This week’s cookie was inspired by our assistant’s 9 year-old son Zack. Santa gave him a cookbook for Christmas and he found a recipe in it that he thought our guests here at Foxfield Inn might like. When the first try didn’t work out quite right we set about making changes to get the cookie looking and tasting like we wanted. We think we’ve got it now. So, here is the recipe for Zack’s cookies.
ZACK’S FRUIT & NUT COOKIES
2 cups oatmeal, old-fashioned
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
25 dried apricots
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine oatmeal, flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix well. Add chopped apricots and mix well (may need to use your fingers to separate the apricots). Add the walnuts and mix well.
In a smaller bowl or measuring cup combine the water, vanilla, maple syrup and vegetable oil. Stir well.
Pour the liquids into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Let rest for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets. Pat the cookies down to the shape you want (they do not change shape much in the oven).
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 18-24 cookies.
Pictured: Ingredients, Zack adding the oil, Zack mixing batter
