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CHOCOLATE CRINKLES

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES

Sometimes I bake... the other night after dinner I really wanted to bake some cookies. I couldn't decide between yummy/healthy cookies or sugary/chocolaty/fatteningly delicious cookies. So I made both!

Oddly enough, the healthy oatmeal cookies turned out to be a much bigger hit with my family. The chocolate crinkles are more bitter, like dark chocolate. I liked them because I love dark chocolate, so give them a try if you dare (Recipe from Real Simple).

But..... you should definitely try the yummy banana oatmeal chip cookies (Recipe from Carrots 'N' Cake). There were a few ingredients in this recipe that I didn't have on hand and definitely did not want to search for them in a grocery store so I substituted some:
AGAVE NECTAR = HONEY
SOY MILK = 1% MILK
CHOCOLATE CHIPS = RAISINS
I also didn't have flaxseed meal :( so I just trashed that and added some toasted WHEAT GERM.

Wheat Germ Benefits:
*B vitamins
*Calcium
*Comples carbs
*Fiber
*Iron
*Magnesium
*Manganese
*Omega-3 fatty acids
*Phosphorus
*Potassium
*Protein
*Selemium
*Vitamin E
*Zinc
As you can see, the benefits are endless and quite substantial! It is particularly high in Vitamin E with is great for the skin and has anti-aging properties. The secret to the fountain of youth:)

Cinnamon Heals

I believe that Cinnamon is a little stick of heaven.

In all it's glory, it adds sass and flavor to anything from spaghetti to fruit.

Since I'm a Reader's Digest junky, I was reading up on some of their new articles.

Recently published, 10 Healing Herbs and Spices was right up my alley and Cinnamon happened to be the highlight of the article. Let me share with you the benefits of this little guy!

Cinnamon on toast or oatmeal is so tasty it's hard to believe the brown powder has any health benefits at all, but it's actually one of the most powerful healing spices. It's become most famous for its ability to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Some of its natural compounds improve insulin function, significantly lowering blood sugar with as little as 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon a day. The same amount could cut triglycerides and total cholesterol levels by 12 to 30 percent. The apple pie spice can even help prevent blood clots, making it especially heart smart.

Like many other spices, cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's been shown to conquer E. coli, among other types of bacteria. Researchers have even discovered recently that it's rich in antioxidants called polyphenols — another reason it's good for your heart. It's also high in fiber (after all, it comes from the bark of a tree) and can reduce heartburn in some people.

To read about the other natural heal ailments in the goodness of nature:

http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/10-healing-herbs-and-spices/article180480.html