cookie calendar - day 3: banana date cookies

I met Shirley when she responded to my call on Twitter looking for new Cookie Advent Calendar guest posters. She wanted to share a cookie recipe that she created to deal with her food allergies. I didn't hesitate to accept her generous offer.

One of the things I love most about the Cookie Advent Calendar is the amazing people that get involved. There are so many different kinds of cookies and Shirley's recipe is super simple, super healthy and looks absolutely delicious. I can't wait to bake up a batch of these myself!

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guest post by Shirley from Delicious Alternatives

I love cookies as they are so easy to make and can be a healthy treat. I like to make my own cookies so I can control the sugar content and also because I have food allergies and most store bought cookies contain ingredients I can't have. I love using fruit to sweeten baked goods naturally. Dates are wonderfully sweet and full of fibre, iron and anti oxidants so are a better choice than using white refined sugar which we now know causes inflammation in our bodies.

My passion is sharing healthy recipes with others and one of the many reasons I wrote my cookbook, Finally.. Food I Can Eat, a dietary guide and cookbook for people with food allergies. Having food allergies doesn't mean you have to go without treats especially during the holidays. For more healthy recipes visit my website www.deliciousalternatives.com.

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrecipes
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banana date cookies

ingredients:

3 ripe bananas
1 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
1/3 cup oil (I like to use coconut oil or safflower oil)
1 tsp pure vanilla
2 cups rolled oats
1 tbsp honey (optional)

directions:

In a bowl mash bananas and add everything else. Let mixture stand for 20 minutes to let oats absorb moisture. Shape into rounds on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake 375 for 20 minutes or until done.

The recipe used in this blog post belongs to Shirley Plant. Photos taken by Vanessa Ronksley. The recipe and photos should not be reprinted without their express permission.