Tropical Cookies

TROPICAL COOKIES

1&1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

20 ounce can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, undrained

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

4 cups oats (quick or old fashioned)

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12 ounces chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)

2 cups flaked coconut

1/2 cup slivered almonds (or hazelnuts)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Cream the brown sugar and butter together. Beat in the egg, pineapple and syrup, and almond extract.Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; stir into batter. Stir in the chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts, mixing well.Drop by heaping tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet. Press each cookie down with a spoon, to flatten. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Remove cookies to a rack to cool.

Makes 4 to 5 dozen large cookies.