Dark cocoa powder has no fat, no carbs, no cholesterol and only a few calories and antioxidants. Our bodies can mount defenses against oxidation but this ability declines with age. One way to enhance our body’s antioxidant defenses is to eat antioxidant-rich foods. A few plant-based foods including apples, onions, soybeans, blueberries, cranberries, teas (green and black), red wines and dark chocolate are distinguished by their high polyphenol content.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 6 Tablespoon apple sauce, any flavor
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• OR 2 oz. dark chocolate 70%
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup wheat bran
• 3/4 cup rolled oats (oatmeal)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Peanut butter, sugars, eggs, blueberry applesauce, vanilla

Blend wet ingredients

Wheat bran, oatmeal, flour, baking soda, baking powder

Cookie batter

In a bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, applesauce and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, bran, oats, and baking soda. Stir the flour mixture into the butter/margarine mixture until smooth. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Drop by teaspoon full on ungreased cookie sheet

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until the tops are fairly solid. Remove to a rack to cool.

Cookies from the oven

These make soft, somewhat low-fat cookies. They are more like a cross between brownies and bran muffins.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Cookies overlooking Mid Pacific Golf Course

Nutritional Information:
Peanut Butter and Bran Cookies

Amount Per Serving of 2 cookies:
Calories: 65
Total Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 11mg
Sodium: 62mg
Total Carbs: 6.7g
Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
Protein: 1.3g