"Perhaps the second most destructive habit I see [ the first is the use of alcohol, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, recreational and prescription drugs] is the use of animal products. Meat. Fish, fowl, eggs, and dairy products all have much in common. In addition to the well-documented health reasons, there are economic, environmental, humanitarian, and for many, spiritual reasons that support the adoption of a vegetarian diet." -The Health Promoting Cookbook, by Alan Goldhamer, D.C., published by Book Publishing Company, Summertown, TN 38483, page 8.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
makes 12

This recipe is from The Health Promoting Cookbook, by Alan Goldhamer, D.C., published by Book Publishing Company, Summertown, TN 38483. If you like cookies to be really sweet, you probably won’t like these. I do like them because they are not terribly sweet. There is no refined sugar in the cookies. The sweetness comes from the raisins, bananas, and apple juice. There is also no added oil or salt, which is why they are in The Health Promoting Cookbook. They are, of course, quick, easy, good (at least I think so), and vegan.

4 cups oat flour (It can be oatmeal ground in a blender or food processor.)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup apple juice

½ cup raisins

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

In a food processor blend the bananas and apple juice until smooth.

Slowly add the flour mixture while mixing in the food processor.

Pour the batter into the large bowl. Add the raisins. Drop by spoonfuls onto a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.

"My own species, unfortunately, is the greatest predator on the planet. We have the distinction of killing our own kind as well as other living creatures. But mankind is relatively new and may develop beyond this in time."-Gladys Taber, Conversations with Amber