Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

Looking for a great snack for the family during this homebound time? I’ve partnered with California strawberries to create a recipe featuring juicy strawberries. Who else tastes summer when they bite into a strawberry?
 
I commonly get asked about foods that are good for your immune system and it comes as no surprise that right now is no exception. 
 
Eating foods with high levels of Vitamin C and fibre is always a good way to aid your immune system in doing its job. There is lots of research linking our gut health to our immune system and fruits and vegetables with all of their vitamins and minerals are such an important factor in immune health. Vitamin C and “immune system” always seems to go hand-in-hand.
 
Did you know that California strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C? Although our local strawberries aren’t in season, California strawberries are. One serving of California strawberries -- or 8 strawberries -- are a source of fibre. If you are snacking at home these days, they are an excellent snack for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon boost. 
 
Another way to incorporate strawberries into your day is adding them to baking. If you are looking for activities to do with your kids, baking is a good choice. Try these oatmeal strawberry cookies.
 
 
Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies
 
½ cup               Vegan margarine
½ cup               Brown sugar
½ cup               Cane sugar
2 cups              Oats*
1 cup               Gluten Free all-purpose flour **
1 cup               Almond flour
½ tsp               Baking soda
½ tsp               Cinnamon
¼ tsp                salt
¾ cup              California strawberries, chopped
¼ cup               Chocolate chips
1 Tbsp             Flax seeds, ground
2 Tbsp             Warm water
 

1. Make flax egg by mixing flax seed and warm water together. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Cream margarine and sugar together. Add in the flax egg.
3. Add flours, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and oats.
4. Mix in chopped strawberries and chocolate chips.
5. Drop by rounded Tablespoons onto silicone/parchment lined baking sheet.
6. Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool fully on a cookie sheet. 

 
*Use gluten free oats if necessary.
**If you don’t need gluten free, you can sub for all purpose flour. The gluten free all-purpose flour that I use is this mix: http://www.nurturethefuture.ca/blog/gluten-free-flour-mix
 
References:
https://www.californiastrawberries.com/

Looking for more recipes that include strawberries? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com 
 

---