Sunflower Oatmeal Cookies

I live with the COOKIE MONSTER!! Honestly, my husband eats cookies like they are going out of style.  HOW MANY? I make about 2 batches every week, and my kids have a few in their lunches for school every day, but the hubby eats the majority. I would say that he consumes about 4 dozen cookies any given week.  
So, I try to make better cookies. These cookies have oatmeal, sunflower seeds, and coconut. At least he is getting some fiber, right??  And he is getting his calcium too, because he has a huge glass of milk every time he has cookies. About 3 times a day, or so.  Yes, this is a full grown man in his 50's, haha!!

Sunflower Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup roasted sunflower kernels

Preheat oven to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugars, mixing until light and fluffy; add the eggs and the vanilla.  
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, add this to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly. 
Stir in the oats, coconut and sunflower seeds.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet.
Bake for 8-11 minutes until light brown.
Allow cookies to rest on sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Oatmeal with fresh berries

I just recently became obsessed with homemade oatmeal.  I always thought it took so long to make, stirring constantly on the stove. Truth is, it is quick and simple. 

Measure one cup of milk into a small saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and 1/2cup of old fashioned oats. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal absorbs most of the milk. I add a teaspoon or so of brown sugar after it is done cooking. Top with your favorite berries or Any other favorite fruit. 

Simple, delicious, and heart healthy.