Recipe Thursday: Sugarless Oatmeal Carrot Cookies

I love to bake and am always looking to expand my recipe collection to include treats made without sugar, white flour or anything processed.  Here's my own recipe for Carrot-Oatmeal Cookies.  

1 stick butter, softened to room temp.

2/3 c. honey

1 egg

1/2 tsp. natural vanilla

1 large carrot, grated

1 c. + 3 tbsp. organic wheat flour

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1 3/4 c. oats

1 c. raisins

1 c. chopped walnuts

1/4 c. dried cherries

Preheat oven to 350˚

1. Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together and set aside.

2. Mix the softened butter and honey together until smooth.  Add the vanilla and egg, mix thoroughly.  Add carrots and mix evenly.

3. Combine flour mixture and carrot mixture.  Mix until even.  Add oats and mix until even.

4. Add raisins, walnuts and cherries; lightly mix to distribute.

5. Drop teaspoon-fulls onto parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes.  Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

 

A Word on Leprechauns

Stories of leprechauns have been interwoven into the folklore of Ireland for hundred of years. These mythological creatures are believed to live amongst the green clover of the Emerald Isle, busying themselves tending their hidden stashes of riches. Legend has it that their pots of gold can be found at the end of rainbows. These elfin fellows take the form of little men, dressed in buckled shoes, top hats and coats and they make as much mischief as time allows. They've remained elusive creatures over the years and although one has yet to be captured, tales of their exploits continue to be written.

Sunshine in the Garden

Typical of later winter in Southern California, we've had a run of chilly breezes and sunshine for the last several days.  Perfect weather for tending flower beds and pulling a few weeds.  A few shots of the less-weedy areas: