spice labor cookies

These are fun to make for friends who are close to their due date.  Supposedly, they induce labor.  I first had them at a cookie exchange, and they were my favorite.  Something about the cayenne pepper was an unexpected treat.  I modified the recipe to be vegan and healthier.

Spice labor cookies (vegan version)

3 c. rolled oats ground to a coarse flour (in a blender)

1 c. brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

2 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/3 c. vegetable oil

1 mashed banana

1/3 c. molasses

Enough water or non-dairy milk (soy, almond, etc.) to make the dough stirrable.

Wheat germ (about ½ c.) to roll the dough in

Combine dry ingredients.  Stir in oil, banana, molasses.  If the dough seems really dry, add a little water.  Chill dough in fridge or freeze overnight.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, and roll in wheat germ (you can coat your hands with flour to cut down on dough stickiness while rolling.)   Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 10 minutes at 375 F.