[Note: This post is from 2014. I’m all better now!] Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. My surgery went very well, and I’m up and about and feeling more normal every day. Your emails and messages of support have meant so much to me and are surely speeding up my recovery.
Resting and recuperating gave me an unexpected opportunity to sample other people’s cooking. For the first week post-surgery, friends brought food daily, and it was a great help and comfort not to have to worry about feeding my family. The meals were all vegan, nutritious, and delicious, and I acquired a couple of new recipes that I’ll be making for myself (and sharing with you) soon.
One of the treats we sampled was my friend Stacy’s oatmeal cookies. Made with both ground and unground oats, Stacy’s cookies were low in sugar but very tasty. I could tell by the texture that they weren’t fat-free (and they contained chocolate chips) but they provided the inspiration for my no-fat version. Instead of oil, I used an apple, and to play off the apple flavor, I added pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). The cookies turned out moist and dense, not your traditional crisp cookie but one my family loved. I hope yours will love them, too.
(Loki fans: Scroll down past the recipe for a little treat!)
Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds or ground flax seeds
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 cup regular or quick oats (use certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice see Notes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt optional
- 1 large apple cored and chopped
- 2 ounces pitted and chopped dates (about 4 medjool dates or 1/4 cup packed chopped dates)
- 1/8 cup water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds (or ground flaxseed) with the warm water and set aside until thickened.
- In a dry blender or food processor, grind one cup of the oats. Pour it into a mixing bowl and add the unground oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the raisins.
- Place the apple, dates, 1/8 cup water, and apple cider vinegar in the blender. Blend until it’s about the consistency of apple sauce. Pour it into the oat mixture along with the chia “egg” and stir to combine.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork. Bake for about 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Nutritional info is approximate.
Look who learned to jump on the table! Loki is growing up. He’s lost his fluffy “baby fur” and has grown long and sleek. He no longer needs to climb on a chair or up a pants leg to reach high places. He wants to sniff everything, and while I was taking the photos of these cookies, he jumped on the table so many times that I finally had to put him in “time out” in another room. He’s going to make food photography very challenging.
Over the weekend, Loki got to spend some time in the back yard (under close supervision) and I took a few (hundred) photos of him. If you’d like to see some of them, let me know in the comments and I may have a Loki photo post later this week.
Enjoy!
Ruth
Welcome back, Susan! Don’t know what made me check the site today, but I’m glad I did – these cookies sound delicious! I’ve already printed out the recipe to try later this week when I’m baking. And yes, I’d definitely like to see more of Loki! Due to a family member with allergies, pets are no longer an option, so I love seeing pictures (or videos!) of other people’s pets, especially cats.
Cadry
That’s so sweet that you’ve been well taken care of and that people are bringing you tasty vegan treats! You certainly deserve it! Of course, I’m always in favor of more Loki photos. 🙂
Werner
So very, very glad you’re back and on the mend. Often wondered if Loki was cuddling you during your recovery, but he sounds like a kitty on the go! Would LOVE to see more photos of the rascal when you get a chance. Cookies look fabulous, will definitely try them soon.
Susan Voisin
Loki is a great cuddler! He’s been a great comfort, curling up on my lap whenever I sit in my recliner. Since he sleeps a good part of the day, I can always count on seeing his quiet side as well as his playful one.
Rebecca
Seeing you up and about, feeling energetic enough to post this, has made me smile! So happy to hear you’re recovery is going smoothly and that you’re feeling well. And I’m quite sure a Loki photo post would go over very well, indeed (please). XO
Lilly
Those cookies look quite yumilicious! So glad you are recovering well and got some TLC that you so deserve. I’d love to see more photos of Loci, that little fur muffin is adorable!
Vegyogini
I’m so happy to hear you’re recovering well! It sounds like you have a truly supportive community caring for you.
I adopted 2 kittens from the same litter in 1990 as a high school freshman and they used to climb up my pants legs, too! I can’t believe Loki did that as a baby; I thought it was just my little guys who were that mischievous.
Dana
Would love to see the pictures of Loki in the yard.
Thanks.
Dazzle59
Hi Susan! So glad you are back and on the mend. We missed you! How nice that you have caring friends to feed YOU for a change. Thanks for the yummy cookie recipe and Loki update. Would love more photos of that darlin’ boy. Take care and welcome back!
Sandi McMahill
Would love to see pics of Loki. He is precious. So glad surgery went well and you are gaining your strength back. I am thankful to have found your blog as I was changing my eating habits. Now…it is like you are part of my family.
Tanya A
It isn’t a picture if it isn’t cat photobombed!
Silvia Sanchez
Welcome back. Big hug.
Sandra
Hurray! So glad to see you back and feeling better!
Chessie
I’m glad to hear that you are on the mend! I’ve bookmarked these cookies to try ASAP.
Would it ever be possible to have too many photos of Loki?
Patty
Hi Susan, I love your website,Thank you for sharing your recipes.
Laloofah
I, too, am glad you’re well on your way to full recovery – I credit your food and those Loki cuddles. And I imagine the outpouring of love from your considerable fan base didn’t hurt either! <3
These cookies look yummy – I imagine we'll especially enjoy them in the Autumn, but have no intention of waiting 6 months to test that theory. 🙂
Keep feeling better, and keep those Loki pics coming!
moonwatcher
Welcome Back, Susan!
So good to hear from you that everything went well, and that you’ve got another wonderful recipe to share with us. These cookies look great! My kind of cookie. I am not required to furnish refreshments at my neighborhood meeting, but I just might make these (as long as they aren’t considered a bribe!! LOL) One local business owner joked with me that he’d come if I made tea and crumpets. Perhaps these would be close enough. . .
I had to laugh at Loki’s persistence in getting into the food shots. Animals have a way at making themselves included in things other than them that absorb us. When I was recording a radio program years ago regularly at home on the new and full moon, my golden retriever would always pick key moments to get up and her paws would click loudly on the bamboo floor as she made sure to walk right past me–just to get in on the act, I suspect!
So happy you are feeling well and enjoying being up and about. Many blessings for continued healing and good health.
xoxo
moonwatcher
Jill
I’d love a Loki post. I’m glad to hear you’re recovering nicely. You’ve been on my thoughts daily as I’ve focused on cooking your recipes. Yum-m. Last night and night before we had Cabbage Noodle Soup-one of our favorites. Thanks for being there for us
Marty
I def don’t like my kitties on the kitchen counters or table, but to them I know it’s just another surface.!
I’d love to see more pics of Loki! I’m always taking pics of my kits (11 of them), no one but my husband or other kitty friends appreciate them.
Cheryl
Susan,
First, I’m so relieved to hear you are recuperating. We have missed you so much.
Yes, please more Loki pictures! I told hubby I have fallen in love with someone from the internet. Apparently he knows me so well, as he didn’t bat an eye.. then I had to admit, it was Loki. LOL!
Loki looks a little similar to a beloved cat we once had, that we named Squeakers, as he was long, and had breathing problems when he was little.
More more more! lol
Jacki Lariviere
Would love to see more pictures of Loki.
Emma Copland
These sound amazing I cannot wait to try them out and share them with my friends. I hope that you have a speedy recovery.
Tracy
Hi Susan, this recipe looks great and Loki is adorable, I for one would love to see some photos 🙂
Tracy
Wendy
Susan so glad you are feeling better…. These look fabulous , will be trying them out this weekend !!! As for Loki please post pictures, I love being able to see him grow up and enjoy the stories about him!!
Em
I plan on making these for breakfast for my picky on the go DD who often skips breakfast- I think she will love these. And yes!- more Loki. So adorable 🙂
Debbie
Welcome back, Susan! I’m glad to hear your friends & family have been taking care of you. I have been vegetarian/nearly vegan for almost a year now (baby steps!) and love your website and your inspiration. Can’t wait to try these cookies, as I have discovered many food items I never thought I would like. I find myself looking forward to new recipes to try, especially soups. As for Loki? No question we want more pics! Cats are my favorite animals and I look forward to you sharing any and all stories. I am nearing retirement so waiting on getting another cat until then, but am already looking forward to my next furry buddy!
Tom
Welcome Back. I am so pleased you continue to heal and feel better. This is wonderful news. You are so cared about and appreciated. And clearly not just by us on your site, but your neighbors, bringing such wonderful food over. So blessed. Recipe looks great and the photography, colors and font choice is flawless. WELL DONE Susan. Loki is beyond adorable. What a lucky cat!!!! Much care always Susan. Appreciation. Respect. Tom
Joslyn
Yes I would like to see more of Loki. I love animals (dogs more than cats).
Joslyn
Rosalie
Hi Susan,
Do hope you are recovering. Our positive thoughts have been with you! While i am grateful for your wonderful recipes (can’t wait to try the oatmeal cookies) I would love to see pics of Loki. Would love to share pics of m 3 kitties too!
Thanks, Rosalie
lee silverstein
A BIG YES TO SEE LOKI
Angela W
So glad you are doing well. I have your cookies in the oven RIGHT NOW! Can’t wait to try them.
Amy
Hi Susan,
I am also very glad to see you back and healing. Your website has become a staple for my family and me, and we are so very appreciative of you, and what you add to the world! Many thanks, and best wishes for a continued smooth recovery.
Patti Rubin
Yes! More photos of Loki!!
Asa
Yes, please. Do a Loki splash-out! I am now heading to make these lovely-looking cookies.
Åsa
alice
Wondering what your experience has been with using Xylitol as the sweetener substitute in baking these and other items, I prefer its flavour to stevia, but wondered how it performs.
Susan Voisin
I haven’t used Xylitol, so I can’t say. I have used erythritol to replace sugar 1:1, and I thought it was overly artificial tasting. Whatever kind of sugar substitute you use, I think it’s important not to use too much, just enought to give a hint of sweetness.
Liliana
Hello from the UK! Good to see you and the cat back! I hope your recovery is speedy. These biscuits look good and I am always up for guilt-freeish biscuits! 🙂
I always love to see animal’s pictures! As the proud owner of three little furry get-into-trouble & jump on-where-I fancy animals, I know the challenges! I don’t mind, though, they are gorgeous! I recently got them a massive climbing scratchy post and I could not work for I was too busy looking at them having fun with it and I was too busy taking pictures? Work? Later! xxx
Carol Ehteshami
Would love to see your pics of Loki!!
Amy
I made these tonight and our family of 6 loved them! I think it’s brilliant that you have an Eat to Live section on your blog. Thanks so much!
D'AYANNA HICKS
CAN YOU FREEZE THESE COOKIES? ALSO IS THEIR AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DATES AND RAISENS? SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF SUGAR.
Thomas
Hey Susan,
I just wanted to stop by and give this awesome recipe a try! I actually made some earlier and they were fantastic! They aren’t too unhealthy either! As long as you eat them in portions but who doesn’t secretly over indulge in their lives sometimes?! Keep up these great posts, and recipes!
Miriam
I made a double batch of these when I needed a quick breakfast one morning for my daycare kids. Seven little children ate a total of 24 cookies! That’s what I call a success!