Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these cookies for the first time as part of my Christmas baking. These are absolutely the best cookies ever. Seriously, these are officially my favorite cookie.

Ingredients

1 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ c creamy peanut butter
½ c granulated sugar
1/3 c light brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
½ c rolled oats
1 c semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. On medium speed, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to combine. On low speed, gradually add the flour until just combined. Stir in the oats, and then the chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon drop a walnut size dough ball onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. (Note: the original recipe suggested a 3 tbsp. sized dough ball but I didn't want monster cookies). Before placing in the oven slightly smash the dough down so it is not in a ball shape. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet and then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe courtesy: Brown Eyed Baker

Apple Cinnamon Crockpot Oatmeal

I know that cooking oatmeal is not time consuming or even difficult to do on the stove; however, I still like to put everything in, turn it on, and walk away.  This version especially intrigued me, because it gave me freezer instructions, as well. I adapted it for my family's tastes. The whole family is loving this on these single digit cold mornings.

 

Ingredients
1 c old fashioned oats
1 c steel cut oats (you can use all old fashioned oats, too. We just like the texture of these.)
1/4 c flax seed (shhhhh..don't tell the kids I added something to make it healthier.  You can leave this out, as well.)
4 c milk
4 tbl brown sugar
2 tbl vanilla
2 tbl cinnamon
2 chopped apples (I have also used pears, bananas, and blueberries so far...apples have been the favorite.)

Directions
Prepare the crock pot by spraying generously with cooking spray.  Combine all ingredients and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 4-6. Check occasionally for desired texture and consistency.  Do you like it creamy or more on the dry side?

Now for the part, I was most anxious about...to freeze it for quick school morning breakfasts.

 

 

To serve from frozen, take out of the freezer, unwrap, and place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes.  We like ours with more milk on top. Try it out and let us know how you liked it.

Adapted from crockpot365

Oatmeal Pancakes

This recipe comes from my friend Lisa. These pancakes sound so delicious. She said they passed the palate test of her two kids. I can't wait to make them.

Ingredients
1/2 c regular flour
1/2 c wheat flour
1 c quick oats (optional: can grind in food processor for finner consistency)
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c milk
2 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp applesauce
2 eggs

Directions
Mix together and drop by ladle full in a skillet coated with non-stick cooking spray heated to between medium and medium-high (depending on how your stove runs).
Flip when bubbles appear and start to pop.

These can be frozen and then reheated in the microwave. My kids LOVE these!



Recipe courtesy - Lisa B of Tennessee

Brooke's Chewy Granola Bars

These granola bars are so good. You won't believe how good they smell while they bake. Everone in my family loved them. This recipe comes from my sister's best high school friend, Brooke who lives in OK with her husband & 3 kids.

Ingredients
1 c brown sugar
2/3 c all natural peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
1/2 c honey
1/2 c melted butter (I use Smart Balance or the 50/50 smart balance and butter blend)
2 tsp vanilla
3 c oatmeal
1 c chopped dried fruit (any kind or mixture)
6 tbsp ground Flaxseed or wheat germ
3/4 c of semi sweet or dark chocolate chips

Directions

In a mixing bowl combine brown sugar, peanut butter, honey, melted butter & vanilla. Stir in oats, flaxseed (or wheat germ), dried fruit & chocolate chips. Pat into a greased 15x11 jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until set & edges are browned. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. The bars stay good for 2 weeks sealed in a airtight container.

Recipe courtesy: Brooke C of OK

High Powered Snack Mix

Ingredients
2 c old fashioned oatmeal (uncooked)
1/2 c honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 c dried fruit, such as apricots, figs or prunes, sliced julienne style
1/2 c walnuts
1/2 c dry roasted sunflower kernels
1 c Life cereal
1 c Quaker Oatmeal Squares

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place oatmeal in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with cinnamon & salt. Pop it into the oven for a minute or two, then stir until the oatmeal is evenly coated. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent clumping. Remove from oven, stir in dried fruit, nuts, sunflower kernels & stir to combine. Add Life & Oatmeal Squares. Gently toss to mix. Store in airtight plastic containers.

Recipe courtesy: www.quakeroats.com

No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

2 c sugar

1/2 c milk

1/4 c butter

1/3 c cocoa

2 1/2 c quick oats

1/2 c peanut butter

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions

Combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook for two more minutes stirring constantly and then remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, then the oats. Let cool for several minutes and then drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the waxed paper.