Health Nut Cookie Bars

The original recipe for the cookies was adapted from our favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, this one goes further in its changes, backing out the added sugars.

Note - we found out by accident that if you leave the batter in the refrigerator overnight, it will turn much sweeter, due to the raisins and other dried fruit releasing its sugars.  I've not tried it but believe that you can replicate this faster by blending some of the raisins with a bit of water and adding it to the batter before baking.


Veggie Cookie Bars 

• 2 med/large zucchini
• 2 large apples
• 3 large carrots

Shred all into large bowl

• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 T cinnamon
• 2 organic eggs or chia “eggs” (2 Tblsp chia soaked in ½ cup water for 15 minutes)
• 1 cup applesauce

Mix together then mix with shredded produce

ADD:

• 4 cups oatmeal
• 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• optional - if these are not sweet enough for the kids, your choices are to add more dried fruit (pineapple works very well) or to use a little date sugar or other sweetener.  

Mix all together until combined, press into 11x17 baking dish in a thin layer, about 1/2"
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes