These cookies are loaded with chocolate, grains and nuts -- lots of nuts. Handy to pack and take as a snack.

Chewy Oat Cookies

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until soft. Beat in brown sugar and peanut butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla; mix well and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in oatmeal, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, raisins and chocolate chips; mix well.
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 36 cookies.