COOK: Tasty, healthy cookies for a family bake-off

The mid-term break is upon us and we're all looking for fun family activities that will occupy the littlies while preserving our sanity until we can pack them off back to school. Right? These no-measure, no-mess, no-fuss cookies are perfect for a kiddie baking session. Self-confessed 'health-geek' Susan Jane White says these cookies will keep them quietly active while nourishing their little motors. There’s very little mess – notice no flour or eggs. Visit Susan Jane's website and check out her book, The Extra Virgin Kitchen, which is packed with great recipes and gives healthy eating a sexy new angle. Makes approximately 16 cookies Ingredients 1 medium apple 1 cup porridge oats (not jumbo) ½ cup sultanas or raisins 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup mashed banana Preheat oven to 180C / 350F. Grate the apple into a large mixing bowl. If you’re crafty enough to do this without getting your knuckles involved, high-five your toddler and salute your genius.Toss through remaining ingredients, coating everything really well with the mashed banana. Make approximately 16 cookies by taking a tablespoon of mixture and flattening between your hands just like Play-Doh. A bit of Blue Peter may be required. Place on a lined baking tray and cook for 12 minutes, or a little longer if the cookies are a bit bigger. No need to cool on a wire wrack – let them find your breakfast table and tummies immediately. Minor caveat – scoff them all on the same day as they tend to misbehave after 24 hours.