Carmel Apple Cookies and Apple Chips vs. Apple Slices

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Carmel Apple Oatmeal Cookies- Recipe adapted from Cooking Light
These cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle, a nice change from oatmeal raisin.
¾  cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
6 Tablespoons butter softened
 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg (1 Tablespoon egg powder plus 2 tablespoons water)
1 ½  cups flour
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½  teaspoon baking soda
½  teaspoon salt
¾  cup THRIVE Dried Apple Slices, roughly chopped
¾ cup caramel bits (these are sold by the chocolate chips under the Heath or Score brand names)

Preheat oven 350 degrees
Cream sugars and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg beat until combine.
Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add apple and caramel bits. Drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment. Flatten balls slightly with hand. Bake at 350 for 9 minutes.

So what is the story with dry apples?
Shelf Reliance offers two apples options in the THRIVE food line. Apple chips and apple slices, both are dehydrated. So what is the difference? Well we did a few experiments at my house and here is how it turned out.  I must say that in the end we prefer....drum roll.....both.  I like the apple slices, and my husband likes the apple chips.  I have eaten both as a snack and to bake with and they are both good.  We have decided that in our food storage we will store both.  But here is all the info so you can choose for yourself.

	Apple Chips	Apple Slices
Ingredients	Apples, Sodium Sulfate	100% Organic Granny Smith Apples
Shelf Life	Sealed Shelf Life: 30 years* Opened Shelf Life: 18 months * Based on optimal storage conditions	Sealed Shelf Life: 25 years* Opened Shelf Life: 1 year* * Based on optimal storage conditions
Color	Very light, almost white	Dark brown, especially when hydrated
Taste	Clean apple taste	Crisp apple taste
Re-hydration	Add boiling water, let sit 15 minutes	Add boiling water, let sit 15 minutes
Use	Baking	Snacking