Some of my best friends are carbs

I don't think I have ever met a carb I didn't like, or cheese, or chocolate...oh you get the point.  As this very meaningful relationship has continued, I have begun to grow.  You can imagine, with all of the delicious food around at work, and all of the very necessary sampling, and second sampling, and sometimes third, the pounds have been adding up.  I have decided that this enlargement process has got to stop!

There are some issues with this decision, however.  As I am actually paid for this job I do, the sampling must continue.  (I guess the second and third could stop, but , and I cannot stress this enough, I love carbs.)  There is also that lack of motivation.

Now, in an attempt of size reversal, I have promised myself that I will work out.  I am embarking on this journey starting tonight with a buddy.  "I can do all things," right?  In honor of this decision, today I attempted to make some healthier recipes.  Since we are almost into my favorite season, fall and all of the glorious pumpkin and squash recipes that come with it, I have made cookies with a healthy twist.  You could also bake them as bars.  I am going to try that next.

   Pumpkin breakfast cookies

1 cup oatmeal                                            1 egg, beaten

1 cup pumpkin puree                                 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup pure maple syrup                           1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup honey                                            1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup wheat flour                                    1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup white flour                                     1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/2 cup chopped walnuts                           3/4 cup dried cranberries

Mix oatmeal, pumpkin, syrup, and honey in a bowl.  Add flours, spices, baking powder, and baking soda.

Mix well, stir in cranberries and walnuts.

scoop 1/4 cup onto a well greased, parchment lined, baking sheet.  Spread out to form a round or bar.

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

Makes 12 cookies.

If you would like to sweeten them a bit more, I also mixed 1/4 cup powdered sugar with a small amount of orange juice and drizzled it on top.  Personally, I prefer them without the glaze, but that is up to you.