I've worked hard all week and we're going out to eat tonight. So, I think I'll bake cookies today. This is a pretty healthy cookie and very tasty. It is quite high in calories; about 60 per cookie, so you want to eat just a couple. Many of the calories come from the walnuts, which are heart healthy. Then we cheat with a little butter and chocolate. This is a rare treat.

APPLESAUCE COOKIES

1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 c + 2 T unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites or equivalent in egg substitute

1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 t each; cinnamon and nutmeg
1/4 t cloves
1 c white flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c oatmeal

1/2 c choppedwalnuts
1/2 c mini chocolate chips (or less if you want to cut more calories)

Cream butter and sugar. Stir in applesauce and eggs until well mixed. Sprinkle baking soda, salt, and spices over top and blend with mixer or vigorously with a spoon. Gradually add flours and oatmeal, mixing well after each addition. Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until done. Cook on rack.

Tip: This called for regular chocolate chips, which can be used, but I find that you can use less of the minis and they go a lot further. If you want a milk chocolate or other flavor that doesn't come in the mini chip, just chop fine before stirring in. That way you get a little chocolate in every bite!