CHOCOLATE-CHERRY HEART SMART COOKIES

If you're anything like me you love the taste of cherries and also of chocolate.  So what could be better than combining the two and using them in a great cookie?  The answer is; nothing!  So let's get started.




INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 ounces of all-purpose flour (about 1/3 cup)
1 1/2 ounces of whole-wheat flour (about 1/3 cup)
1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
2 eggs
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
1 cup dried cherries
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 ounces of bittersweet chocolate coarsely chopped
Cooking spray

PREPARATION:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with knife.  Combine flours and next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.  Remove from the heat and add the brown sugar and stir it until it is smooth.  Add sugar mixture to the flour mixture and beat with a mixer at medium speed until it is well blended.  Add the cherries, vanilla and egg; beat until combined.  Fold in chocolate.  Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool on the pan for about 3 minutes or until they are almost firm.  Remove from the pans on continue to cool your cookies on wire racks.

Now, step back as the family invades your kitchen.  You did good.  Enjoy this special treat while being heart-smart about it at the same time.