.
Store in an airtight container.

Oatmeal Pancake Mix

This is a great tasting pancake mix that can be made ahead of time.

Mix the final result with some buttermilk and an egg and you are ready to go.

Oatmeal Pancake Mix

3 1/2 c. quick rolled oats

3 c. whole wheat flour

2 c. all-purposed flour

3 Tbsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. baking powder

1 Tbsp. salt

1 Tbsp. baking soda

1 c. vegetable oil

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mixer with a paddle (or by hand).

With mixer on slow speed, drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly while the mixer is running.

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature, or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.

Makes approximately 10 cups of dry mix

To make the pancakes:

Whisk together:

1 1/2 c. pancake mix

1 c. buttermilk

1 egg

The mixture may seem thin at first but the oats will soak up the milk as it stands - for best results, wait 30 minutes, or prepare the batter the night before.

Apple Crisp

This is my go to dessert all through the winter months!

Apple Crisp

Recipe from Sandy Bishop

8 apples, sliced

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. melted butter

3 c. oatmeal

1 c. flour

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Peel, core and slice apples.

Put in a 9x13" pan and sprinkle with lemon juice.

Blend all ingredients except butter.

Pour butter into oat mixture and stir to combine.

Spread on top of apples.

Bake at 375 for 35 minutes, until brown and bubbly.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whip cream.

Or... for the best tasting apple crisp ever - use home made apple pie filling.  Just strain the liquid from the apples, and omit the lemon juice.  Follow all other directions.  Deeeelicious!

No-Bake Chocolate Cookies

One of the easiest and best tasting cookies ever!

(At least if you are a peanut butter lover like me!)

No-Bake Chocolate Cookies

2 c. sugar

1/4 c. cocoa

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. milk

3/4 c. peanut butter

2 Tbsp. butter

2 1/2 - 3 c. oats

Combine sugar, cocoa, salt and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat, and add peanut butter and butter.

Once melted, stir in oats.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool completely. 

Italian Herbed Oatmeal Focaccia Bread

This is a great focaccia bread for sandwiches, as a side to soups and salads, or just eaten plain.  Super delicious!

Italian Herbed Oatmeal Focaccia Bread

2 Tbsp. cornmeal

1 1/2 - 2 1/4 c. flour

1 c. Oats

2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, divided

1 pkg. (2 1/4 tsp.) quick-rising yeast

2 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt, divided

1 c. water

1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

4-6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Lightly spray a 9x13" baking dish, and coat with cornmeal.

In a large bowl combine 1 c. flour, oats, 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, yeast, sugar and 1 tsp. garlic salt; mix well.

In a small saucepan, heat water and 1/4 c. olive oil to 120-130 degrees.

Add to flour mixture; mix well.

Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic (I used a kneading blade and did it in my mixer).

Cover; let rest for 10 minutes.

Pat dough into pan, pressing dough out to edges.

Using fingertips, poke indentations in surface of dough.

Brush dough with remaining oil.

Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp. garlic salt.

Arrange dried tomatoes across top, and sprinkle with cheese.

Cover; let rise in warm place 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cut into strips or squares.

Serve warm.

Yields 12 servings.

Banana Oatmeal Health Cookies

Here is a healthy alternative when you (or your kids) are craving cookies!

The only 'unhealthy' part is the chocolate chips, which you can substitue with raisins.

Banana Oatmeal Health Cookies

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. white flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. applesauce

3/4 c. honey

1/2 Tbsp. vanilla

1 1/2 Tbsp. milk

1 egg

2 1/2 c. instant oats

1/3 c. wheat germ

2 mashed bananas

1/3 c. chocolate chips or raisins

Mix all dry ingredients together.

In a seperate bowl, mix the wet ingredients together.

Mix both wet and dry together until blended.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Apple Spice Muffins

This was my third try making these, and I finally perfected them!  They are so so good!

Apple Spice Muffins

1 ¼ c. flour
¾ c. sugar
1 ¾ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ c. quick cooking oats
½ tsp. nutmeg
¾ tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ Tbsp. water
2 eggs
2 c. peeled, cored, chopped apple
¼ c. vegetable oil
½ c. applesauce
Cinnamon sugar

Prepare muffin pan by spraying with Pam. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, oats and spices. In separate bowl, mix beaten eggs, apples, oil, applesauce and water. Pour egg mixture all at once into flour mixture: stir just until flour is moistened. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each muffin (about 1 tsp. each). Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees or until tested done. Makes one dozen.

Almond Granola

Almond Granola
12-13 cups oats (2 lbs. 10oz. container)
2 c. wheat germ
1/2 c. sesame seeds
1 8oz. bag (2 c.) slivered almonds
1 14oz. bag coconut
1 1/4 c. oil (I used 1/2 vegetable oil, 1/2 olive oil)
3 c. honey
2 tsp. almond extract
1/4 c. vanilla

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Combine liquid ingredients and stir to incorporate.  Pour liquid over dry ingredients and stir, coating evenly. 

Line 3 large cookie sheets with tin foil, and cover with an even layer of granola.  Bake at 300 for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until top is golden brown.

Yields 2 gallon ziplock bags.