healthy twists

Here are some traditional recipes with a healthy twist I just found on Active.com. They sound absolutely delicious!

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

3 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup apple juice
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 peeled apple, grated
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

In a food processor, combine 1 cup oats with the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and sugar. Process until the oats are finely ground and the rest of the ingredients are mixed well. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of oats. Add the rest of the ingredients in order, mixing well after each. Scoop tablespoon-sized drops onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, checking often after 12 minutes to avoid burning. Makes about 4 dozen.

Nutrition facts: 44 calories, 9 grams carbs, 1 gram protein, under 0.5 gram fat per cookie.

Zucchini Brownies

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil (may substitute 3/4 cup applesauce)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 whole egg and 2 egg whites (may substitute 4 egg whites)
1/2 cup skim milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated zucchini (2 medium-sized)
Nonstick cooking spray

Coat a 9 x 13 x 2 baking pan with cooking spray. Combine first five ingredients in large bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, flours, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix the dry mixture and the grated zucchini into the wet mixture in alternating increments. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serves 24.

Nutrition facts (made with 4 egg whites and applesauce instead of canola oil): 95 calories, 21 grams carbs, 2.5 grams protein, under 0.5 grams fat per serving.

Berry Oat Crisp

1 1/2 cups fresh berries (or other fruit in season)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon margarine (trans-fat free brand, e.g. Fleischmann's)

Mix all the ingredients in an 8-inch square baking dish. Combine the topping ingredients, mix and crumble over the berries. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 8.

Nutrition facts: 57 calories, 10 grams carbs, 0.75 grams protein, 1.5 grams fat per serving. Also contains 1.5 grams of fiber per serving and 8 percent of the RDA for vitamin C.