EARLY RISER PRUNE COOKIES

Ample amounts of tangy flavor and fiber are offered in this quick, nutritious breakfast-to-go. Make a double batch and freeze extras for long-term storage.

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup unprocessed bran
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped, pitted prunes (about 6 ounces)
1 medium apple, shredded
1 cup chopped walnuts

In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.

Combine oats, flour, bran, allspice, soda, and salt; mix into creamed mixture. Stir in prunes, apple, and walnuts. Drop by generous spoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Flatten to about 1/2-inch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on racks.

Store in airtight container. Securely wrapped, cookies can be frozen.

Makes 12 large cookies
Source: California Prune Board