breakfast cookies

SNEAKY CHEF’S BREAKFAST COOKIES

Nutrition Highlights: whole grains, calcium, and protein. Rich in vitamins B and E, iron, potassium, folic acid, calcium, tryptophan protein, and fiber.

2 cups whole grain cereal flakes (such as Wheaties or Total)
3/4 cup Flour Blend (1/4 cup white flour, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, and 1/4 cup wheat germ)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Cinnamon sugar for dusting*
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray with oil).
Using a rolling pin, gently crush the cereal (in a sealed plastic bag) into coarsely crushed flakes. Alternatively, you can quickly pulse the cereal in a food processor.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Flour Blend, crushed cereal, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, oil, vanilla, and ricotta cheese. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Drop single tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving about an inch between cookies. Flatten cookies with the back of a fork and then sprinkle tops generously with cinnamon sugar (or just sugar if your kids don’t like the cinnamon flavor). Bake about 18 to 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and crispy around the edges.
Makes 16 to 18 large cookies.

*Cinnamon has been found to help stabilize blood-glucose levels, thereby preventing the usual “crash and burn” feeling we all get after eating sweets.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

1 pkg (18-1/4oz) devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup peanut butter chips

In a mixing bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, and oil (batter will be stiff). Stir in chips. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until a slight indentation remains when lightly touched. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. *Note: I've found that the Betty Crocker cake mixes work the best with this recipe.

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

2 C Sugar
1\2 C Butter
1\2 C Milk
3 Tbs Cocoa
1\2 C Peanut Butter
3 C Oatmeal
1 tsp Vanilla
Dash Salt

Combine first four ingredients then cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Boil 1 minute remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients then combine quickly and drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper. Chill