[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
April 14, 2014 at 7:56 pmWelcome 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
April 14, 2014 at 9:13 pmThat’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
April 14, 2014 at 10:49 pmSo 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
April 15, 2014 at 6:49 amLoki 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
April 14, 2014 at 11:29 pmSeeing 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
April 14, 2014 at 11:38 pmThose 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
April 15, 2014 at 1:47 amI’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
April 15, 2014 at 7:26 amWould love to see the pictures of Loki in the yard.
Thanks.
Dazzle59
April 15, 2014 at 7:26 amHi 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
April 15, 2014 at 7:26 amWould 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
April 15, 2014 at 7:35 amIt isn’t a picture if it isn’t cat photobombed!
Silvia Sanchez
April 15, 2014 at 8:29 amWelcome back. Big hug.
Sandra
April 15, 2014 at 8:55 amHurray! So glad to see you back and feeling better!
Chessie
April 15, 2014 at 9:16 amI’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
April 15, 2014 at 9:37 amHi Susan, I love your website,Thank you for sharing your recipes.
Laloofah
April 15, 2014 at 10:03 amI, 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
April 15, 2014 at 10:22 amWelcome 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
April 15, 2014 at 10:31 amI’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
April 15, 2014 at 11:58 amI 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
April 15, 2014 at 12:45 pmSusan,
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
April 15, 2014 at 12:48 pmWould love to see more pictures of Loki.
Emma Copland
April 15, 2014 at 1:17 pmThese sound amazing I cannot wait to try them out and share them with my friends. I hope that you have a speedy recovery.
Tracy
April 15, 2014 at 3:49 pmHi Susan, this recipe looks great and Loki is adorable, I for one would love to see some photos 🙂
Tracy
Wendy
April 15, 2014 at 7:39 pmSusan 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
April 15, 2014 at 7:58 pmI 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
April 15, 2014 at 8:51 pmWelcome 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
April 15, 2014 at 10:12 pmWelcome 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
April 15, 2014 at 10:15 pmYes I would like to see more of Loki. I love animals (dogs more than cats).
Joslyn
Rosalie
April 16, 2014 at 12:14 amHi 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
April 16, 2014 at 12:49 amA BIG YES TO SEE LOKI
Angela W
April 16, 2014 at 9:25 amSo glad you are doing well. I have your cookies in the oven RIGHT NOW! Can’t wait to try them.
Amy
April 16, 2014 at 10:12 amHi 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
April 16, 2014 at 11:34 amYes! More photos of Loki!!
Asa
April 16, 2014 at 2:53 pmYes, please. Do a Loki splash-out! I am now heading to make these lovely-looking cookies.
Ă…sa
alice
April 17, 2014 at 2:41 amWondering 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
April 17, 2014 at 6:58 amI 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
April 17, 2014 at 10:23 amHello 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
April 17, 2014 at 3:50 pmWould love to see your pics of Loki!!
Amy
April 17, 2014 at 10:46 pmI 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
April 18, 2014 at 5:35 pmCAN YOU FREEZE THESE COOKIES? ALSO IS THEIR AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DATES AND RAISENS? SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF SUGAR.
Thomas
April 18, 2014 at 6:28 pmHey 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
April 19, 2014 at 5:24 pmI 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!