Survival!

I was perusing a Bonnie Stern cookbook one afternoon and what did I stumble upon but Lilian's famed 'survivor cookies'! You can imagine how pleased I was, after my request for the recipe sat idle on the right-hand panel for months. For these changing times when we're all over the place, finding our ways in the world, cold and alone, these provide much-needed sustenance. I haven't actually tried this particular recipe so you will need to contact beeks directly if you want any trade secrets.

Survival Cookies
c/o Bonnie Stern c/o someone else whose name I did not note
Makes 48

2 cups butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 3/4 cups large flake rolled oats
3/4 cups poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups raw unsalted sunflower seeds
1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 1/2 cups chopped dates

1. In a food processor or large bowl: cream butter and sugars until light. Add one egg at a time. Add vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the butter mixture.
3. Stir in oats, seeds, and dates.
4. Use 1/2 cup batter/cookie. Place 2" apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour.
5. Bake at 350C for 15 minutes or until crisp but chewy (mmm...). Cool on racks.