Sweet heart

Inspired by “Cookie in a Jar” gift ideas, this recipe was developed at Cardiac Wellness of Maine with a healthy heart in mind. It replaces the unhealthy saturated fats found in butter with healthier unsaturated fats found in oils (canola or olive). Though moderation in consumption is still required, these are a tasty and healthier alternative to standard holiday cookies and other sweets. To learn more about Cardiac Wellness of Maine and the 2006 program schedule for healthy cooking classes, visit www.emmc.org/cwom.

In the bottom of a 1 quart Mason jar, pack 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. In a bowl, mix together 1 1/3 cup flour, 2/3 cup quick cooking oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg, and add to the jar. Layer 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup each chopped almonds or walnuts and dried cherries, cranberries or raisins. Seal the jar and attach a note with the following directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Empty the jar into a large mixing bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl, measure 1/3 cup canola oil and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, then whisk in 1 egg until well blended. Add to dry ingredients and mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart onto a coated cookie sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Recipe makes 30 cookies.

Market share

Fresh, local and flavorful ? exactly how the holidays should be. If you?d like to add a bit of flair to the dinner table this season, the vendors at the European Farmers Market at Sunnyside Greenhouses on Buck Street in Bangor will be taking holiday orders this Saturday for pickup on Dec. 24. For information, call Sunnyside Greenhouses at 947-8464.

Flavor of Orono

Looking for a holiday gift that?s always in good taste? Pick up a copy of ?Orono Cooks: Celebrating Orono Maine?s Bicentennial,? a hard-bound tome featuring recipes from past and present town residents, as well as historical tidbits. The cookbook costs $15 and is available at the Orono Public Library. For information, visit www.orono2006.org, call Lianne Harris at 866-2456 or e-mail Lharris@nehs.net.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.