Articles Archive Index

For "sugar" cookies that won't send your kids into a holiday orbit, here is a healthy variation of a traditional cutout cookie made from whole food ingredients with a fresh taste twist: lavender. (See "Lovely Lavender," Issue #9 for more on lavender.)

For a burst of flavor, Sally's family takes the lavender buds that they strain off after making lavender honey and adds them to their holiday cutout cookies.

Ingredients — makes 5 - 6 dozen cookies
   1 lb butter (we substituted Organic Earth Balance
     margarine)
   2 eggs
   5 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
   2 cups date "sugar" (or organic sugar)
   a pinch of salt
   1 tablespoon vanilla
   1 teaspoon baking soda
   3 tablespoons soy milk
   2 tablespoons of honey-steeped lavender buds
   some nutmeg
   ground almonds or other nuts (optional)

To make: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands until smooth dough is formed. No amount of mixing seems to bother this dough. Form into a ball, then dust with flour and chill thoroughly before using. Break into smaller pieces for ease of handling. Add a bit more flour to each section of dough if needed to assist with rolling out. Roll as thinly as possible, dust with nutmeg and cut into shapes. Bake until light brown in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes. Ground almonds or nuts of any sort may be added to all or part of the dough. Enjoy...

Top of Page