I’m sitting in the dining room looking out the front yard. The trees have lost their leaves but it’s unusually warm for November. The calendar says the Christmas is exactly in 1 month and there’s a part of me that can’t believe that it’s that time of the year again.

Years ago I read somewhere that the reason time flies so fast as you get older is that you slow down… the older you get, the slower you are in getting things done. That, my friends, has been very true for me. I know that from this moment on, there is a clock counting down to Christmas and all the festivities that come with this holiday season. This year, I am choosing to make sure I can savor the time with family and friends and take the time to reflect on the precious gift that God gave us – the birth of His Son, Jesus.

So, planning ahead and limiting the number of things I’m trying to do will be the key to enjoying this holiday season. We are hosting a get together and attending a couple of parties, so I want to make sure I plan ahead for those. I have always enjoyed baking and I hope to be able to bake some this year. I’ve been looking at my cookbooks and the internet for recipes for vegan cookies and trying them out.  My most favorite ones are these Maple Cookies from Dr. Neil Nedley’s book, Depression the Way Out. It’s a favorite and I’ve shared it with my non-vegan/non-vegetarian friends and it’s always a hit.  I hope you enjoy them and I wish you a Christmas season filled with wonderful and special memories with your family and friends.  Celebrate and count all your blessings!

Recipe from the book, Depression The Way Out by Dr. Neil Nedley.

MAPLE COOKIES

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups walnuts, ground in food processor
• 2/3-cup     whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal
• 1/3 cup carob chips**
• ½ cup + 2 TBSP maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small bowl add all the ingredients in the given order. Mix well.
3. Spray a large cookie sheet (I use silpat or parchment paper so I don’t spray my cookie sheet).
4. Drop dough on cookie sheet with a spoon and flatten with a fork.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, checking often to prevent burning.
6. Let cook before removing from the cookie sheet. Makes one dozen.

**Substitute dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips (found @ Whole Foods Market or other health food stores).

I have made these cookies for several times now. It is vegan and amazingly, people really love it. Even people who thought they would not like carob chips really loves these cookies, and they’re high in omega-3. We always serve this in our Depression Recovery classes and it puts a smile on everyone’s face. Enjoy!