It is a well known fact that oatmeal is great for your body. A diet which includes oats and is low in saturated fats may reduce your cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

But oatmeal isn’t widely regarded as being savory, and therefore not that many people incorporate it into their diets.

No more! This recipe is the Oatmeal Power Cookies. They are naturally sweet and a high-energy snack that receives rave reviews from children and adults.

This recipe and other low-fat recipes can be found in the Chopra Center Cookbook. Enjoy!

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries or apples)
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• ½ cup mango puree or apple sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup turbinado sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Oil a cookie sheet and set aside. In a medium bowl place the flour, oats, fruit, raisins, coconut, baking soda cinnamon and allspice and combine with a whisk. In a separate medium bowl whisk together the mango puree vanilla, maple syrup and turbinado sugar.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix. Using a 1- ounce scoop, place the cookies on the oiled baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. With a spatula place the cookies on a cooling rack and let cool for about 5 minutes before enjoying.

- TERESA LONG