Oatmeal cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 180°C and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roughly chop the dates, place them in a bowl and pour over the boiled water. Cover and leave to soak for 10 min than mash them with potato masher or a fork until they become a paste.
3. Add the remaining wet ingredients and mix well with wooden spoon.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until all the flour is incorporated – should become a thick batter.
5. Measure out 1/2 cup (for 6 cookies) or 1/3 cup (for 8 cookies). Flatten to 0.8 inch / 2 cm thick rounds and bake until they become golden – about 20 min.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the tray.

Add ins: 1¼ cups in total of your choice of flaked or chopped nuts, desiccated coconut and chopped dry fruits or small fruits like raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc. If you skip the coconut use 1/4 cup of fairly finely chopped nuts to ensure the cookie holds together properly.