Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies

These from a hiking buddy, Barbara McCormick. What a way to start the day!

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup applesauce
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cup brown sugar, packed
6 cups old-fashion rolled oats
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups walnut pieces

Preheat oven to 375° and place rack in center position. In 2 cup measure combine oil, applesauce and eggs; whisk briefly.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in Kitchen Aid bowl, stir to blend. Add remaining dry ingredients, stirring after each. Add ail, applesauce, egg mixture and mix til dough is moistened. Add choc chips and walnuts, gently mix to combine.
Line 4 sheet pans with parchment. Use large (2 1/4") ice cream scoop (dough level to top and patted down lightly) to make cookies (about 1/3 cup). Place 3" apart, 8 per pan. Bake only 12 minutes, until cookies feel done when pressed with finger. DO NOT over cook or brown them!! Cool briefly (10 min) then remove from baking sheet. Store 3 days at room temp or wrap each in plastic wrap and freeze for 3 months.

If frozen, heat in microwave 15 seconds to serve.