Oatmeal (And Bean!) Raisin Cookies

Don't knock these until you try them! Being a vegetarian, I try to find as many ways as possible to get extra protein in my diet--the beans add a savory texture to these cookies, and you won't miss the fat from the missing butter!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup  canned great northern bean (drained, reserve bean liquid)
• 3  tablespoons butter (or substitute)
• 1  cup light brown sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1  cup raisins (for variety) or 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips (for variety)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. In blender, process oats until finely ground but not powdery. Combine with flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In cleaned blender, puree beans (adding bean liquid if needed) until smooth. Combine bean puree, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl and mix very thoroughly.
4. Vigorously by hand or with electric mixer on low speed, beat in oat and flour mixture. Stir in raisins (chocolate chips) by hand.
5. Drop batter (by the tablespoon) onto baking sheets. Bake 15 to 17 minutes until centers are firm and edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Yum!