Banana Cookies for After School : Oat, Raisin Mix Gives a Healthy Boost for Young Scholars

A plate of cookies and a glass of cold milk will provide a satisfying energy boost to students tackling homework assignments after school or during the evening.

These Banana Cookies are sweet and spicy with a moist, chewy texture. The bananas, oats and raisins also help to make them wholesome.

BANANA COOKIES

2 bananas, peeled

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup butter or margarine

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 egg

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup golden raisins

3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

Puree bananas in blender to yield 1 cup. Combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pureed bananas, egg, sour cream and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture until well blended. Stir in oats, raisins and nuts. Chill dough 1 hour to firm.

Drop batter by heaping tablespoons onto greased baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies.