During the holidays, with all the errands, obligations and parties, it’s hard to get over the feeling of being over-committed or stressed out. This can be a time of year for fun, festive family and friend get-togethers or NOT! Because of my husband’s health, one year we decided to just say no to any and all holiday invitations. I must say that it was really quite freeing. We enjoyed each other, our little children and staying home during the holidays. Remember that it’s okay to say no to invitations…without explanation.

If you really want to have some friends or neighbors over but don’t have a lot of time, skip the meal or cookie exchange (and a lot of calories) and have an informal visit with coffee or tea. I enjoy meeting friends for a specialty coffee at our local coffee company and then it’s quick and easy for everyone! Since we are a week or two from finishing and moving into a new home, it has been very hectic, to say the least. I think we will have to send out New Year’s instead of Christmas cards this year!

If you do have the time and want to share some goodies, I have a great recipe for healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. These don’t taste like anything has been left out and you can wrap them up and put some ribbon on them for a gift for the person who delivers your mail, your neighbors or co-workers. Using vegetable oil instead of butter cuts the fat and using whole wheat flour and adding oats adds fiber.

Chunky Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 ½ C whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ C vegetable oil
• ¾ C sugar
• ½ C brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ C old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 C semisweet chocolate chips or chunks

Combine flour, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, sugar and brown sugar in large bowl. Whisk in egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients. Fold in oats and chocolate chips. If you are baking in high altitude, add two extra tablespoons of flour and use 1/3 C oil.

Cover and chill for ½ hour. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes but do NOT overbake. Makes about 24 cookies.

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Natural Foods

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