Food of the Week [Part II]: Oats at Her Active Life

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Food of the Week [Part II]: Oats

Posted December 2, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Health, Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Recipes, Vegetarianism

Oatmeal Cookies Yesterday we introduced you to oats, the Food of the Week that is so much more than a breakfast cereal. As a high-fiber, low-fat food, oats are an ideal addition to diverse recipes, and can be incorporated into everything from burger patties to casseroles to savory dips.

Oats are healthy for the whole family, but have special benefits for women. Studies show that pre-menopausal women who eat the most fiber have the lowest risk of developing breast cancer, and that the fiber found in whole-grains offered the most protection. You should aim for 10 grams of whole-grain fiber each day (one bowl of oatmeal contains around 3.5 grams).

‘Tis the season for satisfying your sweet tooth, so we’ve added oats and wheat germ to a peanut butter cookie recipe, making it a high-fiber treat for the entire family or as the perfect cookie for your holiday baking exchange with friends (if you don’t participate in one, consider starting an exchange this year rather than the usual gift-giving tradition). Use natural peanut butter for a richer, less sugary taste.

Recipe Profile

Perfect For: A healthier alternative to traditional holiday desserts

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

1/3 cup margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 tbsp baking soda

Cream together the margarine and sugar, then add the nut butter and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet mixture and stir until “just combined.” Roll the dough into balls, then press the tops down with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.