Goji Berries

As trends in the health food industry come and go, there are some items that miss the mark, and some that are true nutritional power houses.

Goji berries (also known as wolfberries) , one of the "new" trends, are actually an ancient nutritional source, originating in China, and viewed as a source of vitality, longevity, and as being a powerful antioxidant.

There are many ways of ingesting goji berries, but one must pay attention to quality. With the rising popularity of this berry, many people are seeking to cash in ... by making "goji berry juice". However, there is an eye opening story on Dr Mercola's site regarding goji berry juice, that you may wish to read before drinking up. In addition to price inflation, some of the goji berry drinks contain actual very little juice.

If you get your hands on whole berries though, dry or otherwise, you can bet that you're getting your hands on a nutritional treat. These go great in trail mixes, tossed into your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or baked into homemade granola bars.

For a yummy dessert, try some Goji-Cacao-Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup dried goji berries
1 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup almonds coarsely ground(I put mine through a coffee bean grinder)
1 cup spelt flour (I prefer sprouted. You can also use all purpose or wheat)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 sticks butter, softened (I prefer Kerrygold, as it's pastured)
1/2 cup honey (go for local! :) )
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cup cacao nibs

About 40 cookies

1. As you prepare to begin making the dough, preheat your oven to 325F, and lightly grease the cookie sheets.

2. Stir together the oats, spelt, almonds, and baking soda

3. Using a different bowl, mix together the butter and honey, and then add the egg and vanilla to this mixture. Mix together until well combined.

4. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, then pour in the goji berries and cacao nibs. Mix together completely.

Drop dough by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets, leaving about 2inches between them.
Bake at 325F for about 10 minutes, until golden.