Dried Fruit and Spice Oatmeal Cookies

This Raisin and Spice Oatmeal Cookies ties up the spice theme in the Gilmore Park Church community kitchen. Besides the benefit of spices, this cookie also has the goodness from oatmeal.

Here is an excerpt that Minoo shared in the community kitchen on the reasons to eat oatmeal.

1. Many studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or bad cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. The result is that you’ll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
4. With the exception of certain flavoured varieties, the oats found in your grocery stores are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredients… rolled oats.
5. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
6. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
7. the fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
8. Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup raisins
• 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cups (packed) dark brown sugar
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats

Source: this recipe is adapted from Epicurious.com

Makes about 40 cookies