My daughter just started first grade (and in case you couldn’t tell, her little sis was so excited, well until she realized she was now alone all day), and while I feel bad that I’ve been talking about it so much, I also feel like so many people can relate, offer advice, support, etc that I may as well say what I’ve been thinking and feeling.

Kindergarten was no big deal. Ok, I did tear up as I walked away from the school, but I did just fine after that. First grade has been a different story. This is real life folks. REAL LIFE. I felt like I had just sent my sweet baby into the lone, dark world where kids could be mean, teachers will make her work hard all day, and she could be influenced to do things she shouldn’t. Dramatic? Maybe a stitch, but I honestly felt like the time had flown and I couldn’t believe it was already time for her to be in school all day. We wouldn’t even be having lunch together anymore. :(

We’ve always worked really hard to create a strong family, with good children who know right and wrong, and who try to be kind and generous to all. There’s not much more important to me in life than to have a close and loving family. A few days after school started I realized that if I want my daughter to experience the world, but still stay grounded and close to her family I needed to create opportunities for me to teach her and bond with her without her even knowing my “secret” plan.

These cookies were created as a way to do just that. Every day, as I’m sure you’ll remember being, my little first grader comes home “starving”. She wants, no needs, a snack, and I want it to be something that is good for her. I had prepared the frozen yogurt earlier in the morning, and made the cookie dough so it was ready to bake. We quickly got the oven on and set to work. And do you know what happened? We began talking, laughing and sharing. No need to pry details out of her, she opened up because she was relaxed and peaceful.

Granola cookies are healthy, easy to make and best of all, provide opportunities to bond with your children through a fun and delicious activity. The cookies are packed with granola, applesauce and other healthy ingredients, while the “ice cream” is simply frozen yogurt. Literally, yogurt that’s been frozen. ;) You don’t have to feel bad about this snack.

Granola Cookies

1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tablespoons Golden Flax Seed
1 Tablespoon Wheat Germ
1 Cup Granola (loose)
1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Applesauce
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Cup Butter, unsalted and softened
1 Medium Egg

Heat the oven to 325.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients, stirring to evenly combine.

In the bowl of a kitchen aid, add the applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and butter, Turn on the mixer to medium, and stir for about 30-45 seconds or until smooth. Add the egg. Stir again until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture in well incorporated.

Place large spoonfuls of the cookie dough on a pan and press down slightly, as the dough will not flatten as it bakes.

Bake at 350 for 15-18 min. Allow to cool completely.

Frozen Yogurt

Place 6- 6oz containers or one 36 oz container of good quality yogurt (we used Tillamook’s Marrionberry) in an ice cream machine and follow package directions.

Cookie Sandwiches

Place a scoop of the frozen yogurt on the underside of one cookie and top with another. Wrap in saran wrap or tin foil and freeze for an hour or two, or until solid. Enjoy!

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Granola Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Golden Flax Seed
• 1 Tablespoon Wheat Germ
• 1 Cup Granola loose
• 1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Applesauce
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup Butter unsalted and softened
• 1 Medium Egg

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 325.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients, stirring to evenly combine.
3. In the bowl of a kitchen aid, add the applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and butter, Turn on the mixer to medium, and stir for about 30-45 seconds or until smooth. Add the egg. Stir again until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture in well incorporated.
5. Place large spoonfuls of the cookie dough on a pan and press down slightly, as the dough will not flatten as it bakes.
6. Bake at 350 for 15-18 min. Allow to cool completely.

Frozen Yogurt

1. Place 6- 6oz containers or one 36 oz container of good quality yogurt (we used Tillamook's Marrionberry) in an ice cream machine and follow package directions.

Cookie Sandwiches

1. Place a scoop of the frozen yogurt on the underside of one cookie and top with another. Wrap in saran wrap or tin foil and freeze for an hour or two, or until solid. Enjoy!