Oatmeal Maple Cookies (Linda Cicero's Cook's Corner, Miami Herald)

• ¾ cup butter or margarine, cut in pieces

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup maple syrup

• 1 egg

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal

• ½ cup of raisins and/or chopped nuts, if desired

• 48 chocolate candy stars (optional)

Beat the butter with the brown sugar until creamy, then beat in the maple syrup. Add the egg. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add to the butter mixture. Add oats along with raisins and/or nuts. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes, until light golden. Remove from oven and press a chocolate star into the center of each cookie.