How I love Sundays! Today was pure bliss; coffee, newspaper, couch, husband, dog, episodes of Parenthood, and White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oat Breakfast Cookies. I do have to admit, I almost feel a little guilty about lounging around for an entire day. No studying, no exercising, no housework. Society tells us we need to be multitasking, continually doing something, and being productive at all times. It is easy to fall into this go, go, go mentality. Many times we push ourselves until we are physically and mentally exhausted. You know what I am talking about; being so tired you come home from work to fall down on the couch and fall asleep instantly, snapping at loved ones because you feel like you have given all your patience away already, or even becoming physically ill. It is not healthy to live that way.
We must allow ourselves some downtime throughout the week. We must honor our body and mind and be thankful for all that we are able to do. We must slow down and listen to the cues our body gives us. We forget that our body is truly a work of art; it is pretty amazing to think that our body does not forget to breath, the heart does not forget to beat, and that our system has an innate ability to heal itself by itself. When we allow ourselves to slow down we are able to be more aware of what we need. For me, that is rest; for you, maybe it's the same, maybe its exercise, time to prepare a healthy meal, or time to spend with your spouse. Do not ignore these signs; embrace them, follow through with them and be ok with not checking everything off of your to do list today. There is always tomorrow and your spouse, kids, and loved ones will thank you.
If you are looking for a little treat for breakfast or a healthy dessert-type of addition to your children's lunch box or even your own, White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oat Breakfast Cookies will fit the bill. They are soft, slightly chewy, subtly sweet and made with half whole wheat flour, no butter, and applesauce instead of oil. I am planning on snacking on these throughout the week and bringing some in for my co-workers. Do you think they have realized they are guinea pigs for all of my creations? I doubt they mind!
White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oat Breakfast Cookies
Adapted from Taste of Home Magazine's Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (dairy or soy would work)
3/4 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup dried cranberries
Directions:
1. In large bowl, mix brown sugar, eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt; stir into batter.
3. Stir in oats, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper or greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for
10-12 minutes or until bottoms are slightly browned.
Yield: 3 dozen
- White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oat Breakfast Cookies are a great mid-week treat that will not completely derail your healthy eating plans! Take the time to slow down here and there this week and listen to your body. You are good to everybody else so be good to yourself too!
