This weekend I had to push myself into the holiday spirit. Saturday was a day full of traveling over the passes and then coming home to snow on the ground and dirty rabbit hutches. Then Sunday the snow plow would not start as well as the chainsaw and I just felt exhausted and defeated.

I had to find some way to get my spirits lifted. So, I did what any sane person does after Thanksgiving and began decorating for Christmas. I cut down a perfect little tree from the property and dragged it back to the house on the snow-laden driveway. The dogs trotted along by my side through the whole endeavor happy to be apart of the festivities. Their energy as well as finding the absolutely perfect tree for my space seemed to help erase such a miserable morning.

With a little rearranging, I was able to fit the tree in the corner. This space is so comforting on the hardest of days. I am truly blessed to live this life even though the simplest of things are trying. Baking seems to be the perfect pass time along with listening to Christmas tunes after getting the halls decked.  These cookies are great for gaining back your energy after a hard day out in the cold.

Pecan, Date, Coconut and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

{Whip together wet ingredients below}

1 egg (fresh from the coop!)

2 tsp of vanilla

3 tbsp. RAW Local Honey (this we source ourselves on the homestead)

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup of white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

{Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl}

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 tbsp. Cinnamon

3 cups oats

{Sift into wet mixed ingredients}

After your dough has formed add in additional ingredients on slow in your mixer as to not crush the nuts, dates, and chips.

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup whole pecans

1 cup candied dates

Mix only until just combined.

Form balls in the desired size and gently press down on a well-greased cookie sheet with the bottom of your spoon. Cook for 11-13 minutes depending on elevation.  Cool and enjoy! Eggs can be removed altogether simply add in more honey and coconut oil to accommodate.

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do! They sure did turn my mood around. Afterward, I was able to get the saw going and cut to size some more firewood as well as brush out and spin some more yarn from my angoras.