The Eighth Day of Christmas: New Year Cookies

It’s a cold gray day out there, with monster icicles hanging from the eaves, and fresh snow sifting down over the already high piles made by the plows. The morning newspaper has the usual pictures of maniacs who jump into icy lakes on the first day of the new year, and articles about new year resolutions and diets. A pox on diets.

I’m keeping the same resolutions as last year. Every day play or listen to some music, get some exercise even if it’s just a walk to the library, read some, do some art, even if it's just a sketch. Try to find some beauty in every day. Be open to, even seek, new experiences. I did pretty well with these goals in 2007, so I’m sticking by them for 2008.

I’m keeping my Christmas decorations up until January 6th this year, maybe taking down a few things a day so the change isn’t too sudden and shocking. After a month of lights, greenery, and treats, it seems terrible to have it suddenly all just go away, especially when the world outside is so cold and dim. When the eggnog is gone,when the cookies are finished, they won’t be replaced until the madness returns next December, but I’m going to extend their stay at least until the twelfth day of Christmas.

I didn’t have a birthday cake this year; instead I made myself a batch of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. I thought I’d share the recipe off the bag of “white morsels.” Baking is a great way to warm up the kitchen! You can decide if you want to add the coconut. My youngest sister hated it. When she was little she called coconut “bones” and always picked it out. I like the sweetness of coconut, and think it gives the cookies a Hawaiian touch., but you can decide.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies - makes about three dozen

1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter (or margarine), softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1-2 cups white chocolate chips
3/4 cup toasted macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 to 1 cup flaked coconut (optional, but I like it)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Combine the flour, baking powder, soda and salt in a small bowl. In a larger bowl cream the butter and sugars, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir the chips, nuts, and coconut into the batter. Drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet. Bake 10 or 11 minutes. You might need to watch these so they don’t get too brown. Cool the cookies on wire racks, and enjoy.