BANANA OATMEAL GEMS

Chiquita bananas make these chewy oatmeal cookies moist and flavorful. Enjoy the healthy goodness of whole grain oats combined with ripe bananas and dates. These energy-rich cookies are a delicious source of iron. Enjoy them as a snack, for dessert, or anytime at all.

1 cup butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 Chiquita banana, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup all-purpose white flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup dates, chopped
3 cups quick oats

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Beat together butter and sugar until light and airy. Beat in egg, banana and vanilla.

Combine spices, salt, baking soda and flours; add to butter mixture. Mix well and stir in dates and oats. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake 9-10 minutes for a chewier cookie or 11-12 minutes for a crisper cookie. Cool on a wire rack. Store in a covered container.

Makes 4 dozen cookies
Source: Chiquita Brands