Dr. Pat’s RecipeBox: Cookie Bliss…Dark Chocolate and Cherries

Now here’s a match that’s hard to beat…dark chocolate and cherries.

How often is something good for you that tastes as good as chocolate? Dark chocolate is full of flavinoids, a compound from the cocoa plant that keeps cholesterol from plugging arteries.  And chocolate isn’t the only thing that will make you smile…dried cherries pack natural sweetness and are rich in heart-healthy antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Balance out these flavors with the taste, texture and nutrition of oats and you’ve got another really good cookie!

Dark Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

1¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
8 oz. (1 stick) butter
8 oz. (1 stick) margarine
½ cup sugar
1¼ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups oats, regular
¾ cup dark chocolate chips
¾ cup dried cherries (or dried cranberries)

Mix flour, soda and salt together and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugars, butter and margarine until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beat well, then mix in milk and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture until well combined. Sir in oats, chocolate chips and cherries, then drop the dough by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 7 to 9 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 4 ½ dozen.

You might make these to tempt the grown ups who drop in on Halloween…but beware! These haunted cookies might just disappear without a trace!