Favorite Cookies/Bars for lunches?

[browneye]

I'm looking for a great bar or cookie for two teenage sons' school lunches. Something other that Chocolate Chip cookies! They can really use the calories with their other healthier lunch items. It doesn't necessarily have to be light, but I probably won't bring myself to make it if it's too full of fat, etc. It needs to be something portable, and something I can make on the weekend and have it last through the week!
Any ideas?
TIA http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Jewel]

Browneye, what was the name of that Raspberry cookie everyone made last Christmas? The one that you made in a U-shaped log and filled with raspberry jam? Those types would be easy to make on the weekends and just slice up! I would also think that a couple of good loaves of Biscotti would be good. Toffee Biscotti or one of the other sweet ones? Those would be really easy to make, light enough to be healthy, and sweet and crunchy enough to please the teens, and REALLY portable...even for Mom! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[chefbec]

Definitely not low fat, but incredibly delicious, easy and portable.

Stir-Me-Nots

Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a 9 x 13 pan in the oven at 350. Then remove and cover with about 1-1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (enough to cover butter). Next sprinkle with coconut (more or less to your taste; I use about 1/3 a cup), then sprinkle with 2 cups chocolate chips, cover all with a can of sweetened condensed milk (I use fat free, but does it really make a difference?!!), then add chopped walnuts to taste. Bake for about 35 minutes, cool and cut. OH MY GOODNESS! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Beth]

I've got one that might be work for you.

Caramel Morsel Bars

49 Kraft caramels (guess whose add this appeared in, and not 48, not 50, but 49-or a 14 oz bag)
3 T water
5 cups crisped rice cereal (I measure this a bit generously)
1 cup roasted peanuts (regular salted cocktail peanuts are fine)
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
6 oz butterscotch chips (1 cup)

Melt caramel in water over low heat (use a large saucepan or Duth oven). Stir in cereal and peanuts. Spread into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Sprinkle chips over top and put pan in a warm oven (200 degrees) for 5-10 minutes to soften. Spread melted chips to form a frosting. Cut into bars when cool and frosting firms, if you can wait that long. You can put these in the fridge to set the frosting faster.



[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 05-23-2001).]

[Beth]

This was my favorite growing up (along with Toll House):

Crispy Cookies

Blend until creamy:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla

Add:
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda
1 cup flour

Stir in:
1 cup oatmeal (I have used quick and regular)
1 cup crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup coconut

Drop onto greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Another quick and easy one is

Chocolate Mint Icebox Cookies

1 20 oz devil's food cake mix
1 egg
3 T water
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or mini morsels
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp peppermint extract

Mix all ingredients together well (dough will be stiff and sticky). Form into 2 rolls wrapped in waxed paper and chill or freeze. Slice dough 1/4 inch thick and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees about 12 minutes.

[Mamasue]

CL has so many different brownie recipes, but one that I love is the Butterscotch Bars which are quick and easy to make up.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Butterscotch Bars

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 16 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies/ Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or stick margarine -- softened
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
cooking spray
1/2 cup butterscotch morsels

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat sugars and butter at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add egg whites and vanilla; beat well. Lightly spon the flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture; beat at low speed just until blended.

Spread batter evely into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with morsels. Bake at 350 dgrees for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 bar).

CALORIES 142 (27% from fat); FAT 4.3g (sat 2.6g, mono 1.3g, poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 1.6g; CARB 24g; FIBER 0.3g; CHOL 8mg; IRON 0.6mg; SODIUM 95mg; CALC 24mg










[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 05-25-2001).]

[funnybone]

www.allrecipes.com (http://www.allrecipes.com) has tons of recipes from desserts,cookies, to main dishes. You may want to check them out.

[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 05-24-2001).]

[AD]

Have you tried making oatmeal cookies in bars? There are recipes out there ranging from no-fat to high-fat. Peanut butter cookies or bars might also be a good alternative.

[This message has been edited by AD (edited 05-24-2001).]

[browneye]

Thanks everybody, for the ideas! I haven't made this kind of stuff for so long I think I forgot how! (poor kids, huh?) They are very lean boys! One could actually use a few pounds. I think it's a good thing, actually since adolescent and youth obesity is such a problem these days.

Jewel-Where can I find the Toffee Biscotti? You're right,I would also enjoy that one. I know the raspberry cookie you are referring to-I have it in one of my "Best of's CL"! I will give that a try too!

Chefbec-I think I've made those bars sometime years ago and loved them! Thanks for the reminder-I've lost the recipe.

Mamasue and Beth- Yummy ideas, I think I have enough to go on for a couple weeks,huh? The boys will thank you all! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[buddie]

what about good ol rice crispie treats

[schuh]

I agree that the butterscotch bars are excellent.
Also, Cooking Light did a peanut butter version of Rice Krispie treats awhile back. You could do a search -- try "crispy rice peanut butter" for the search as I don't know the name of the recipe.

[JLS]

The snickerdoodle biscotti (from the same issue as the toffee biscotti) were excellent...or you could try regular snickerdoodle cookies ! (Always a favorite!) Let me know if you need a recipe..I have an easy/good one.

Also...on a store boughten note: I love the golden grahm treats-chocolate chunk smores flavor. (highly addicting & only 2 WW points)

[This message has been edited by JLS (edited 05-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by JLS (edited 05-24-2001).]

[KristaMB]

Browneye, I don't have any suggestions, but could you send any leftovers my way!

If I have any energy left, I think I'll be making at least one of these recipes on Saturday!

[eks]

My two top dessert bar recipes (definitely not low fat) are Chess Squares and Chatanooga Chew Chew Bars. The Chess Squares are made with a layer of butter recipe cake mix and butter and then you pour a cream cheese and powder sugar mixture over that and bake. The Chew Chew Bars have a buttery pecan crust and are topped with a brown sugar/butter glaze and chocolate chips. If you are interested in either of these recipes, I will be glad to post them!

[Tiger]

Jewel- Do you mean the raspberry strippers? They are excellent and easier to make than I thought they would be.

[browneye]

Eks-
Yes! please post the Chess Squares and the Chew-Chews. I bought a big bag of pecan pieces at Trader Joe's about a month ago and need to find places to put them!

I really appreciate that...TIA!
I have about 3 more weeks of school and then summer vaca hits- I'll be eaten out of house and home. I'm sure I'll use all these recipes. Only problem is, I've gotta stay out of them myself, I don't need the extra cals!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[JLS]

I found the raspberry strippers were delicate (may not travel well) and alittle time consuming to make. (IMHO !) They were well worth the effort though ! Don't get me wrong !

[Beth]

Did I really need to read this thread again? Now I want to make the toffee AND the snickerdoodle biscotti I had forgotten about.

[valchemist]

mamasue,

the butterscotch bar recipe seems to be missing something...

sprinkle with morsels...hmmm, what morsels?

val

[Mamasue]

Val....you are right! I did this before and never fixed the recipe in Mastercook. This time I not only edited the recipe above but fixed the main recipe in MC. Thanks for your good catch! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 05-25-2001).]

[Natasha]

Doesn't look like you need more ideas, but if you are interested, why not check out
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20010301-1-000542.html ?

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Natasha

[Jessica]

The chewy coconut granola bars from January 2000 are delicious--now a staple in our house. They have granola and dried fruit and the coconut is sprinkled on top--could be omitted for those who dislike coconut.
I know these sound totally crunchy but they are very, very, very tasty and they travel well.

[AmyLouise]

Hi Jessica, could you post the coconut granola receipe? it sounds wonderful.
Amy

Originally posted by Jessica:
The chewy coconut granola bars from January 2000 are delicious--now a staple in our house. They have granola and dried fruit and the coconut is sprinkled on top--could be omitted for those who dislike coconut.
I know these sound totally crunchy but they are very, very, very tasty and they travel well.

[Alisa]

Here you go AmyLouise..

Chewy Coconut Macaroons

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 32
Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies Dessert

------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 14-oz can fat-free sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 250º.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour and coconut in a medium bowl; toss well. Add the vanilla, salt, and milk; stir until well-blended. (Mixture will be very thick).
Drop the batter by scant tablespoons (about 2 teaspoons) 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250º for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool cookies completely on wire racks.

Source:"Cooking Light Magazine, Dec 2000, pg. 132"
Yield: "32 each"

Per serving: 74 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (23% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 0mg
Cholesterol; 36mg Sodium
Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates

NOTES : Serving size - 1 cookie

[Gail]

Oh, you want cookies?

I saw favorite bars for lunches and just naturally assumed... well, never mind...

Silly me. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

[Mamasue]

Aw Gail....Sweet Gail....you have me laughing here. http://www.tigerswebdesign.com/tiger/animatedgifs/sm15.gif

[valchemist]

alisa, I think you posted the wrong recipe. but I am glad you did. those macaroons look great. I copied them into my mastercook. -val

[Natasha]

[double post - obviously still under influence of Merlot]

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif keep reading ... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 05-27-2001).]

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Gail:
Oh, you want cookies?

I saw favorite bars for lunches and just naturally assumed... well, never mind...

Silly me. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Oh, Gail... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

you are incorrigible. But of course we like you that way! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Hmmm...getting a bit thirsty. Darn, we finished all the Chilean Merlot last night... :O Mamasue, your cute little smiley reminds me a bit of how my head felt after drinking a little of that 13.5% wine! hehehe

[Gail]

Originally posted by Natasha:
[double post - obviously still under influence of Merlot]...


WHAT?? You didn't share any with me!
Some drinking buddy you are.

[Alisa]

Ooops.

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Gail:

WHAT?? You didn't share any with me!
Some drinking buddy you are.

Aw Gail, now please don't be mad...you were there in spirit, believe me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I promise that the next bottle I will save you some...how's that?

All right, I guess I should let this thread get back to things that are suitable for children's lunchboxes, huh? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif No Merlots or Cabs need apply!

I am attaching Beth's Aggression Cookie recipe here, because it is so good and so very easy. Plus I love the directions! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks again, Beth.

Aggression Cookies

3 c brown sugar
3 c butter or margarine
6 c oatmeal
1 T baking soda
3 c flour

Mash, knead, squeeze all ingredients in a huge bowl 'til you feel better, then form into balls and mash flat on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 05-28-2001).]

[jrichards]

Just wanted to report that I made the crispy cookies, coconut macaroons, and butterscoth bars for a Superbowl party I attended (hate football, like the social/food part). I had previously made the butterscotch bars when looking for an easy dessert a few months ago. They were all very good and easy!

The coconut macaroons were the easiest to make (fewest ingredients, dump/mix all in one bowl). They were my DH favorite. He loved them! Wouldn't even let me take them to the party - said I had enough with the other two. What's interesting about the crispy cookies, is that the puffed rice cereal ends up looking & tasting like white chocolate. I swear! That's what everyone thought. The butterscotch bars are very rich.
Yum, yum, yum.

Thanks everyone for all the recipes!

Jennifer

[Candice]

I just made these and am in the process of eating them all myself. I used puffed kamut and almonds (instead of walnuts) and yellow raisins.


SPORTS BARS WITH DRIED FRUIT AND PEANUT BUTTER


Nonstick vegetable oil spray
3 cups puffed whole grain cereal (such as Kashi)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
1/4 cup chopped dried tart cherries
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light corn syrup

Preheat oven to 350¡F. Spray 9-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick spray. Mix cereal, walnuts, dates, cherries, and raisins in medium bowl. Combine peanut butter, honey, and corn syrup in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil, whisking constantly until mixture bubbles vigorously and thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture in bowl; stir to blend. Transfer mixture to prepared pan; press to compact. Bake until just golden around edges, about 10 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into 2 1/2x1 1/2-inch bars. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Store in single layer between sheets of foil in airtight container at room temperature.)

Makes about 18 bars.
Ê
Per serving (1 bar): calories, 127; total fat, 4 g; saturated fat, 1 g; cholesterol, 0

Bon AppŽtit
January 2002

Cooking for Health