By: Elena Moore
Grandma Vallas’ Oatmeal Cookies Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Oven: 300°F
Ingredients 1 cup shortening ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 1 egg 1 cup flour 2 cups oatmeal 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup nuts, raisins or chocolate chips ⅛ tsp Salt 1 teaspoon Vanilla Family Tips: You can divide the mixture before adding in the mixings. Add nuts to one half and raisins to the other half. Or add chocolate chips to one half, and raisins and nuts to the other. Use a small ice cream scoop to get uniform sized cookie dough balls, for more even baking.
Directions 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, white sugar and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for around 30 seconds. 2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and vanilla into the shortening and sugar, then mix until combined. 3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the flour, oatmeal, baking soda and salt. 4. Add in chocolate chips, nuts or raisins 5. Take about a tablespoon sizes of dough, and roll in small balls and press flat on cookie sheet with floured fork. 6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown, then let cool on a wire rack.
Behind the Recipe “This is a recipe that was my grandmother's when she was cooking on a wood stove oven. When I was a little girl I remember helping my mother bake them to send overseas to my brothers who were in World War II. When I got married in 1957 I asked my mother for the recipe. When it was given to me, the instructions were very unspecific. For example, salt, vanilla. I asked how much and was told, a pinch of salt, a capful (the cap of the bottle) of vanilla. 'At what temperature do I set the oven?' 'Oh, not too hot.' 'How long do I bake them?' 'Until they look done.' 'How will I know they are done?' 'You can see; they will be a little brown on top.' So, I had to experiment and figure out what these specifics would be in today's oven. Originally the cookies were made with just walnuts in them, but I have adapted the recipe to use chocolate chipits, different kinds of nuts or raisins.” - My Grandma, Ruth Moore Desjardins
Me with my Grandma
Functional Food Oatmeal is a great source of nutrients that provide health benefits, such as improved blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose metabolism, and gastrointestinal health. Surprisingly, they are a gluten-free whole grain that has important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Some examples of the minerals and vitamins they provide are manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin b. The fibre in oats can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and can lower blood sugar levels (particularly in those who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes). Oats are rich in fibre, so they can improve gastrointestinal health by acting as a natural laxative.