Recipe: Vegan/Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

     Let me confess something that may come as a shock to some of you: I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth ever. Ice cream, doughnuts, candy, cake; I'm not picky, as long as it is as sweet as can be. I try to keep my snacking to a minimum, but sometimes you just can't help yourself. Fortunately, I've found a few recipes that adapt traditionally unhealthy foods into something guilt-free. This recipe is a great substitute to the usual junk food kept in all of our cupboards, and is just as easy to throw together. Without further ado, I bring you Vegan/Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies.

     What you'll need:

• Three ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• Two cups of oats (the instant kind)
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

     In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork into a paste.

     Next, add in the applesauce. We used a cinnamon-flavored kind, but you could really use any kind that appeals to you. However, remember that these are supposed to be healthy, so avoid using a sugary brand just this once!

     Measure out two cups of oats, and add them to your bowl. The recipe that we adapted these cookies from didn't really distinguish whether to use instant or raw oats, but we settled on the instant variety we had on hand. 

Almond milk comes next. We used a vanilla-flavored almond milk, just because we already happened to have some in the fridge. I think it added some more flavor, but this is another ingredient you can chose from your favorite kind.

     For some texture and sweetness, throw in the raisins. Dried cranberries, apricots, or bananas would also be delish; use whatever your heart desires!

     Finish with vanilla and cinnamon, then combine the mixture with a wooden spoon. We decided to add some walnuts at the last minute, but that is also optional. (And, not pictured. Woops!)

     Spoon the mixture onto a greased baking sheet, and put them into a preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

     And, voila! You have a sweet treat that won't throw off your diet in the slightest. No sugar, butter, oil, or animal products; just wholesome goodness. These are also perfect for a breakfast on the go. After these were out of the oven, I was already thinking of how I could add fresh diced apple pieces or berries to a future batch. I hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

Until next time,

Heather